Felix Dexter out of character
Character as Mask
CHARACTER AS MASK
A stand-up comic or keynote speaker always has his narrative character.
This is his image, the person he or she is pretending to be.
Felix Dexter (26 July 1961 – 18 October 2013) R. I. P.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_Dexter
left us an excellent example of a comic who maintained an obvious characterization
from the beginning to end of his very funny routine, "Nathaniel the Accountant":
If you had trouble understanding Naathaniel's accent, try the distinguished "Douglas" in his club:
Who is the real Felix?
Hint:
The further the character is from your own personality,
•the more you will be able to say or do anything.
Example--
Ventriloquists usually:
• play conservative narrative characters
•and let the dummy be an outrageous character
which the vent pretends he is trying to contain.
Conversely, you cannot really play "yourself."
Why?
Accurately portrayed, you are too complex to completely reveal before an audience in under one hour.
Many people go to therapists for years trying to present themselves . . . just to themselves!
8-)
However, you may present an aspect of yourself to the audience.
Guess what?
That also gives you more freedom as you now have a "mask" to don.
More on "Character:
your main character, minor characters.”
Questions?
•Get in touch:
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jim@Stand-UpComedyWorkshop.com
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Jim
Richardson
ORGANIZED COMEDY
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last updated: Wednesday, December11, 2013, 3:51 pm PST and January 6,
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