17
Mar 2025
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Drama Classes for Kids
Mayoor Private School, 42nd St. Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ashish Vidyarthi is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Odia, Marathi and Bengali films. He is noted for his antagonist and character roles. In 1995, he received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Drohkaal. He has also received several awards including a Filmfare Award South along with nominations for two Filmfare Awards. Ashish has worked in 11 languages in over 300 films. He is the co-founder and curator of AVID MINER Conversations, which are interactive modules customized for organizations. Currently, he has a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers and he often vlogs about food.
Read moreThe Art of Storytelling in Stand-up Comedy
Stand-up comedy is much more than a collection of
jokes—it’s an art form grounded in storytelling, connecting with the audience,
and crafting punchlines that resonate. Comedians like Jerry Seinfeld emphasize
the importance of narrative in comedy, demonstrating how a memorable joke can
be part of a larger, cohesive story. Through personal anecdotes and
experiences, comedians create a sense of familiarity, allowing audiences to
relate and laugh. The economy of words in a punchline can be all it takes to
trigger laughter and leave a lasting impression. As Seinfeld suggests, the best
comedy bits stick with audiences, their impact lingering long after the curtain
closes.
Observational Comedy
Observational comedy is a genre that transforms ordinary situations and behaviors into comedic gold, spotlighting moments we all encounter but might overlook. Comedians who excel in this style possess a unique ability to turn the mundane into the hilarious, leading audiences to laugh at the familiar. Originating in the 1950s, observational comedy became popular in the United States with pioneers like Shelly Berman paving the way. These comedians cover a wide range of topics, from everyday interactions to complex issues like politics, religion, gender, and race. By injecting humor into their observations, they not only entertain but also invite reflection and challenge societal norms.
Language is the
cornerstone of observational comedy, with the choice of words determining
whether a joke hits home or misses the mark. The best observational comedians
craft their sets with precision, creating humor that resonates deeply with
audiences. Beyond simply eliciting laughter, these comedians play a vital role
in easing tension and fostering better mental health, demonstrating the
therapeutic power of humor to bring lightness and relief into our lives.
Sketch Comedy
Sketch comedy consists
of short, fast-paced comedic scenes or skits. With its roots in Vaudeville,
sketch comedy is all about delivering a punchy comedic premise quickly,
typically with a beginning, middle, and end that follow a heightening arc.
Various types of sketch comedy cater to different themes and styles.
Political sketches focus on current political events, often lampooning
politicians or government decisions. Genre Parody Sketches playfully use the
stylistic elements of movie or TV genres, such as film noir, action, or horror,
and infuse them into everyday scenarios to create humor. Commercial Parodies
mimic popular commercials or advertising campaigns with a twist, turning
familiar pitches into comedy. Musical parodies employ song lyrics and melodies
to spoof well-known music or genres, resulting in laughter-inducing send-ups of
popular tunes.
The Joy of Stand-up Comedy: Where Entertainment Meets Connection
Stand-up comedy brings a wide range of benefits, not just for those on stage but also for the audiences who attend the shows. For new comedians, stepping into the spotlight offers an exhilarating experience that builds confidence and hones public speaking skills. The relaxed setting of comedy clubs creates an inviting atmosphere where newcomers can break out of their shells and develop their unique comedic voice.
Performing stand-up comedy sharpens a comedian's quick thinking, as they must craft engaging stories and deliver punchlines that captivate audiences. Beyond the benefits for performers, stand-up comedy is a source of entertainment that eases stress and spreads joy through shared laughter. It provides a unique platform for tackling life’s challenges with humor, encouraging discussions on socio-cultural and political topics in a lighthearted manner.
