Acting in Theater

Drama and Humor. Comedy acting is often a critical component within a dramatic piece, though it is one that is difficult to create. Because humor is subjective, one can’t be sure what will make an audience member laugh. Usually the best rule of thumb is not to try hard. In life, many things can and do make us laugh, even in moments of high tension. Ideally the writer will have achieved honesty in the script, so as an actor you have only to portray the role as honestly as possible. One of the worst things to do is to go for the laugh or “milk” the audience for a laugh. The audience will feel manipulated and lose interest in the world you have created with your character. And all that hard work will be for nothing.