Comedy Composing - Performer Or Writer

People often find it intriguing that a performer thrives on being in the spotlight, delivering lines on stage, while a writer prefers to remain behind the scenes, allowing someone else to recite their words. So, which role would you rather assume when comedy composing?

A performer should be an extroverted individual who genuinely enjoys making people laugh. Some individuals have this talent naturally, often finding themselves surrounded by friends as they eagerly share jokes and bring laughter to those around them. However, if you don’t possess this characteristic, don’t despair. Surprisingly, many introverted individuals excel on stage, discovering that a distinct aspect of their personality emerges and takes control in ways they never feel comfortable doing in everyday life.

A humor writer in comedy composing, on the other hand, would abhor the idea of being the center of attention on stage. Such a scenario would be their worst nightmare. They prefer to write when inspiration strikes, rather than being restricted to a specific time slot for their performance. Although they may or may not enjoy sharing jokes with friends, they undoubtedly love writing them. They find humor in every situation, even when their cat vomits on their new clothes during the holidays.

In contrast, a performer may never have an original amusing thought. However, they might excel at bringing another person’s humorous writing to life. They may have an expressive face or gesture that provokes laughter, even if they only utter a single word. Alternatively, they could be adept at maintaining a straight face, delivering their routine without breaking a smile, yet still causing the audience to erupt in laughter. They possess the innate ability to make people laugh the moment they step on stage, making even a simple menu reading sound comical.

So, which role do you aspire to assume in comedy composing? Or, more importantly, which one suits you best? The skills required for each role are sometimes inherent – you either possess them or you don’t. That’s not to say you can’t learn to become a comedian or a writer, but if you struggle to find humor in everyday situations, you might find the role of a comedic writer quite challenging.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME