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Expert: Tom - 10/1/2009


Question
I want to ask a question. Are comedians actors as well as public speakers?

Answer
Chris --

Yes! In fact, I think everyone who works effectively with groups (comedians, teachers, public speakers, managers) has something in common with an actor -- not always in the sense that a prewritten script is being followed, but definitely in the sense that the comedian assumes a character in order to most effectively communicate his or her message. The character could be expressed as a set of mannerisms, a tone of voice, characteristic phrasing, or even a distinctive attitude toward things. Establishing the character enhances communication with the audience and makes the comedy (or teaching, or speech, or motivation of employees) more effective.

Putting it another way, we wouldn't realistically expect (or at least, I hope we wouldn't) that a comedian would sound exactly the same at home with family as he or she does on stage. The difference between the person's "natural" self and their stage persona is a type of acting.

-- Tom  

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Tom

Expertise

I can answer questions about The Capitol Steps, a political (mostly musical) satire group based in Washington, DC which performs in Washington, around the U.S., and four times a year on public radio. I can answer questions about who is performing which role in Capitol Steps sketches and songs on albumns and can help identify a routine (and which albumn or radio show includes it) based on partial lyrics. I can also provide tips and suggestions for those interested in writing and performing spoonerism-based comedy similar to the Steps` "Lirty Dies."

Experience

I have been a Capitol Steps fan since about 1995. I own all the albumns and have listened to each dozens of times. I have particularly studied (and particularly admire) the "Lirty Dies" routines and I have written and performed material of this sort. Despite the fact that I live halfway across the U.S. from Washington, I've attended many live Capitol Steps performances, including several at their permanent locations in the DC area.

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