Monthly Archives: June 2024

The Fool’s Gold: A Celebration of Comedy’s Unsung Heroes, From Shakespeare’s Feste to Homer Simpson

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Comedy has always been about more than just laughs. It’s a mirror reflecting society’s absurdities, often through the lens of its most endearing characters: the fools. These are the characters who dare to say what others won’t, challenge authority with wit, and expose the folly of the world through their own bumbling antics.

Let’s dive into the world of 10 classic fools who’ve left an indelible mark on the comedic landscape:

  1. Touchstone (As You Like It, Shakespeare): This witty jester’s wordplay and philosophical musings provide a stark contrast to the courtly drama, reminding us that even in the forest of Arden, wisdom can be found in the most unexpected places.
  2. Feste (Twelfth Night, Shakespeare): A master of songs and riddles, Feste uses his wit to expose the hypocrisies of the characters around him, all while providing comedic relief and a touch of melancholy.
  3. Bottom (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare): This overconfident weaver’s transformation into a donkey-headed lover is a testament to the power of imagination and the absurdity of human desire.
  4. Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Twelfth Night, Shakespeare): This foolish knight’s attempts to woo Olivia are a delightful mix of physical comedy and verbal ineptitude, making him a timeless example of the bumbling fool.
  5. Stan Laurel (Laurel and Hardy): This silent film era icon’s childlike innocence and penchant for slapstick made him an integral part of one of the most beloved comedy duos of all time.
  6. Inspector Clouseau (The Pink Panther): Peter Sellers’ portrayal of this bumbling detective, with his thick accent and knack for creating chaos, is a masterclass in physical comedy and comedic timing.
  7. Basil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers): John Cleese’s manic hotelier, with his short fuse and disdain for his guests, is a hilarious example of how even the most mundane situations can descend into comedic chaos.
  8. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons): This animated everyman, with his love of donuts and penchant for getting into trouble, is a satirical reflection of American culture and a testament to the enduring power of the animated fool.
  9. Michael Scott (The Office): Steve Carell’s cringeworthy portrayal of this well-meaning but clueless boss is a hilarious reminder that sometimes the biggest fools are the ones who think they’re the smartest.
  10. Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation): Nick Offerman’s deadpan delivery and libertarian views make this government employee a hilarious paradox and a beloved icon of modern comedy.

These are just a few examples of the countless fools who’ve graced our stages and screens, reminding us that laughter is often found in the most unexpected places. Whether they’re challenging authority, exposing societal flaws, or simply making us laugh with their bumbling antics, fools are an essential part of the comedic landscape. So, let’s raise a glass to the fools, the unsung heroes of comedy who continue to bring joy and laughter to our lives.

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10 Comedy Tropes You’ve Seen A Million Times (And Why They Still Work)

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Comedy is all about surprise and the subversion of expectations. Yet, some comedic devices are so familiar they’ve become tropes – recurring themes, characters, or situations that we see over and over again. Why do we keep laughing? Because when done well, these tropes tap into universal truths and comedic gold. Here are 10 of them:

  1. The Fish Out of Water: This is a classic for a reason. Whether it’s a city slicker in the Wild West or a time traveler in modern times, the humor comes from watching someone struggle to adapt to a completely alien environment.
  2. The Misunderstanding: Comedy often thrives on miscommunication. Whether it’s a case of mistaken identity, a misinterpreted phrase, or a plan gone hilariously awry, the results can be sidesplitting.
  3. The Rule of Three: Comedy writers often rely on the “Rule of Three.” The setup is established with two similar items, and the third one breaks the pattern for humorous effect.
  4. The Slaptick: Physical comedy never goes out of style. Trips, falls, pratfalls, and pie-in-the-face gags are tried-and-true methods for eliciting laughs.
  5. The Straight Man and the Funny Man: This duo is a comedy staple. The straight man serves as the grounding force, while the funny man delivers the jokes and antics. This dynamic creates a perfect balance for comedic timing.
  6. The Running Gag: This is a joke, reference, or situation that repeats throughout the story, building anticipation and escalating the humor with each recurrence.
  7. The Satire: Comedy can be a powerful tool for social commentary. By poking fun at real-world issues, satire can expose absurdities and challenge the status quo while making us laugh.
  8. The Parody: Parody takes a familiar work of art, literature, or film and exaggerates its style and conventions for comedic effect.
  9. The Unexpected Juxtaposition: Humor often arises from placing two contrasting things side by side. The incongruity creates a surprising and funny moment.
  10. The Toilet Humor: Let’s face it, sometimes the lowest common denominator jokes are the funniest. There’s a reason why potty humor has been around since the dawn of time.

Why We Love Tropes

These tropes are like comfortable old shoes – familiar, reliable, and always good for a chuckle. They resonate with us because they tap into universal human experiences, like the awkwardness of social interactions, the frustrations of everyday life, and the absurdity of the world around us. Even though we’ve seen these tropes countless times, they still have the power to surprise and delight us when used creatively.

Comedy is an art form, and like any art form, it has its own set of tools and techniques. Tropes are just one of the many ways comedians can make us laugh. So the next time you’re watching a comedy, see if you can spot any of these familiar tropes. You might be surprised at how many you find!

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If it were easy, anyone could do it? (Psst – It’s actually VERY easy, anyone could do it….)

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A lot of “artists” hate it when I say, “ANYONE COULD DO WHAT I DO.” Perhaps I am desperately trying to be humble. But, acting is the polar opposite of Rocket Science and Brain surgery. The folks that thrive in comedy were not the class clowns you knew back in school, with a few rare exceptions.

For every 100-1000 bitter jaded wannabe complaining about nepotism, etc, there is one of us defying the odds

You’re parents are half right. The chances of you succeeding in this business are slim to none, but not due to lack of work. More likely:

  1. You will quit moments before finding success.
  2. You have a horrible idea of what this business is after studying with teachers that have not tried to get work as performers in 20+ years.
  3. You simply don’t have the drive. The dream won’t get you their. You have to love the game, the hustle, the BIZ of SHOW.

But then again…

Have we scared away the would’ves/could’ves? Good. Now let’s talk turkey. If yiu are seriously serious, here’s the thing. There is plenty of work. There is always a way to get your self out of a dead end retail/restaurant job and making money using your talents. For every 100-1000 bitter jaded wannabe complaining about nepotism, etc, there is one of us defying the odds.

  • Start a social media channel for your performance: post something daily. You might eventually make money doing it but at least you have something to showcase your work.
  • Produce a show: Improv, Cabaret, Comedy, Variety etc. Put yourself out there, make a couple bucks at the door. From 2005-2011 I did 4-8 shows/week in Times Square where I hustled in a crowd and made $50-200/show. It allowed me to quit my day jobs and focus on career. By 2006 I made my TV debut on MTV and shortly after 9 episodes of Letterman. I was networking with artists, club owners, agents, managers and the world. Many of our early gigs came from thiae audiences, or folks we met in Times Square while promoting. I’m far to old and tired to do this now, but if you are in your 20s/30s sweat equity can be converted to cash.
  • Corporate Entertainement: singers, comics, clowns, magicians etc etc etc make more money in 2 hours than most theater folks make in a week. These days I most do Improv Comedy and Murder Mystery, but I have played Elvis, Blues Brothers, Abbott & Costello, Meatloaf, and twice, dressed as John Belushi in a Toga at an Animal House themed party. For a little less (but still as much or more than an 8 hour shift waiting tables) I have played costume characters in a troop of actors as hippies, Roman gladiators, disco etc etc etc.
  • Industrials – live and video character work for corporate training
  • Start your own Princess party business. Grab a $50-100 costume off Amazon and promote yourself on social media for kids parties.
  • Promotional Work – working for other companies you might make $20-50/hour, but running teams to do street promotions is huge.
  • VO work – harder to get into, avoid the scam schools asking me for $5k, but you can teach yourself how to find work.

Takeaways?

  • If you want to have a career as an actor, do the work!
  • Develop your talents, network, audition, and most of all CREATE YOUR OWN WORK!!!
  • Develop other talents – swimming, driving, scuba diving, horseback riding, fencing, dance etc you never know what special skills will lead to your next job.
  • HAVE FUN! Ignore ego and insecurity.
  • FOCUS! So many talented folks just don’t focus on stage or off. They can talk the talk but they do not deliver on stage consistently. MOST IMPORTANTLY, what are yiu doing when NOT talking. (That’s when the real acting happens)
  • If the hustle is not your thing, no worries. Create and perform for yourself and your community. It’s amazing just getting to play for the sake of play. Learn real estate, accounting, office management, teach etc (get out of restaurants ASAP unless you live that grind).

PS this is just ONE way to make it. Everyday folks find THEIR path. But very few get off the bus and start working on Broadway or star in movies. Most of us working stiffs do the grind every day.

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Project Aristotle: Google’s Surprising Discovery About Team Success

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We’ve all heard the phrase “teamwork makes the dream work.” But what really makes a team successful? Is it having the smartest people in the room? The most experienced leaders? An endless supply of resources?

Google set out to answer this question with Project Aristotle, a research initiative that analyzed hundreds of teams within the company. The results were surprising.

“Simply playing Improv Comedy games develops psychology safety” – Walt Frasier
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Psychological Safety: The Secret Ingredient

While Google initially hypothesized that factors like team composition and individual expertise would be the key to success, their research revealed something different: psychological safety was the most important element of a high-performing team.

But what is psychological safety?

It’s the shared belief held by team members that the environment is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. In other words, it’s the feeling that you can speak up without fear of being humiliated, rejected, or punished. When psychological safety is present, team members feel comfortable:

  • Sharing ideas: Even if those ideas are “out there” or unconventional.
  • Asking questions: Seeking clarification or expressing uncertainty without fear of judgment.
  • Admitting mistakes: Acknowledging errors as opportunities for learning, rather than reasons for blame.
  • Challenging the status quo: Voicing concerns and suggesting alternative approaches, even if it means going against the grain.

Why Psychological Safety Matters

Teams with high levels of psychological safety are more likely to:

  • Be innovative: They’re not afraid to experiment and take risks, leading to the development of new ideas and solutions.
  • Collaborate effectively: Team members share information freely, build on each other’s ideas, and work together towards common goals.
  • Learn and grow: They embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning and continuously improve their processes and performance.
  • Be resilient: They’re better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks, bouncing back stronger than before.

Building Psychological Safety: It Starts with You

While organizational culture plays a significant role, each of us can contribute to creating a psychologically safe environment. Here’s how:

  • Be approachable and inclusive: Make everyone feel welcome and valued.
  • Actively listen: Give your full attention to others and show genuine interest in their perspectives.
  • Encourage diverse viewpoints: Create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, even if they differ from your own.
  • Model vulnerability: Admit your own mistakes and ask for help when you need it.
  • Celebrate failures as learning opportunities: Focus on the lessons learned, rather than assigning blame.

The Takeaway

Google’s Project Aristotle reminds us that technical skills and expertise alone aren’t enough to build a winning team. By fostering psychological safety, we can unlock the full potential of our teams and achieve extraordinary results.

Let’s make psychological safety a priority in our workplaces, schools, and communities. The benefits are undeniable.

Using YES AND… Improvisation to Develop Psychological Safety in your office!

  • CLICK HERE for our downloadable / printable PDF on Psychological Safety via Improv
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In 2015, Google released the findings of their 4-year study into what makes a successful team. Project  Aristotle found that the most consistent factor behind team success is Psychological Safety – meaning every  member of that team feels safety to contribute and feels of value to the project.  

“YES!” is all about accepting your colleagues and their contributions to the team. We create a safe space  and level playing field for all. We accept our colleague 100% as is. EVERYTHING they say and do. We do  not judge. We do not fear. We trust each other AND ourselves.  

“AND…” is all about contributing valuable work and information to the team. We are going to take this to the next level by accepting our colleagues, their work, and then build upon with our own contributions. Performance drive is not a selfish process. We have a collective ambition to grow and achieve together as a team. 

When the whole team embraces “YES! And…” we enter the learning zone together. No challenge is  insurmountable when we work together in a supportive exchange of ideas and actions. 

IMPROV THEATER LLC

The New York Improv Theater is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more… (NYC DOE VENDORS)

  • GET TICKETS to Times Square Shows
  • ADULT CLASSES Times Square NYC
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  • EMAIL for group sales and private events. We daily hosts corporate teams and student groups for shows and workshops. Our touring company tours schools, theaters and event DC To BOSTON and beyond