Coldwashed Comedy

Using puppets as part of a comedy act is a tried and respected way of sustaining a comedy routine, although with the popularity of stand-up comedy, this act seemed to have been relegated to a few comedians in recent years. However, some comedian-puppet acts have remained popular enough to sustain a loyal following.

If you’re planning to partner with a puppet for your comedy routine, here are a few tips to help you create your alter ego.

Handle with ease.
If you’re going to work with a puppet, then at least know how to do it comfortably. Nothing is more uncomfortable to watch than a comedian who fumbles with his prop. Practice as much as you can in front of the mirror or videotape yourself. Introduce your puppet to your audience only when you’re at ease with manipulating it.

Create a totally different personality for your puppet.
A great way to expand your routine is to create a puppet with a comedy personality that’s totally your opposite or something that is different from the way you are. You could explore your differences and create some really great, fresh material from them. Nothing spells boring than a puppet which reminds the audience of the comedian or vise versa.

Your puppet doesn’t need to be funny looking.
A puppet that already looks like a joke may be a good idea and it might work, but it could limit your comedy routine. Besides, not every successful comedian/comedienne used a puppet which was funnier than the joke. As long as the joke is great, the audience will laugh at and with the puppet.

Your puppet should be as funny as you are.
Considering that he’s your partner in crime, make sure that your puppet shares equal air time with you. You will have to interact with your puppet, so don’t hoard the funny lines. If you and your puppet will have to share a business life together, then you better have a good relationship, at least in front of the audience.

Be mindful of some sensitive issues.
Okay, so maybe you’ve heard and made those handicapped jokes before and have probably had a few successes with them, but to try to extend them to your puppet or worse, use these issues to design the look of your puppet might be a little bit too much. Sure, any subject seems to be fair game when it comes to comedy, but there are ways to tell a funny joke without hurting anyone’s feelings or sensibilities.

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