I personally feel one of the hardest things for comedic actors to do is sticking to their script. Some of the greatest comedic actors in the world still struggle with this. I believe this is because we as comedy actors are living within our own world. We have our own methods of delivering comedy, and sometimes these methods do not exactly mesh with a script or character arch. However, in order to deliver comedy that stays aligned with the story and the other characters, you must learn how to maintain your funny without straying from your script.
Throughout my years of training and performing, I have created several tips and techniques that may help budding comedic actors learn how to keep their individualistic comedy style while still sticking to a pre-written script/dialogue.
True comedy encompasses three things: timing, rhythm and pacing. As a professional comedy actor, it is your responsibility to identify each of these processes within a scripted form of comedy. Like a song, true comedy has a verse, chorus and bridge. And when done properly, these three items flow so smoothly it does nothing but enhance the power of your performance.
Scripts are written to guide you throughout the emotional music of a scene, and like a singer, you must stick to the words of this script in order to deliver the necessary emotion and meaning behind these words. As a comedic actor, you must never drop or add words to the beginning or end of a sentence, and you must always follow the rules of punctuation. A script has been carefully crafted to guide the character’s emotions alongside the plotline. By not sticking to the structure of a script, even when you’re being funny, you can completely inhibit the true power of a scene.
When reviewing your script, carefully review your dialogue. Close your eyes and imaging the character organically saying these words. Why is he saying them? What is the purpose of this sentence? What is the goal of saying each line? When you have purpose behind your dialogue, the comedic timing will come naturally, and the audience will be able to gather vital plot information from your words. There are no small words in a script.
After reviewing and memorizing your lines, the fun can begin. Stand in front of a mirror and begin delivering your lines. Play with the timing, or the rhythm of each word. How fast or slow will you say the line? More importantly, how would the character deliver this line. Remember – you are not the character. The character is its own living, breathing organism. Take a moment to understand how you can integrate your own brand of comedy while still staying true to the actual character.