How to write jokes that are like sketches by using improv theory
You don't need a degree in improv
Recently I was at the amazing das Improv Festival watching some of the best improvisers in the world do their thang, and it was incredible. Stand-ups can talk shit about improv as much as they like, but when improv is executed well, it hits and upper realm of hilarity that’s so much harder to achieve with stand-up due to the spontaneity. I often write about how improv can be used to enhance your stand-up.
I saw this video recently which I thought made some great points about how game and Harold structure can be used to create stand-up. I’ve already written lots about game - but it never occurred to me the Harold could also be useful. I will explain this gently! All you need to know to understand this article is Game = “A specific funny thing” and Harold(in this context) = 3 games from one idea.
In this video, Pete Lee says that CK does a kind of “One-man Harold” and he obviously wasn’t being literal, because the Harold is a very specific improv format with an opening and then 9-11 scenes. Just a quick bit of background that The Harold was developed so that improvisers could create something akin to a movie on the fly. Many movies have 3 separate opening story lines that are revisited, and eventually tie together. Many TV episodes also follow this kind of structure - and this was all inspired by theatre that follows a “3 act” structure.
But I get his point that CK’s jokes are written like sketches. Sketches are often written in a 3 act/beat format. Many experienced comics like CK are adept at finding the “Game” of an idea, and heightening it in an imaginative but relatable way. If you free yourself from the idea of writing jokes, but instead look for games, there’s no end to how much material you can write. This is a point Lee also makes in this video.
The Harold
The 3 Act structure
OK get to the point, how to I do this thing?
All Harolds start with an opening, and so do all longer jokes. This is where you introduce your idea to your audience.
In this clip Bamford spends a little bit of time setting up her joke. You’re literally just telling the audience what the joke is going to be about.
Uh, I had to take a break from work 'cause, uh, I went mental.
my friend told me, hey, you're talking a little too fast, having a lot of shit ideas.
Uh, why don't you get in my Ford Flex,
and I'll, uh, motor you over to the public storage.
I went into a psychiatric facility,
Try to find at least 3 unique games from your premise
A game is just a “specific funny or unusual thing”
I often call games “headings” and I speak about them more here.
Here are the 3 headings from Maria’s joke. Remember a “heading” is a way of summing up your joke so that if someone just saw the heading they’d want to “click-through” to see the whole joke.
All psychiatric facilities are uniformly terrible
Trying to prove to the doctor I’m not delusional / Richard Pryor
Air-miles are a good substitute for psychiatric care
I always say “at least X” because it’s always best to write too much material, because eventually you’ll edit at least half of it away. In fact most jokes I analyse often only have 2 headings remaining. None of these are hard and fast rules, it’s more like shoot for them moon, but clouds are awesome too.
Heighten the bajesus out of your games
Once you have headings you’re happy with. Go through them one at a time and try and free-write or improvise on that heading as much as you can. Don’t feel the need to do it all in one go.
In summary
What do you want to talk about?
”I don’t know how to engage my core” Introduce this topic to your audience.
I’m middle aged now and there’s lots of basic things I don’t know how to do - like engage my core…Find at least 3 games/headings/funny ways of looking at it
If I queef did I do it?
Is pilates real?
Are jacked people always contantly engaging their core?
One by one heighten these games by using “if this is true what else is true”.
(strained voice) Is this it? Am I doing it now? If I queef am I doing it ? If I shit that’s too much right?
(I’ve got nothing on pilates)
Are people with 6-packs just always constantly engaging their core? (strained voice) Hello nice to meet you! Do I look pretty daddy? If I stop I’ll look average ! I’m so thirsty ! My pants are full of poop !
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Wed 16.10 24 @ 8pm - It is what it’s called - The Improvised Stand-Up Show - Link
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Thanks for this! Also, I have SUCH a crush on that guy in the pic. Seen him live in LA and he’s so funny and handsome. It’s annoying 😅.
dear caroline,
great piece as always!
love this: "If you free yourself from the idea of writing jokes, but instead look for games, there’s no end to how much material you can write."
and this: "None of these are hard and fast rules, it’s more like shoot for them moon, but clouds are awesome too."
and the rest of it! thanks for sharing!
love
myq