comedy

Research has shown that frequent laughter burns calories and improves your outlook on life. Laughing happens to be one of the things I enjoy most!

At ComedyWorx (previously ComedySportz), I study and perform long and short form improvisation. There are many different forms of comedy, and I get asked about the differences quite a bit. Here are the general differences:

Sketch Comedy
Ex: Saturday Night Live, MadTV
Sketches are generally written prior to performances and often rely on backdrops, props and make up. While some actors might ad lib during a sketch, these scenes are not considered improvisational performances.

Short Form Improvisation
Ex: Who's Line is it Anyway?
While not all short form improv is performed the way it is seen on Who's Line is it Anyway?, it provides a good baseline comparison. Scenes and games based on audience suggestions are performed, and everything is made up on the spot. Typically the pace of an entire show moves rather quickly. At ComedyWorx, short form shows are based on teams who compete for points and material is family-friendly.

Long Form Improvisation
In long form improv, there are scenes and games based on audience suggestions just as in short form, but the format is structured a little differently. Long form performances at ComedyWorx are team based, and are recommended for mature audiences.

To learn more about improvisation, there are a few books that can help. Classes are the best way to learn how to improvise, and you can take them at places like ComedyWorx. Just send me an email to learn more about them!