The Hidden Tools of Comedy: The Serious Business of Being Funny

I bought this book for myself (early birthday present!) because I am working at making the transition from amateur comedian to professional. I’ve spent the last year reading books to help me grow in my writing and performing. I’ve done stand up, improv, sketches, short films and tons of writing. I even sold a couple of short web episodes to a major cable network. Hands down, ‘The Hidden Tools of Comedy’ has done more to help me grow as a writer and performer than anything else I’ve read. My previous career had an emphasis on academic study and I can tell you that this book should be the primary text for anyone learning comedy. The book is well researched, extremely well written and structured to make the learning as easy as it is fun. Kaplan shows a tremendous respect for comedy and his knowledge and experience make this book a unique and essential offering for those who are serious about making people laugh. What makes this book so essential? First, I would say the experience. Kaplan has put in his 10,000 hours and it shows. This book contains years of experience in film, theater and T.V. and close intentional study of comedy condensed into eight easy to understand tools for making better comedy. You could spend your whole life studying comedy or you can take a massive short cut and read this book. The tools found in the book apply to comedy writers, performers, directors and producers in theater, T.V. and film. Second, the tools are easy to use. Kaplan makes the eight tools easy to apply to what you are working on right now. I took his straight/line wavy line tool and applied it to a skit I was working about a snake bit cowboy. The skit went from getting chuckles at rehearsal to the actors laughing so hard they couldn’t get through the skit. On a sitcom pilot I’m working on I got stuck at the start of act three. I used the positive action to get my protagonist moving and the rest of the episode pretty much wrote itself. The tools come from experience and they just plain work. Third, the focus is on the true nature of comedy. What’s the difference between funny and comedic? Why does it matter to those who want to make people laugh? What are the myths of comedy and why are they myths? How is comedy different from drama? Why does it matter? Kaplan asks questions I didn’t even know I should be asking. He shows the importance of comedy in telling the human story and shows the beauty of telling the truth. This book isn’t about tricks to get laughs. It’s about celebrating the artistry comedy and becoming better artists. If you are building a comedy library to further yourself as an artist, or if you just want to get better at getting people to laugh, I would build it in this order to form the foundation. The Hidden Tools of Comedy - Steve Kaplan (Comedy) Improvisation for Theater - Viola Spin (Writing, Acting) Step by Step - Greg Dean (Stand Up, Jokes) Days and Nights at The Second City - Bernard Sahlins (Review Theater, Irony) Growth takes both theory and practice. Great musicians continue to practice their scales, they don’t just show up and play symphonies on the weekend. Do your work. Learn your theory and and perform! Learning the theory has helped me grow tremendously as an artist. And I get lots more laughs too. Don’t make this the only book you read on comedy but certainly make it the first.

Let's tack another five star review up here! This is one of the very best books I've read about comedy, about what it is, about it's value, about how to produce it intentionally. This book is bigger than just comedy, it's also a philosophy or orientation towards life itself. In a world of spin, of propaganda, of pundits and experts endlessly pontificating and selling us a hollow vision of polly purebreed tripe, so nice to see this author speak the truth. Life is messy, it's messed up, it ain't pretty, often, we don't have a clue what to do or how to act and this folks is the truth of the human condition. But this is a hopeful book, given those existential truths, we strive to make our lives better against all odds. Comedy is about telling the truth about life and our response to it, our as Steve writes in his definition of comedy - Comedy is the art of telling the truth about what it's like to be human. Take it a step further with his comic equation - Comedy is about an ordinary guy or gal struggling against insurmountable odds without many of the required skills and tools with which to win yet never giving up hope. It's so very rare to hear this truth expresses in so clear a manner, this comes from love and care of comedy and of humanity itself. No phoney optimism or cheer needed, the author demonstrates a deep respect for comedy and real people and real life. His writing is filled with a humane quality, a knowing and understanding, and perhaps I detect a bit of disdain of those preachers of false cheerfulness, those salesmen that everything is just perfect. His words have a bit of a bite and edge to them, which is what I like because comedy is the language, the poetry perhaps of the common and ordinary person. He has the heart and spirit of a teacher and mentor, his writing is infused with a generosity of giving and sharing. This book also made me go back and think about the films and tv shows and the characters in them more closely and why they resonated with me. This book helped me understand myself a little better. There is no defense against comedy and it holds great power. I'm hoping to become a stand-up comic and this book isn't really a how-to book for comics, but it helps me understand humor and comedy better than I ever have, especially about telling the truth and maintaining that element of hope. I come from a counseling background and see strong parallels between comedy and counseling, maybe the only two places where we can speak the truth. This is a great, great life-affirming book! I like to say: Misery is the river of life and comedy is a canoe. Comedy gets us through it folks!

I bought this book thinking I would get tips on how to make my blog funnier and more engaging. That's not what this is about at all. His focus is on writing funny stories for movies, sitcoms and theater. How to create an engaging character in a funny situation. I can now articulate why I think some tv shows are funnier than others, but I don think I'm going to write a funnier blog as a result of this read.

If your comedic skill isn't broken, you don't need a tool to fix it. But nobody reading these reviews is a laugh-genius, so the tools listed here will come in handy for 99% of those who are pursuing careers in comedic writing, acting, or directing. First, these tools have all been used to make you laugh before - hundreds of times. For the most of you, the chapters will be littered with "Aha!" moments and the sort of "the scales have fallen from my eyes" game changers that can really up your skill when it comes to creating realistic and effective scenes. Notable examples are: a paradigm shift away from Straight Man/Funny Man to He Who Sees/He Who Doesn't See, the idea of the truly funny characters being realistic people who just lack skills, and the use of overlying metaphors to help further illustrate and give added effectiveness to character relationships (like two roommates acting as a married couple, etc.). Second, Steve Kaplan goes out of his way to emphasize that these are just tools. You shouldn't use this excellent book to build your house upon. You should use its advice when things go wrong, and while it seems like a footnote I think this is the most important part of the mix. You're given excellent advice on every page along with scenes and clips that illustrate the advice, but you're never told, "You must do this or your comedy will crash and burn." These are simply good ideas that have been proven in the past and while you might be able to get around using them in certain situations, if something doesn't get a laugh (or as good a laugh as you want), you can probably find an example in this book that will tell you why. Third, Steve goes out of his way early on to debunk the notion that comedy is entirely dependent upon talent and that somehow comedians don't work to hone their skills like everyone else. So a solid part of the book acts as motivation to those who might think, "I'm just not funny enough and I never will be." Steve emphasizes the simple truth (that I and most comedians have found at one point or another, but maybe didn't put into words as well as Mr. Kaplan has): If you can react realistically to an absurd situation, you can get a laugh. Overall I think this "do the work - here are some good tools" approach to comedy is the most refreshing and eye-opening one anybody can ask for. There are absolutely zero gimmick tools, no appeals to blue or shock humor, and all the recommendations are backed up with loads of thoroughly explained examples. If you want to get more laughs and better laughs, read this book.

If you're a Comedy writer please do yourself a favor and purchase this book. There are dozens of books that teach Comedy Writing based on the setup/punchline formula. Those books are all very good and you'll also need to read them if your goal is to become a better joke writer. However, this book is a cornerstone of the genre because Steve Kaplan explains the fundamentals of Comedy in plain, easy-to-understand terms. He begins with a logical explanation of Comedy (the Comic Equation) and then spends the next eight chapters proving this equation. His insight on "Straight Line/Wavy Line" is enough to convince anyone that Steve's dedication to the genre is not only unique but one of the best that's ever been put to paper. I was fortunate enough to study The Hidden Tools of Comedy during one of Steve's weekend seminars. Every student in that room found themselves impressed by the wide-range of examples used from Film and Television (also highlighted in this book) to illustrate each of the Comedic Tools. Steve's analysis of "There's Something About Mary" is brilliant in both its logic as well as its precision. The same can be said for breakdowns of "Who's on First" "Groundhog Day" and "Seinfeld" amongst others. Even if you're not a dedicated humorist you will still benefit from this book. Steve's understanding of Comedy comes from an equal understanding of Drama. He highlights the similarities and differences between the two genres, leaving a detailed analysis of how to write for either. One of the best things about this book is that Steve's writing is also very funny, making this book not only a page-turner but an easy read as well. The chapter "Archetypes or Commedia Tonight!" is a hilarious crash course into the history of Comedy. His explanation of Moliere's contribution to Comedy serves as a great indicator of how the genre developed into the artform we know it as today. If you are a Comedy Writer this is a book you cannot afford to miss out on. Buying this book was an eye-opener for me as I'm sure it will be for you.

Steve Kaplan will open your mind to what comedy really is if you're a writer. His insights and many, many examples provided for each are worth much more than the price of this book. I like the book so much I'm going to attend his two-day intensive session in Los Angeles in January 2016. I'm flying from Colorado to do it. If you're trying to write and trying to add humor to scenes you NEED this book. Don't think you can sit and just read this. If you're a writer you're going to need a notebook with you while you read. I want to gush about the things I've learned but then that would spoil your fun. Okay... I'll share just one good thing I got. Don't try to write funny. In each situation let your Bill Murray character just do what they would naturally do in a scene to get what they are trying to get. As Steve Kaplan says, "Give them permission to win." If you try to write funny bits, and wouldn't it be neat if--you're going to fail. Instead, just ask, "What would I do in this situation? What would a normal person do in the situation?" Don't try to make them do something silly or funny for a gag or a laugh-be honest. Let your characters be honest. The humor will come from their struggle. The book is stuffed with things like this (and it will make much more sense when you read it from Steve Kaplan's own words. I laughed out loud several times reading this book. Really. Wait until you encounter the three people leaving the room, and also the slap interview. If you're a writer or story lover, or film student this book is a must. WARNING: Once you read this you'll never again be able to watch half-assed comedy with the same respect. After reading this book you're going to see good story, good acting and good comedy much more clearly.

I'm reading this book. i'm not done reading it yet but it's a good book. i like to take my time reading books on writing because i've learned this year in february, repetition is the mother of learning. repetition is key to reprograming the subconscious mind. and the subconscious mind is the mind that do the writing for us. so i'm reading over and over again the same material in this book and other book on comedy writing, novel writing, screenwriting. and i hope the repetition that i do will lead to my success in hollywood. overall this is a great book. but i will do you no good. unless you read it over and over again. at least 100 times. once you done reading 100 times, you need to reread it. nonstop. that's the key to success 8/16/2023 everything i said back in 2019 was true repetition is key to getting information in our subconscious mind but what i din't know back in 2019 is the rarest of human qualities is consistency 99 percent give up in 1 year that's what happened in 2019 i gave up reading this book but i'm back reading it now and i will never give up never give up doing the repetitions that's the key to success repetition leads to success yes but only if you never give up

I attended the Steve Kaplan &Michael Hauge Romantic Comedy Seminar in Melbourne a few years but had to leave before it was over. Reading this book provided the final turn of the key to unlocking some great ideas and cementing what we should all know - character is king. Follow Steve on twitter, its well worth the effort and more than likely he'll respond - he's that kind of guy.

One of the best books not only on comedy screenwriting but on screenwriting in general. Highly recommended!

Un livre clair, efficace… et drôle. L'ouvrage dévoile les arcanes technique du rire au cinéma. Essentiel pour les auteurs intéressés par le ce genre.

Not a step by step "how to", but an entertaining and insightful exploration of foundational concepts. A great starting point for those new to comedy writing, or those who'd like a refresher on some of the fundamentals. The ideas are presented clearly and concisely. Steve Kaplan is an excellent communicator. Highly recommended.

The Hidden Tools of Comedy shows writers how to write from the viewpoints of authentic characters in ordinary conflict situations that amuse and embarrass viewers and other characters watching them. Good scriptwriting books always try to include all the pivotal factors for creating highly watchable comedy and drama. By showing us what isn’t comedy, Steve also teaches drama as it is often seen as the similar but opposite side of the comedic coin. Steve uses real scripts from funny and not so funny movies - ie drama and also reveals a little of what goes on in his comedy classes. Steve Kaplan places a great emphasis on how all the characters including secondary characters must be believable when responding to real situations. He shows how authenticity is what adds real value to comedy. The scenes from these authentic films are the ones that endure and we talk about. The book is suitable for actors, writers and directors and this is what makes it worth reading. Hidden Tools of Comedy is a practical book that debunks the myths, suggests other useful books. This book is a must for aspiring writers of comedy. Aspiring comedic writers are urged to study the comedic scripts, watch the films mentioned and undertake a few exercises. If this work is done, there is every chance that these writers will be on their way to writing funny in a way that is personal and real for them as well as other people. Don’t just believe me, there are a lot of funny writers/performers/animators, yes animators who have benefitted from the comedy insights of Steve Kaplan. He has worked with David Crane, Ellen Sandler, David Fury, Disney, the list goes on...and on...and on...

Lo compre por curiosidad para saber lo que envuelve una buena película de comedía y si pudiera utilizar algo como creatividad en la vida para expresarme. Ya que últimamente parece que esta censurado o hay escasez de algo tan vital para la vida que es reír. Me estoy llevando la sorpresa de encontrar algo como una especie de filosofía ya que puedo ver no solo las películas si no la vida desde una forma mas humana. Solo dire que creo es muy útil para la gente en esta profesión. Voy a la mitad del libro en 2 dias