1. Discuss the Btn Story with Another Student

Class clowns

Focus Questions

1. Discuss the BtN story with another student.

2. What is the comedy competition the kids are taking part in?

3. How did Sammy J get into performing comedy?

4. At the workshop before the competition, the kids get the opportunity to…

5. Stand-up comedians often use observational comedy. Describe what it is.

6. What are some other types of comedy?

7. What advice do they give about a career in comedy?

8. Why do the kids involved in the competition like performing comedy?

9. What do you think would be some of the challenges of performing comedy?

10. Which type of comedy do you like? Why?

Class clowns

Students will be exploring what comedy is, different styles of comedy and having a go at creating their own short comedy sketch.

Ask students to discuss and respond to the following questions:

· What is comedy?

· What makes something funny?

· What are the different types/styles of comedy?

· What is your favourite type of comedy? Why?

· Who are your favourite comedians? What is their style of comedy?

· Who are some well known Australian comedians?

· Who are some famous comedy duos? What are the benefits of comedians working with another person?

Working in pairs, students can then have a go at making their own comedy sketch.

Begin with a warm up activity. The following website has a range to choose from http://learnimprov.com/?page_id=33

Alternatively, students write down a joke then read them out. What is funny about each joke? Discuss the importance of how the joke is told – the delivery.

Students brainstorm their ideas for the sketch deciding what type/style of comedy their sketch will be. Encourage students to keep the sketch short (no more than a minute) and not too complicated. Plan the characters, dialogue, setting and props (if being used). Students then rehearse and refine their sketch then perform to the class or smaller groups.

Reflection
With your partner, think about the following:

What worked well with the comedy sketch?

What changes would you make? Why?

Further Investigation

Research the history/beginnings of comedy in Ancient Greece and Italian comedy known as Commedia dell’Arte.

8 Related Research Links

Melbourne International Comedy Festival – Class clowns 2012
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/classclowns/

Australian Government – Australian Comedy
http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-comedy