Comedy | Corporate Entertainer & Ventriloquist Extraordinaire

Improvisation in Ventriloquism: Improv Ventriloquist Techniques and Ventriloquism Tips

15/07/2024 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: Justin Ver Burg | In: Comedy, Improvisation, ventriloquist

How To Get Good At Improv as a Ventriloquist

Becoming a skilled ventriloquist involves mastering the art of improvisation. Improv is crucial in ventriloquism because it helps ventriloquists create spontaneous, entertaining performances.

Whether you’re a seasoned vent or a beginner, there are several techniques to help you get better at improv:

First, practice regularly, especially during the months when you have more free time, like March, September, and October.
Incorporate improv exercises into your daily routine, and soon, you’ll notice a significant improvement.
Another tip is to watch improv shows like Saturday Night Live. Observing how comedians interact with their audience can give you valuable insights.

When practicing ventriloquism, remember to focus on both your voice and your puppet’s voice.

Your puppet shouldn’t just echo your thoughts; it should have its own personality and reactions.

Additionally, engaging with different audiences will enhance your ability to adapt improvisation.

Attend open-mic events or local shows in November, December, and August to test your skills.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; often, the funniest moments come from unexpected blunders.

Finally, work on your spontaneity. Quick thinking is essential for a vent during live performances.

Play improv games with fellow ventriloquists to sharpen your reflexes. As you practice these techniques, you’ll grow more confident in your ability to improvise, and this will shine through in your performances, delighting audiences everywhere.

Improv Techniques for Ventriloquism: Enhancing Your Puppet’s Voice

Improvisation ventriloquism isn’t just about throwing your voice; it’s about making your puppet come to life with spontaneity and charm. To truly master your ventriloquist act, you need a strong ventriloquial voice and a knack for quick thinking.

Integrating improv into your ventriloquism routine adds an element of surprise and ensures your audience is always entertained. Your puppet’s reactions and dialogues need to feel natural, so practice your ventriloquial voice regularly to keep it sharp.

Remember, the key to successful improv ventriloquism is understanding how to blend your voice with dynamic physical gestures, ensuring your puppet appears as realistic and animated as possible.

A great way to enhance your improvisation skills is by participating in improv workshops or, as mentioned above, watching shows like Saturday Night Live for inspiration. Not only will these experiences give you ideas, but they’ll also improve your timing and delivery.

When performing, pay attention to audience cues and reactions. This immediate feedback will guide your ventriloquist act and help you adjust in real-time. Effective improvisation relies heavily on listening and responding, treating your ventriloquism as a dialogue rather than a monologue.

Incorporating physical gestures into your ventriloquism routine will also amplify your performances. By synchronizing your movements with your puppet’s dialogue, you’ll create a seamless and entertaining flow.

With consistent practice, you’ll find that your improv ventriloquism becomes more fluid, your ventriloquial voice more engaging, and your puppet’s personality positively captivating. So, embrace the uncertainty of improv, and watch your ventriloquist act reach new heights!

Ventriloquist Tips: From Sound Control to Audience Reply Engagement

Becoming a good ventriloquist involves a mix of solid techniques and creativity. One of the best sources of inspiration is Edgar Bergen, a master ventriloquist whose improv skills were second to none.

To start, it’s essential to master sound control. Practicing how to throw your voice without moving your lips is crucial.

When engaging the audience, consider the comedic reply techniques that shows like Saturday Night Live use. This can involve quick-witted reactions and clever dialogues with your puppet, making your performance much more engaging.

Research has shown that a good ventriloquist needs impeccable timing and the ability to read their audience to stay relevant. Watching audience reactions closely will help you adjust your act in real-time, improving your improv and response rate. It’s also a great idea to view recordings of your performance to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Remember, the puppet is an extension of you. Giving your puppet a personality and backstory can turn a simple act into a memorable experience. The more you practice, the fewer moving parts you’ll have to think about, letting you focus more on bringing joy to your viewers. Improv and ventriloquism are arts that flourish with practice and passion. Following these tips will set you well on your way to becoming a beloved ventriloquist.

Brief History of Stand Up Comedy in USA: From Vaudeville to Netflix Specials

06/04/2024 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: Justin Ver Burg | In: Comedian, Comedy

Stand-up comedy has become an integral part of American entertainment, with a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. It has evolved over the years, reflecting the social, cultural, and political changes in the country.

Today, stand-up comedy is a multi-billion dollar industry, with countless performers and fans across the United States.

Image of Red Hat Entertainer

The roots of stand-up comedy can be traced back to vaudeville shows, which were popular in the early 1900s. These shows featured a variety of acts, including comedians who would perform short, humorous skits.

As the popularity of vaudeville declined, stand-up comedy began to emerge as a distinct art form. The 1950s and 1960s were a particularly important time for stand-up comedy, with performers like Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in comedy.

Today, stand-up comedy is more diverse than ever, with comedians from all backgrounds and walks of life taking the stage.

From clubs to theaters to streaming platforms, there are countless opportunities for comedians to showcase their talents and connect with audiences.

Let’s take a look at the history of stand-up comedy in the United States, highlighting some of the most important performers and moments in the genre’s evolution.

Vaudeville Roots and Minstrel Shows

Image of Vintage Opera House

Stand-up comedy has a rich history in the United States, with roots dating back to the 19th century.

One of the earliest forms of stand-up comedy was the minstrel show, which featured white performers in blackface portraying African Americans in a stereotypical and offensive manner. These shows were popular in the mid-1800s but eventually fell out of favor due to changing social attitudes.

Fanny Brice in character as “Baby Snooks”

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, vaudeville shows became the dominant form of entertainment in the United States. Vaudeville shows were variety shows that featured a range of performers, including comedians, singers, dancers, and magicians. Many of the early stand-up comedians got their start performing in vaudeville shows.

One of the most famous vaudeville comedians was Will Rogers, who became known for his folksy humor and commentary on politics and current events. Other notable vaudeville comedians included Fanny Brice, who was known for her character Baby Snooks, and Eddie Cantor, who was known for his energetic and irreverent style.

As vaudeville declined in popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, stand-up comedy began to evolve into a distinct art form. Comedians began performing in nightclubs and theaters, and their material became more personal and observational. This new style of comedy paved the way for the stand-up comedians of today, who continue to push the boundaries of what is considered funny.

The Birth of Stand-Up Comedy

Image of Stand Up Mic

Stand-up comedy has become a staple of American entertainment, but its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century. At that time, vaudeville shows were popular, and comedians would perform short sketches and jokes between musical acts.

From Burlesque to Nightclubs

In the early 1900s, burlesque shows became popular, and comedians began incorporating more adult humor into their acts. This led to the rise of stand-up comedy in nightclubs, where comedians would perform their routines for adult audiences.

One of the first comedians to achieve widespread success in nightclubs was Jack Benny, who began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to radio and television. Other famous comedians of the era included George Burns and Gracie Allen, who were known for their witty banter and comedic timing.

Radio and Television Influence

The rise of radio and television in the mid-20th century helped to popularize stand-up comedy even further. Comedians such as Bob Hope and Milton Berle became household names through their appearances on radio and television shows.

In the 1960s and 1970s, stand-up comedy experienced a resurgence with the rise of comedy clubs and the popularity of comedians such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Joan Rivers. These comedians pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in comedy and paved the way for future generations of comedians.

Today, stand-up comedy continues to be a popular form of entertainment, with comedians performing in clubs, theaters, and arenas across the country. From its humble beginnings in vaudeville and burlesque shows to its current status as a cultural phenomenon, stand-up comedy has come a long way over the past century.

Modern Era of Stand-Up

Image of Modern Stand Up Comedy

The modern era of stand-up comedy in the USA began in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, comedians began to experiment with new styles and topics, pushing the boundaries of what was previously considered acceptable in comedy.

Comedy Albums and Specials

One of the key developments of this era was the rise of comedy albums and specials. Comedians such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Bill Cosby released albums that became hugely popular, allowing them to reach a wider audience than ever before.

These albums often tackled controversial topics such as race, politics, and sex, and were seen as a way for comedians to express themselves freely without the restrictions of television or radio.

Comedy Clubs and Festivals

Another important development of the modern era of stand-up comedy was the rise of comedy clubs and festivals. Clubs like The Comedy Store in Los Angeles and The Improv in New York City became popular venues for up-and-coming comedians to perform and hone their craft.

In addition, festivals such as the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland provided a platform for comedians to showcase their talents on an international stage.

These clubs and festivals helped to create a thriving comedy scene, and many of the most successful comedians of the modern era got their start performing in these venues.

Overall, the modern era of stand-up comedy in the USA was characterized by a willingness to push boundaries and tackle controversial topics, as well as the rise of new platforms and venues that allowed comedians to reach a wider audience than ever before.

Significantly, comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Brian Regan and Mitch Hedberg took a more lighthearted approach, and generated laughter by just pointing out peculiar topics from everyday life.

Social Impact and Evolution

Image of Stand Up comedian at conference

Stand-up comedy has had a significant impact on American society and culture, both politically and socially. As the genre has evolved over time, it has become a platform for comedians to express their views on a wide range of social and political issues, as well as get laughs from the most seemingly mundane topics..

Political and Social Commentary

One of the most notable aspects of stand-up comedy is its ability to provide social and political commentary.

Many comedians have used their platform to address important issues such as racism, sexism, and social inequality. For example, Richard Pryor’s commentary on race and Eddie Murphy’s commentary on homophobia were groundbreaking in their time and helped to raise awareness about these issues.

Changes in Style and Delivery

Stand-up comedy has also undergone significant changes in style and delivery over the years.

In the early days of comedy, comedians relied heavily on one-liners and jokes. However, as the genre has evolved, comedians have become more focused on storytelling and personal anecdotes. This has allowed them to connect with audiences on a more personal level and to address more complex issues.

In addition, the rise of social media has allowed comedians to reach larger audiences and to connect with fans in new and innovative ways. As you may be well aware, many comedians now have their own podcasts and YouTube channels, which allow them to share their views and connect with fans on a more consistent basis.

Overall, stand-up comedy has had a profound impact on American society and culture. As the genre continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we think about and engage with important social and political issues.

How to Write Comedy: Tips and Tricks for Crafting Hilarious Jokes

05/04/2024 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: Justin Ver Burg | In: Comedian, Comedy, comedy writing

Writing comedy is a challenging and rewarding art form that requires a unique set of skills. Whether you are an aspiring comedian or a writer looking to add humor to your work, learning how to write comedy can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.

Before you can start writing jokes, you need to figure out what kind of comedian or comedy writer you want to be…

What makes you unique?

What experiences do you have that others don’t?

What makes you laugh?

In this article, we will explore:

the fundamentals of comedy writing and
provide tips and techniques to help you improve your skills.

Pro Tip: 🏆 If you want to skip to the GOLD, I suggest scrolling down to the section below titled “Developing Material.”

To write comedy effectively, it is important to understand what makes people laugh.

Laughter is a response to:

surprise,
incongruity, and
tension release.

Comedy writers use these elements to create humor in their work. They also use techniques such as:

exaggeration,
wordplay, and
misdirection

to enhance the comedic effect.

Writing comedy can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, anyone can learn to do it well. By understanding the fundamentals of humor and using proven techniques, you can create comedy that resonates with your audience and leaves them laughing for days.

So, let’s dive into the world of comedy writing and explore the art of making people laugh.

Understanding Comedy

History of Comedy

Comedy has been a part of human culture for thousands of years.

The ancient Greeks and Romans had comedies as part of their theatrical performances. In the Middle Ages, jesters and clowns entertained royalty and peasants alike. In the 20th century, comedy became a popular form of entertainment in television and film.

Types of Comedy

There are many types of comedy, each with its own unique style and audience. Some popular types of comedy include:

Stand-up comedy: A comedian performs in front of a live audience, often telling jokes and stories based on personal experiences.
Sketch comedy: A series of short comedy scenes performed by a group of actors, often with recurring characters and themes.
Improv comedy: A type of comedy where performers create scenes and characters on the spot, based on audience suggestions.
Satire: Comedy that uses irony, sarcasm, and ridicule to expose and criticize societal issues and flaws.
Parody: Comedy that imitates and exaggerates the style and content of another work, often for humorous effect.

Comedy Theory

Comedy theory is the study of what makes things funny. There are many theories on what makes things funny, but no one theory can explain all types of comedy. Some popular theories include:

Incongruity theory: Comedy arises from the unexpected or surprising elements in a situation or joke.
Superiority theory: Comedy arises from the feeling of superiority over someone or something.
Relief theory: Comedy arises from the release of tension or anxiety.

Understanding the history, types, and theories of comedy can help writers create effective and engaging comedic content. By studying and analyzing what makes things funny, writers can develop their own unique comedic style and voice.

Developing Material

Finding Your Comic Voice

One way to find your comic voice is to try out different styles of comedy and see what feels natural.

Watch stand-up specials, attend open mic nights, and experiment with different types of humor. Don’t be afraid to bomb – it’s all part of the process.

Another way to find your voice is to write about what you know. Draw from your own experiences and observations to create material that is authentic and relatable. Don’t try to be someone you’re not – audiences can tell when a comedian is being insincere.

Creating Jokes

Once you have a sense of your comic voice, it’s time to start writing jokes.

There are many different techniques for creating jokes, but one approach is to mine your personal life for funny stories and anecdotes. Look for the absurdity in everyday situations and find ways to exaggerate or twist them for comedic effect.

From my personal experience on stage and online, the key to tapping into your God-given comedy voice is to avoid “trying” to be funny. Instead, aim to express your honest opinion, viewpoint or observation. People are drawn to authenticity, and what may not seem funny to you because you think this way every day, may be absolutely hilarious to others.

Another technique is the setup-punchline structure.

The setup establishes a premise or situation, while the punchline delivers the unexpected twist that makes the audience laugh. Good punchlines often involve wordplay, misdirection, or surprise.

Building a Routine

As you develop material, you’ll start to see patterns emerge. Certain jokes may work better together than others, and you’ll start to develop a sense of pacing and flow.

To build a successful routine, it’s important to pay attention to the structure and order of your jokes. Start with a strong opener to grab the audience’s attention, and end with a strong closer to leave them laughing. Use transitions and callbacks to tie your material together and keep the audience engaged.

Remember that comedy is subjective, and what works for one audience may not work for another. Keep testing and refining your material until you find what works best for you. With practice and perseverance, you can develop a strong and unique voice that will keep audiences laughing.

Writing Techniques

Wordplay and Puns

One of the most effective ways to add humor to writing is through the use of wordplay and puns. This technique involves using words that sound similar but have different meanings, or words that have multiple meanings.

Puns can be used to create unexpected twists or humorous situations. For example, using the phrase “time flies” in a story about a talking clock that actually flies would be a pun.

Timing and Pace

Timing and pace are crucial elements in comedy writing. The timing of a joke or punchline can make all the difference in whether it lands or falls flat.

A well-timed pause can build anticipation and create a sense of tension that can be released with a punchline.

Pace refers to the speed at which a joke or story is delivered. Varying the pace can help keep the audience engaged and prevent the humor from becoming repetitive.

Using Callbacks

Callbacks refer to references to earlier jokes or situations in a comedy routine or story. Using callbacks can create a sense of continuity and build on previous humor, making the audience feel like they are in on an inside joke. Callbacks can also be used to surprise the audience by bringing back a joke or situation they thought was finished.

Editing for Brevity

Comedy writing often involves editing and revising to make the writing more concise and effective. Removing unnecessary words or phrases can help sharpen the humor and prevent jokes from dragging on too long. It’s important to remember that brevity is often key in comedy, and that every word should have a purpose.

Performing Comedy

Stage Presence

When performing comedy, having a strong stage presence is crucial. This means being confident, comfortable, and engaging on stage. Good stage presence can help a comedian connect with the audience and make them feel at ease.

To improve stage presence, a comedian can practice their delivery, body language, and facial expressions. They can also try to project their voice and use the stage space effectively.

I don’t recommend practicing in front of a mirror. Instead, take the stance you plan to take in front of a live audience. Also, imagine you’re talking to a friend, if this type of friend exists, who tends to absolutely love your stories.

It’s important to remember that every comedian has their own unique style and approach, so finding what works best for them is key.

Dealing with Hecklers

Dealing with hecklers is a common challenge for comedians. A heckler is someone in the audience who interrupts the performance with comments or insults. It’s important for a comedian to handle hecklers in a way that doesn’t disrupt the show or offend the rest of the audience.

One approach is to acknowledge the heckler and respond with a quick comeback or joke. Another approach is to ignore the heckler and continue with the performance. It’s important to stay calm and not let the heckler derail the show.

Audience Interaction

Interacting with the audience can be a great way to connect with them and make the performance more engaging. This can include asking for volunteers, making eye contact, or even bringing someone on stage.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the audience’s comfort level and not make anyone feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. A comedian should also be prepared for unexpected responses or reactions from the audience and be able to adjust their performance accordingly.

Comedy Writing for Different Mediums

Stand-Up

Stand-up comedy is a unique and challenging form of comedy writing. It requires a comedian to create material that can engage an audience for an extended period of time. When writing stand-up comedy, it is important to keep the following in mind:

Know your audience: Understanding your audience is key to writing successful stand-up comedy. A comedian should tailor their material to the audience they are performing for. For example, a comedian performing at a college campus will have a different audience than one performing at a comedy club.
Write what you know: Writing about personal experiences is a great way to connect with an audience. Comedians should draw from their own experiences and find humor in everyday situations.
Practice, practice, practice: Stand-up comedy is all about timing and delivery. Comedians should practice their material in front of an audience to get a feel for how it will be received.

Television and Film

Comedy writing for television and film requires a different approach than stand-up comedy. Writers must create characters, plotlines, and dialogue that will engage audiences over an extended period of time. When writing for television and film, it is important to keep the following in mind:

Develop strong characters: Strong characters are essential to any successful television show or film. Writers should create characters that are relatable, interesting, and have unique personalities.
Know your genre: Different genres require different approaches to comedy writing. A sitcom will have different comedic beats than a romantic comedy or a satire.
Collaborate with others: Writing for television and film is often a collaborative process. Writers should be open to feedback and work closely with directors, producers, and other writers to create the best possible product.

Online Platforms

Comedy writing for online platforms, such as social media and YouTube, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Writing for these platforms requires a different approach than traditional forms of comedy writing. When writing for online platforms, it is important to keep the following in mind:

Keep it short and sweet: Online audiences have short attention spans. Writers should create content that is short, snappy, and to the point.
Use visuals: Visuals, such as memes and videos, are an important part of online comedy. Writers should incorporate visuals into their content to make it more engaging.
Stay up to date: Online trends and memes change quickly. Writers should stay up to date on current events and online trends to create content that is relevant and timely.

The Business of Comedy

Marketing Yourself

As a comedian, it’s important to market yourself effectively to get your name out there and attract potential gigs. One way to do this is by creating a strong online presence through social media, a personal website, and YouTube videos showcasing your best material. It’s also important to have a professional headshot and bio readily available for potential clients.

Another effective marketing strategy is networking with other comedians, industry professionals, and event planners. Attend comedy shows and festivals, join local comedy groups, and participate in open mics to meet and connect with others in the industry.

Finding Gigs

Finding gigs as a comedian can be challenging, but there are several ways to increase your chances of getting booked. One way is to reach out to event planners and bookers directly, either through email or in person at comedy shows and festivals. It’s important to have a strong pitch and be able to showcase your experience and unique style.

Another effective strategy is to work with a talent agency or booking manager who can help you find gigs, negotiate contracts, and handle the business side of things. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re working with a reputable agency or manager.

Networking

Networking is crucial in the comedy industry and can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. Attend industry events, participate in comedy workshops and classes, and join local comedy groups to meet other comedians and industry professionals.

It’s also important to maintain relationships with event planners, bookers, and other industry professionals you’ve worked with in the past. Send follow-up emails after gigs, thank them for the opportunity, and keep them updated on your upcoming shows and projects.

By effectively marketing yourself, finding gigs, and networking with others in the industry, you can increase your chances of success as a comedian.

Continual Improvement

Improving one’s comedy writing skills is a never-ending process. There are always new techniques to learn, styles to experiment with, and feedback to analyze. Here are some ways to continually improve your comedy writing:

Analyzing Feedback

One of the most important aspects of improving your comedy writing is analyzing feedback. Whether it’s from a fellow comedian, a friend, or an audience member, feedback can help you identify what’s working and what’s not. Take note of the feedback and use it to improve your future material.

Practicing Regularly

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true for comedy writing. The more you write, the better you’ll become. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help you develop your skills and keep your creativity flowing.

Evolving Your Style

Comedy writing is not a static art form. Styles and trends change over time, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Experiment with different styles and techniques to keep your writing fresh and engaging. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new.

In conclusion, continual improvement is essential to becoming a successful comedy writer. Analyzing feedback, practicing regularly, and evolving your style are just a few ways to keep your skills sharp and your material fresh. Keep learning, keep writing, and never give up on your dreams of making people laugh.

How to Write Funny Speeches

05/01/2024 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: Justin Ver Burg | In: Comedy, comedy writing, Comedy, funny speeches

A lot of people ask me “how in the world do you continue to create killer comedy material on a consistent basis without running out of ideas?”

It’s simple, once you know what to do…

Most people have a natural sense of humor. Notice I said “most.” Not everyone.

Those who do are often being told “that is so funny.” However, the thing they just said was not intended as a joke. It was just their honest opinion.

In fact, if you check out the following interview of Bret McKenzie on Conan O’Brien, you’ll notice that people keep laughing at his serious comments:

If you look at the history of some of comedy’s greats (Eddie Murphy, etc.), they ran off the stage the first time they walked up to an open mic.

Even if it wasn’t that dramatic, most comics were still horrified the first time they went onstage? Why?

Possibly all their life people had been telling them how funny they were. They’d experienced getting a room full of people laughing; however, they enter the comedy scene and can’t get one laugh. The problem?

They’re “trying” to be funny, instead of letting their “natural” sense of humor work for them.

In a nutshell, the way to get your God-given sense of humor to work for you is to write what you’re passionate about down on paper. (I.e. What seems interesting / puzzling / intriguing / drives you nuts / etc.)

Then, read back over it. After each line, write whatever opinion/thought comes to mind about that particular sentence. These are your punchlines.

As an aside, it helps to speak your lines out loud. You’ll find that you use a different set of verbage for “spoken” word versus “written.”

I know this works because I would struggle for years to come up with enough funny lines for the comedy stage. I would work four to five hours a day on creating new material, and would only produce a maximum of twenty minutes per year! (Apparently, this is a normal yield for comedians…)

Now, I can come up with 10 minutes a week if needed. This is how some comedians, like the now controversial Bill Cosby, can put deliver three hours of brand new comedy in his shows – even if you saw him a couple years before.

If you’re writing a speech, interject your own natural gut reactions to some of the things you’re saying. You’ll be surprised at how the audience might burst into uncontrollable laughter by just listening to your “honest” opinion about things.

Remember: If you “try” to be funny, you might not be funny at all. People will sense it as being “contrived.” Focus more on “expressing” yourself than being funny.

Of course, you won’t know for sure until you try it out on a live audience (or an unsuspecting friend).

There’s more to it, but just this advice alone can take your trying-to-be-funny-but-isn’t at-all speech and turn it into a comedy gem.

I wish you the best in your motivational speaking endeavors, and if you’re ever at a comedy show of mine, you’ll have a better understanding of “how” I’m doing what I’m doing.

To your success!

P.S. If you want more in-depth info on this subject, I do not offer personal coaching; however, I HIGHLY recommend Steve Roye’s online course Killer Stand Up. I’ve tried several and read SEVERAL comedy writing books. His is the best!