Directing Comedies: Tips & Ideas

Make it Sparkle Video with Curtis Barber
Theatre Director and Teacher

3:40 (runtime)

Director’s Notes

Theatre Director and Teacher Curtis Barber believes proper pacing is vital in comedies; when pacing is correct, the jokes naturally fall into place.

• Physical Comedy: Directing comedies often involves incorporating bits of action or physical comedy to enhance the comedic value.

• Comedy's Serious Side: Characters in comedies don't know they're in a comedic setting; they can communicate serious sentiments in a funny way.

• Study Comedy's History: New directors should be familiar with the history of comedic performances and understand that great artists often borrow (or "steal") comedic bits from predecessors.

• Cross-Media Inspiration: Curtis suggests studying contemporary TV comedies, like Brooklyn Nine-Nine or Schitt's Creek, for comedic techniques and ideas.

• Comedy to Drama: Many comedic actors, like Robin Williams, can transition smoothly into drama because their comedy often stems from deep authentic emotion or personal experiences.

About Curtis Barber

A proud graduate of Needville High School, Mr. Barber will be the Head Director this year at his alma mater. Previously he was the Assistant Director at Alief Elsik High School.

Mr. Barber is also the Artistic Associate for Dirt Dogs Theatre Company, has acted and directed all over Houston, and was recently awarded The Landing Theatre's 2019 Laura Award for Best Male Performance in a Dramatic Staged Reading for his work in W for the Gilbster by David Spence. Past favorite roles include Uncle Fester in The Addams Family Musical, Simon in Hay Fever, Colin in The :nv:s:ble Play, and Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors.

Recent local directing credits include Parallel Leighzaverses: A Tour of the Leighzasphere with Company Onstage, The Unknown with Dirt Dogs Theatre Company, Doublewide Texas with Pearl Theater, and served as a Devising Associate on The Return of Sherlock Holmes with Classical Theatre Company.