Sketch comedy

Definition

Sketch comedy is a style of humor that features short, comedic scenes or vignettes, typically performed by a group of actors. These sketches often parody everyday life, cultural norms, or current events, using exaggeration and absurdity to entertain the audience. The format allows for quick transitions between different comedic ideas, making it a popular choice in various performance settings, including live shows and television programs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sketch comedy can be traced back to the vaudeville and minstrel shows of the 19th century, which combined various forms of entertainment including comedy skits.
2. Television shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Key & Peele' have popularized sketch comedy, often featuring celebrity guests and topical humor.
3. Sketches typically vary in length from one to ten minutes, allowing for quick setups and punchlines that keep audiences engaged.
4. Sketch comedy often relies on recurring characters or themes, which helps establish a comedic universe that audiences can easily relate to.
5. The success of sketch comedy depends heavily on timing, delivery, and the chemistry between performers, making rehearsal and collaboration crucial.

Review Questions

• How does sketch comedy utilize parody to enhance its humor?
  • Sketch comedy often employs parody as a tool to amplify its comedic impact by exaggerating familiar situations or cultural references. This technique allows writers and performers to critique societal norms and behaviors while engaging the audience through recognizable themes. By mimicking well-known styles or scenarios in an exaggerated manner, sketches become not just funny but also insightful about the subjects they address.
• Discuss how the structure of sketch comedy differs from traditional narrative storytelling in television.
  • Unlike traditional narrative storytelling that focuses on character development and plot progression over a longer format, sketch comedy presents self-contained scenes that prioritize humor over coherence. Each sketch is typically independent, allowing for rapid-fire jokes and varied themes. This structure gives sketch comedy its unique charm but requires each segment to be engaging enough to stand alone while contributing to an overall entertaining experience.
• Evaluate the role of timing and performance in the effectiveness of sketch comedy as an entertainment medium.
  • Timing and performance are crucial elements that determine the success of sketch comedy. Effective delivery can elevate a simple joke into a memorable moment, while poor timing can undermine even the best-written material. Performers must work closely together to develop chemistry and understand each other's cues, making rehearsal vital. The interplay between actors can create unexpected comedic moments that resonate with audiences, making it a dynamic form of entertainment that thrives on collaboration.

Related terms

Improv: A form of live theater in which most or all of what is performed is created spontaneously by the performers without a script.

Parody: A humorous or satirical imitation of a particular genre, work, or individual, often exaggerating characteristics to create humor.

Variety Show: A type of entertainment program that features a mix of different acts, such as comedy sketches, music performances, and other forms of entertainment.