Anuvab Pal shares a few tricks for beginners on stand-up comedy

21 March,2016 08:41 AM IST |   |  Suprita Mitter

With comedy having emerged as one of the most popular genres on the digital medium, it is no surprise that a large crop of young stand-up comics and scriptwriters have cropped up on the scene

Anuvab Pal


With comedy having emerged as one of the most popular genres on the digital medium, it is no surprise that a large crop of young stand-up comics and scriptwriters have cropped up on the scene.

Anuvab Pal

"Today, many stand-up comics want to have their own series on an online platform. A well-written script becomes the most essential element for these videos to work," says stand-up comic Anuvab Pal.

He will conduct a three-hour long workshop on April 9, that will focus on how to write a comic scene, and highlight the differences between building a comedy story as opposed to other genres.

Here is his handbook of the top 10 do's, don'ts, and common mistakes that people make in their attempt to sound funny.

>> If you don't know what you are doing, it's fine. Nobody does.
>> The first thought you get in your head is the obvious thought. Get rid of it.
>> Always trying to be funny is annoying.
>> What is truly funny is also true.
>> Don't see what people will like. This is not a popularity contest.
>> Think on your feet. I mean that, literally.
>> Comedy is tragedy plus time. How much time makes all the difference.
>> Don't just emphasise the newspaper headlines. That's not comedy, it's repetition.
>> The absurd and the uncomfortable are good places to inhabit.
>> If you want to be popular and loved, there's politics and Bollywood. If you think your thoughts are insane but others take you seriously, you probably are comedy writer.

On: April 9, 6 pm to 9 pm
At: Prithvi House, Juhu Church Road, Janki Kutir, Juhu.
Last date for applications: March 25
To register, Email: wbteam@ragetheatre.co.in
Cost: Rs 300 per applicant

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Related Stories