The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting and Writing

by Scott Sedita

Overview

The Eight Characters of Comedy is the “How-Toâ€a guide for actors & writers who want to break into the world of sitcoms. It has become a staple in acting classes, writers’ rooms, casting offices and production sets around the world. Now, in it’s exciting SECOND EDITION, renowned acting coach and bestselling author, Scott Sedita, gives you even MORE advice and exercises for breaking down comedy scripts, writing jokes and delivering them with comedic precision. Plus, you’ll find in-depth REVISED sections on Sitcom History, The Three Pillars of Comedy, Auditioning for Sitcoms, and his acclaimed comedic technique “The Sedita Method!â€a Most importantly, you will be introduced to his famous sitcom character archetypes, which will help you build your niche in half-hour comedy… The Eight Characters of Comedy! Who is normally cast as The Logical Smart One? Why do we love The Lovable Loser? Why is The Neurotic a favorite for actors and writers? How do you play The Dumb One smart? Who are the biggest Bitch/Bastards? What drives The Materialistic Ones? Why is The Womanizer/Manizer so popular? How can you realistically write and play someone In Their Own Universe? The Eight Characters of Comedy answers all these questions and more, with UPDATED EXAMPLES from current & classic sitcoms, and from many of the greatest sitcom characters & actors of all time! After reading this book, you WILL be ready to work in the exciting world of situation comedy!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780977064137
Publisher:	Atides Publishing
Publication date:	03/04/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	939 KB

About the Author

The Eight Characters of Comedy is the “How-Toâ€a guide for actors & writers who want to break into the world of sitcoms. It has become a staple in acting classes, writers’ rooms, casting offices and production sets around the world. Now, in it’s exciting SECOND EDITION, renowned acting coach and bestselling author, Scott Sedita, gives you even MORE advice and exercises for breaking down comedy scripts, writing jokes and delivering them with comedic precision. Plus, you’ll find in-depth REVISED sections on Sitcom History, The Three Pillars of Comedy, Auditioning for Sitcoms, and his acclaimed comedic technique “The Sedita Method!â€a Most importantly, you will be introduced to his famous sitcom character archetypes, which will help you build your niche in half-hour comedy… The Eight Characters of Comedy! Who is normally cast as The Logical Smart One? Why do we love The Lovable Loser? Why is The Neurotic a favorite for actors and writers? How do you play The Dumb One smart? Who are the biggest Bitch/Bastards? What drives The Materialistic Ones? Why is The Womanizer/Manizer so popular? How can you realistically write and play someone In Their Own Universe? The Eight Characters of Comedy answers all these questions and more, with UPDATED EXAMPLES from current & classic sitcoms, and from many of the greatest sitcom characters & actors of all time! After reading this book, you WILL be ready to work in the exciting world of situation comedy!

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgements
	Preface
	Introduction	1
Chapter 1	Who's Funny?	3
Chapter 2	Sitcom History	7
Chapter 3	Half Hour Technique	13
	Rhythm	13
	Words	14
	Punctuation	18
	Timing and Pace	21
	The Turnaround	22
	Triplets	27
Chapter 4	Acting Technique	37
Chapter 5	The Four C's of Comedy	43
Chapter 6	The Characters	45
Episode 1	The Logical Smart One	51
	Who is The Logical Smart One?	52
	A profile of The Logical Smart One	55
	The Logical Smart One...and more	65
Episode 2	The Lovable Loser	71
	Who is The Lovable Loser?	72
	A profile of The Lovable Loser	75
	The Lovable Loser...and more	85
Episode 3	The Neurotic	91
	Who is The Neurotic?	92
	A profile of The Neurotic	95
	The Neurotic...and more	108
Episode 4	The Dumb One	115
	Who is The Dumb One?	116
	A profile of The Dumb One	119
	The Dumb One...and more	128
Episode 5	The Bitch / Bastard	133
	Who is The Bitch / Bastard?	135
	A profile of The Bitch / Bastard	140
	The Bitch / Bastard...and more	150
Episode 6	The Womanizer / Manizer	159
	Who is The Womanizer / Manizer?	161
	A profile of The Womanizer / Manizer	163
	The Womanizer / Manizer...and more	172
Episode 7	The Materialistic One	177
	Who is The Materialistic One?	178
	A profile of The Materialistic One	182
	The Materialistic One...and more	190
Episode 8	In Their Own Universe	195
	Who is In Their Own Universe?	196
	A profile of In Their Own Universe	199
	In Their Own Universe...and more	209
	Epilogue: Finding Your Comedic Note	215
Appendix 1	Ten Rules of Comedy	220
Appendix 2	Who Said That?	220
Appendix 3	Glossary (Finding the Funny)	223
	Index	231
	About the author
	Actor Notes
	Order forms

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The Eight Characters of Comedy is a must read for every actor who wants to audition for comedy!" -- Susan Vash, Casting Director, Happy Endings, The Neighbors

"Need to know what makes a great sitcom? Scott Sedita is THE MAN! And The Eight Characters of Comedy is THE BOOK!" -- Conchata Ferrell, Series Regular, Two and a Half Men

"Sedita has written an incredibly informative and entertaining book that every writer, actor and comedy lover should read…no…make that, memorize!" -- Rob Lotterstein, Sitcom Writer, Executive Producer

Editorial Reviews

"... a must-read for every comedic actor!" -- Susan Vash, Casting Director, Happy Endings, The Neighbors

"What makes a great sitcom? Scott Sedita is THE MAN! And this is THE BOOK!" -- Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men

"... an incredibly informative and entertaining book that every writer, actor and comedy lover should read…no…make that, memorize!" -- Rob Lotterstein, Sitcom Writer, Executive Producer

From the Publisher