Comedy actors come from all different backgrounds and levels of training. Some go to college and study theater, while others participate in local theaters and comedy groups. Many comedians train at sketch and improv theaters made specifically for comedy, such as Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Improv Olympic and the Groundlings. Many cast members of “Saturday Night Live” and other comedy shows have come from these theaters.
Comedy acting shows up in a variety of forms. In addition to television and movies, comedy actors work in other areas, such as commercials, Internet videos, live sketch shows, live improv shows and stand-up comedy. There are many ways funny people can share their talent. Many work in one area before branching off into another, such as being a stand-up comic for several years before successfully breaking into the television and film world.
Part of being a good comedy actor is studying comedy writing. It’s not enough to just know how to deliver a great joke, but also how to write it. Some comedy actors got their start writing for comedy TV shows and then were offered a chance to perform and their careers took off from there. Plus, being able to write comedy is essential if you wish to perform your own material, such as stand-up comedy or a sketch show you create.
Comedy actors want laughs, but they must exercise control while performing, especially when performing in groups. It can be natural to want to one-up the others and show you’re the funniest, but this can work against the group. The craziest voice or action isn’t always the funniest. Sometimes a subtle change in facial expression or a quiet delivery is funnier than falling over or shouting a line.