Stand Up Vs Improv Analysis

638 Words2 Pages

The second chapter in The Humor Code by Peter McGraw and Joel Warner is titled, “Los Angeles- Who is Funny?” In this chapter they discussed both stand-up as well as improv, which are both very popular types of comedy, especially here in the United States. Both types of comedy are difficult because it is live, and you cannot undo and try again. Is there really is a difference between stand-up and improv? There is a definite difference between stand-up and improv because they are two totally different types of comedy. Many people either do not realize there is a difference or just do not know what the difference is. Comedians can be good at both but will typically choose one or the other to pursue to play with their strengths. You can practice for improv, but you cannot prepare for what you are going to do when you get on the stage because the point of improv is to make it up as you go along. Even though improv is made up on the spot, it will generally follow a certain structure called HAROLD. Stand-up is the opposite of that because you are able to have your whole routine memorized and perfected before you go on the stage. This usually makes improv more difficult because you have to come up with things on the …show more content…

HAROLD was discussed previously which is how each improv show is developed on. Stand-up can be in basically any format the performer chooses because they are in charge of how the show is run. Improv will have a group of people performing and coming up with different skits together on the spot. Stand-up is different because only one comic is up on the stage performing their personal act. Being the only one on the stage, you have full control of what happens and the direction you want to take the show. During improv, you may have a great idea of where you want to take the story, but another person may take it a totally different direction that isn’t as good, yet you have to go with

Open Document