PART 1: Choose favourite Canadian comedian or comedic group. Could be a stand-up, writer, actor, or all three. Write a 1000 (roughly) word piece that includes the three following aspects:
1. Research how he or she got into the field of comedy. Did they go to school first or stumble into it? Was it a struggle? Did they already know someone in the industry? What was his/her first “big break?” Did anything surprise you?
2. Present an argument as to why this person or group has become successful. Was it because of her distinct comedy style? What is that style? Was it luck or good timing? Was it because he was a good businessman or very well connected? Don’t just simply say, “because he/she is really funny.” This is your opinion but make it a convincing opinion. This section should be the bulk of what you write about.
3. Based on your research and what you’ve learned in this course, has your opinion of this person or group changed at all? Do you appreciate that person and his/her craft more or less? Why or why not?
Notes:
– You do not need to submit a bibliography or references but your writing should show that you took some time and actually researched this person. Don’t just look up his/her Wikipedia page
– You may need to find video/audio footage to properly research the comedian. (Performances, interviews, podcasts, etc.)
– DO NOT copy and paste from the internet
– Don’t submit a biography of the person. You should only briefly describe the person’s accomplishments in the first paragraph. The rest of the assignment is based on your opinion or insight
PART2: Choose a comedian (does not have to be Canadian) and watch one of his/her stand-up sets. The video must be at least 4 minutes in length. You can find performances on Youtube, Netflix, CBC Gem. I recommend checking the Halifax or Winnipeg Comedy Festival for good Canadian acts if you’re interested. Answer the following questions:
1. What is the name of the comedian? Where and when does the performance take place and why does that matter?
2. Referring to your lecture notes (Week 6 on the Content page), what type of stand-up comedy does this comedian use? Provide a specific joke example from the set that displays this type of comedy
3. Referring to your lecture notes (Week 6 on the Content page), identify one joke-telling technique the comedian uses. Provide a specific joke example that displays this technique.
4. What is the comedian’s pacing like? Are the jokes short and punchy or is there a long set up? Is it both?
5. Does the set (the comedian’s jokes or routine) have an overall theme or topic? What is that theme?
6. Identify and explain one comment on society that the comedian makes. This may require thought and re-watching. Even if a joke is self-reflective, the comedian may actually be critiquing society in general.
7. Having watched and analyzed the set, how are you left feeling? Other than saying, “it was funny,” what about this comedian’s set stands out to you? Did any of the jokes really grab your attention? If so, why do you think that is?
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