Call back

Definition

A call back is a comedic technique where a joke or reference made earlier in a performance is revisited later to create humor. This method builds a connection with the audience, reinforcing shared knowledge and enhancing comedic tension by creating expectations that can be subverted or fulfilled in surprising ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Call backs rely heavily on timing; the longer the wait before revisiting the original joke, the greater the payoff can be, as it builds anticipation.
2. Using call backs effectively can create a sense of cohesion within a performance, making earlier jokes feel integral to the overall narrative.
3. Call backs can also serve to characterize relationships between characters, highlighting how they respond to situations based on past experiences.
4. In writing for sitcoms or comedy shows, call backs can be used as a way to reward attentive viewers who remember earlier jokes or scenarios.
5. When done well, call backs can turn simple jokes into memorable moments that resonate with audiences long after the performance ends.

Review Questions

• How does a call back contribute to building comedic tension in a performance?
  • A call back contributes to building comedic tension by creating expectations for the audience. When a joke is referenced again later, it taps into the audience's memory and anticipation, increasing their engagement. The delay before revisiting the original joke heightens the impact, as audiences are eager to see how it will be connected, whether it will lead to laughter or a twist on the initial premise.
• Analyze how the use of call backs can enhance character development in a sitcom.
  • Call backs can enhance character development in a sitcom by revealing how characters evolve over time and react differently to situations based on their past experiences. By referring back to previous jokes or scenarios, writers can showcase characters' growth, changes in relationships, or shifts in perspective. This technique not only deepens character arcs but also provides humor that resonates with viewers who have followed those journeys.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of call backs in maintaining audience engagement throughout a comedy performance.
  • The effectiveness of call backs in maintaining audience engagement lies in their ability to create a shared experience between performers and viewers. By weaving earlier jokes into later moments, performers reinforce connections and remind audiences of previous laughter. This technique keeps viewers invested in the unfolding story and encourages them to pay closer attention, knowing that they might encounter familiar references again. When executed skillfully, call backs not only amplify humor but also foster a deeper emotional connection with the audience.

Related terms

set-up: The initial part of a joke or comedic bit that establishes context or introduces a premise.

punchline: The final part of a joke that delivers the humorous twist or surprise, often following the set-up.

running gag: A comedic element or joke that recurs throughout a performance, often evolving in context or delivery.