Dictionary
light and humorous drama with a happy ending a comic incident or series of incidents
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Wikipedia
Comedy is the use of humor humor in the performing arts. It also means a performance that relies heavily on humor. The term originally comes from theater, where it simply referred to a play with a happy ending, in contrast to a tragedy. The humor, once an incidental device used to entertain, is now an essential aspect of a comedy. Webster’s Dictionary says that comedy is “a drama or narrative with a happy ending or nontragic theme”. Today, comedy refers to anything funny, comic, or humorous. Any reaction from a snigger to a chuckle, a snort to a belly laugh, milk-coming-out-of-ones-nose to a goodhearted chortle is evidence of whether something is funny or not. A person’s taste often accounts for where in the gamut of aforementioned reactions that person is likely to fall (those aforementioned reactions are the only reactions a person can have if something is, in fact, funny). According to a person’s taste, they may or may not find something humorous because it is either too offensive or not offensive enough. A recognized characteristic of comedy is that it is an intensely personal enjoyment. People frequently fail to find the same things amusing, but when they do it can help to create powerful bonds.
Comedy drama - Comedy is the term applied to theatrical dramas the chief object of which are to amuse. It is contrasted on the one hand with tragedy and on the other with farce, burlesque, and so on. As compared with tragedy it is distinguished by having a happy ending (this being considered for a long time the essential difference), by quaint situations, and by lightness of dialogue and character-drawing. As compared with farce it abstains from crude and boisterous jesting, and is marked by some subtlety of dialogue and plot. It is, however, difficult to draw a hard and fast line of demarcation, there being a distinct tendency to combine the characteristics of farce with those of true comedy. This is perhaps more especially the case in the so-called "musical comedy," which became popular in Great Britain and United StatesAmerica in the later 19th century, where true comedy is frequently subservient to broad farce and spectacular effects.
Derivation - The word "comedy" is derived from the Greek κωμοιδια, which is a compound either of κωμος (revel) and ωιδος (singer), or of κωμη (village) and ωιδος: it is possible that κωμος itself is derived from κωμη, and originally meant a village revel. The word comes into modern usage through the Latin ''comoedia ''and Italian ''commedia''. It has passed through various shades of meaning. In the Middle Agesmiddle ages it meant simply a story with a happy ending. Thus some of Chaucer's Tales are called comedies, and in this sense Dante used the term in the title of his poem, La Commedia (cf. his Epistola X., in which he speaks of the comic style as "loquutio vulgaris, in qua et mulierculae communicant"; again "comoedia vero remisse et humiliter"; "differt a tragoedia per hoc, quod t. in principio est admirabilis et quieta, in fine sive exitu est foetida et horribilis"). Subsequently the term is applied to mystery plays with a happy ending. The modern usage combines this sense with that in which Renaissance scholars applied it to the ancient comedies.The adjective "comic" (Greek κομικος), which strictly means that which relates to comedy, is in modern usage generally confined to the sense of !"laughter-provoking" :? it is distinguished from "humorous" or "witty" inasmuch as it is applied to an incident or remark which provokes spontaneous laughter without a special mental effort. The phenomena connected with laughter and that which provokes it, the comic, have been carefully investigated by psychologists, in contrast with other phenomena connected with the emotions. It is very generally agreed that the predominating characteristics are incongruity or contrast in the object, and shock or emotional seizure on the part of the subject. It has also been held that the feeling of superiority is an essential, if not the essential, factor: thus Thomas HobbesHobbes speaks of laughter as a "sudden glory." Physiological explanations have been given by Immanuel KantKant, Herbert SpencerSpencer and Charles DarwinDarwin. Modern investigators have paid much attention to the origin both of laughter and of smiling, the development of the "play instinct" and its emotional expression.
See also -
Forms - Stand-up comedy*Alternative comedy - a largely British term relating to comedians in the ascendant throughout the 1980s and beyond.*Improvisational comedy - though not confined to stand-up, it is commonly held in high regard on the stand-up circuit.*Impressionist (entertainment)Impressionists Sketch comedy - short comedy scenes as in contrast to Situation comedysitcom. Television comedy and Radio comedy* Situation comedy Comedy film*gross-out film*Parody film*romantic comedy film*screwball comedy film*slapstick film*splatstick film (sic)*anarchic comedy film Comic novelList of musical comediansMusical comedy Tragicomedy Dramedy (AKA Comedy-drama)
Styles - Black comedy satire parody adage pretending to be stupid
Historical or theatre - clown (see also krumping) Commedia dell'arte - historically, a form of improvisational theatre, chiefly from the 16th to 18th centuries. Farce - most often thought of as theatrical, but has been adapted for other media. Jesters - clowns associated with the middle ages. Vaudeville - comedy performed in theatres that declined as television ownership increased.
Definitions - Comedian Comedy club
Comedy events and awards - British Comedy Awards Just for laughs festival Melbourne International Comedy Festival HBO Comedy Arts Festival
Lists of comedy performers - List of comedians List of entertainer pairsList of entertainer pairs or double acts
by nationality - Australian comedy British comedianList of British Comedians List of Italian comedians List of Finnish comedians List of Puerto Rican comedians
other - List of Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time - Almost exclusively American. List of Dr Demento's radio show comedians
Lists of comedy programmes - British comedy - article on British comedy and a list of British comedy programmes. Britcom - list of British sitcoms. List of British TV shows remade for the American market
Other lists - List of comedies - theatre/radio/television and from !France/Russia/Canada/Australia /UK/US
See also - Humour joke Laughter
External links - howtobefunny.net - How to be FUNNY!: Complete techniques of creating comedy.emerson.edu - Comedy Archives Site of the American Comedy Archives, dedicated to preserving primary source material from the legends of the comedic arts.comedyclassics.org - ComedyClassics.org Forum for discussion about classic comedy from movies (silent & talkie), radio, and TV.comedy.wikicities.com - Wikicomedywikihumor.com - WikiHumor.com A wiki dedicated to humor.JokeTheMonkey.com - JokeTheMonkey.com A Humor Website containing a variety of Jokes, Images, Videos and Satire.Category:Comedy!*Category:CultureCategory:Arts cs:Komediede:Komödieet:Komö diael:Κωμωδίαes:Comedi aeo:Komediofr:Comédieko:희 id:Melawakit:Commediahe:קו דיהla:Comoedianl:Komedieja :喜劇os:Комедиpl:Komed iapt:Comédiaru:Комедия simple:Comedysk:Komédiasl:Kom edijasr:Комедијаfi:Kom ediasv:Komediuk:Комедія zh:喜劇
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Websites
Pat Silver-Lasky
screenwriter, author of many books, screenplays, TV scripts. Latest book, Screenwriting for the 21st Century available now.
http://www.patsilver-lasky.com/
Comedy Sketch Club
The best comedy in north of germany.
http://www.comedysketchclub.de/
s1play.com
Scotland's most comprehensive entertainment listings website.
http://www.s1play.com/
HOME CINEMA MOVIES
Welcome to Hard-to-Find Recordings, your one-stop shop for rare and out-of-print recordings and movies at reasonable prices. Did you know that recordings and movies, whether they are records, tapes, dvd's or compact discs, are not produced continuously? When production stops, your only access to these recordings and movies is existing stock, and when that stock goes those recordings are lost forever. No more searching through the discount bins hoping for a find. At hard to find recordings.com,and homecinemamovies.com we specialize in discontinued and rare recordings,movies, novelties and collectibles.
http://www.homecinemamovies.com/
Legends of Vaudeville
Jeff Gardner & Jerold Goldstein will put laughter in your heart and a tear in your eye with this collection of classic songs and routines, bringing back to life the brightest stars from the galaxy of great entertainers. With this family-friendly show, these two expert comedians will entertain audiences of all ages, recreating the performances of Jimmy Durante, The Marx Bros., Abbott Costello, Al Jolson and more.
http://www.legendsofvaudeville.com/
Radio Rosa Rauschen
Local German Gay-Radio-Station
http://www.radio-rosa-rauschen.de/
Volker und Gerd - Comedy - Illusion - Conférence
Humor, Entertainment and magic.
http://www.volkerundgerd.de/
Niall Toibin Official Web Site
Official Web Site for celebrated Irish actor Niall Toibin star of Ballykissangel. Includes stage, movie, TV credits and photos.
http://www.nialltoibin.com/
www.globalkryner.at
Austrian Folk band covering Pop, Rock, Jazz, Hiphop and Latin music
http://www.globalkryner.at/
Comedy Branson
Comedy calendar and links to Branson Missouri comedy clubs and venues
http://www.comedybranson.com/
Radio Treasury. Ten Old Time Radio Catalogs
Ten Giant Old Time Radio Catalogs. Where Experienced collectors find rare and obscure old time radio shows.
http://www.radiotreasury.com
UBTRIPPIN' Comedy Entertainment Magazine
Learn more about your favorite comedians and entertainers plus exclusive interviews.
http://www.ubtrippin.com/
Die-Laughing-Comedy
Internet home of the comedy group Dyslexicredrum.
http://www.dyslexicredrum.com/
InsiderEntertainment.com
InsiderEntertainment.com ~ the premier creative online manual for metropolitan individuals seeking entertainment and enjoyment in their professional, social and cultural endeavours.
http://www.insiderentertainment.com/
HARD TO FIND RECORDINGS
Welcome to Hard-to-Find Recordings, your one-stop shop for rare and out-of-print recordings and movies at reasonable prices. Did you know that recordings and movies, whether they are records, tapes, dvd's or compact discs, are not produced continuously? When production stops, your only access to these recordings and movies is existing stock, and when that stock goes those recordings are lost forever. No more searching through the discount bins hoping for a find. At hard to find recordings.com,and homecinemamovies.com we specialize in discontinued and rare recordings,movies, novelties and collectibles.
http://www.hardtofindrecordings.com/
Thinkin' Outside The Barn
Dan Ohler is a relationship, change, and happiness specialist. Through Dan’s insights & humour you learn to apply the basics of human psychology – the natural laws that create life-long flourishing relationships, and abounding success. Visit www.ThinkinOutsideTheBarn.com to subscribe to Dan’s FREE e-zine, “Soaring Insights”, and see Dan in action while you’re there!
http://www.thinkinoutsidethebarn.com/
Chris Vaughn
Chris Vaughn is a motivating-humorist, who can deliver an inspiring, motivating, keynote to your group - that is not only fun and hilarious... but embedded with eternal principles that are applicable to every member of the audience, or their age.
http://www.chrisvaughn.net/
Comedy Day
Comedy Day is a free outdoor comedy concert featuring nearly 40 of today's top performers. It was founded 26 years ago as a way for Bay Area comics to say thank you to comedy fans for their support and to The City that has nurtured so many comedians. Since 1981, more than 500 of the world's funniest performers have given the gift of laughter to over a half-million people at Comedy Day. Comedy Day, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
http://www.comedyday.com/
Ultimate Chaos Comedy Meet and Greet
Comedy Security Guards and Waiter, meet and greet, mix and mingle comedy, the best way to start your party or event... start it with a laugh!
http://www.ultimatechaos.info
Michael Capozzola
Bay Area Based Comedian & Cartoonist
http://www.capozzola.com/
Allyn Ball
Allyn's comedy is unique and relevant to modern life. Billed as the suburban punk, Allyn's style is best related by saying, Those who pay attention are rewarded.
http://www.allynball.com/
The Maine Hysterical Society
MHS is comprised of three of Maine's most entertaining variety artists, actors, musicians and downeast humorists. Charter Members, Randy Judkins, Barney Martin and Steve Underwood present a comedy variety show of novelty songs, hilarious Maine characters, 'wicked good' juggling, and some of the most hysterical sketches that will make you laugh on your way home and even the day after.
http://www.mainehysterical.com/
Phantom Sheep Players/ Phantom Sheep Comedy Productions
Online home to PSP, western MA's own premiere comedy troupe. Producers of original shows and workshops for colleges, theme parks, and organizations.
http://www.phantomsheep.com/
Improv Playhouse
Improv Playhouse is a comprehensive, professional actor training organization that offers classes and instruction, corporate training and development, and event planning and entertainment. We also produce traditional theater and improv comedy performances for youth and adults.
http://www.improvplayhouse.com/
KVBA Vision Broadcasting
Alamogordo's Christian TV Station
http://www.kvbatv.com/
Damage Control Comedy
Damage Control is a comedy group from Florida similar in style to Kids in the Hall and SNL. Featuring Director writer Gene May, Stand up comedian Jay Hewlett and actors and writers Michelle Walker, Martin Brown, Allen Berrebbi and Landon Smith.
http://www.damagecontrolonline.com/
Emile Pandolfi
Emile Pandolfi, is recognized as one of the premier pop pianists today.
http://www.emilepandolfi.com/
Doug Stevenson's Story Theater International
The Story Theater Method is a unique storytelling technology that teaches people how to use strategic storyteling to make a point, teach a lesson or sell a product or service.
http://www.storytheater.net/
The Rising Pun
The humor of Seth Brown. Columns, books, blog entries, and random mischief.
http://www.risingpun.com/
British Comedian on tour in the US
Scott Angrave spends over 6 months a year touring the US and making fun of the way we speak, the food we eat, and the holiday we celebrate. Hear about our way of live from a view across the pond.
http://www.comedymax.com/
Nick Di Paolo
Comedian
http://www.nickdipaolo.com/
www.joycashin.com
standup comedian comedy classe instructor booker
http://www.joycashin.com/
Ashton Court Festival
Bristol's best-kept secret - a fantastic outdoor festival held every summer featuring Two outdoor stages showcasing the best of local bands with national headliners to finish. The Bigger Top featuring souly, funky, hip-hop, jazzy bands. The Global marquee featuring a unique mix of modern and traditional music from around the world. A Performing Arts marquee featuring dance, poetry, comedy and theatre. The Acoustic marquee. A large kids' area. Blackout, a marquee featuring experimental film and music Plus over 150 stalls selling foods and crafts from around the world, three Event bars and fairground rides.
http://www.ashtoncourtfestival.com/
Pranks for the Memories
Brian Wishnefsky the San Francisco Bay Area's Entertainer Extraordinaire. Featured on KPIX 5 Evening Magazine and has entertained at Carnegie Hall! ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR EVENT • CORPORATE • ADULTS• KIDS • SHOWS • WALKAROUNDS • SINGING TELEGRAMS UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT FROM THE RIDICULOUS TO THE SUBLIME! Sparky the Clown, Magician, Nerd, Cowboy, Cow, Trumpet playing Gorilla, Grim Reaper, Santa, Elf, Biker Dude, Opera Man, Chicken, Teddy Bear, Frog, Pirate, Space Alien, Baby Gram, Dracula, Safari Guy, Blarney, Balloon Twister, Pie in the Face, Stage Hypnotist, Tarot reader, Gags and more!
http://www.pranks4u.com/
Comedy Writing Pros
A staff of the best comedy writers is waiting to help you be funny! Whether you're a comedian or just need to get some laughs for a business event, speech, roast or special occasion, we'll tailor the material to suit you!
http://www.comedywritingpros.com/
Punky!
Half an hour of X-rated music and mayhem from The Heart of Sherwood Forest featuring tracks you've never heard before, expressions you've never heard before and jokes you'll never want to hear again - all hosted by Paulyb (everyone's favourite outlaw) and Butch Tony (everyone's favourite bandit).
http://www.punkyradio.com
Pick 'n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
A 10 day Festival packed with events: sport, culinary and entertainment! A feast of sports and fun, with oysters on the side!
http://oysterfestival.co.za/
Eddie May Mysteries at Scarlett's Dinner Theatre
Eddie May Entertainment presents murder mystery dinner theatre ... and much more ... at Scarlett's Dinner Theatre, 62 York Street in ottawa's Byward Market. 850-9700
http://www.eddiemay.com/
Tevelevision Company in world famous Staratford on Avon
Supplying the world's top broadcasters
http://www.hanrahanmedia.com/
Stand-up Comedian Shaun Eli
Stand-up Comedian Shaun Eli. Website has performance video and audio clips, comedic essays, jokes written for late-night television and Shaun's performance schedule. Brain Champagne: Clever Comedy for Smart Minds (sm)
http://www.brainchampagne.com/
Magic Gregory
Zauberkunst aus Wien
http://www.magic-gregory.at/
chuckjonesmagic.com
Website for LA based illusionist, describing his magic, corporate shows, touring show, amusement park productions and products for magicians.
http://www.chuckjonesmagic.com/
Comedy Central
The official site of the Comedy Central cable station.
http://www.comedycentral.com
Comedy Zone
Pictures, jokes and funny quotes, information on TV, film and stand-up comedy plus a directory of humor sites.
http://www.comedy-zone.net/
Comedy.com
Resources for stand-up comics, troupes, writers, management, bookers, and clubs. Post your schedule, look for available comedians, and compare notes in the members-only forum.
http://www.comedy.com
Comedy Online
Stand up comedy in London. Listings of comedy clubs, pubs, and information about comedians performing in the UK.
http://www.comedyonline.co.uk
The Liberator
News, gallery, lyrics and FAQs.
http://www.thedivinecomedy.com
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