| Zen and the Art of Stand-Up Comedy | 
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 15 reviews)
Sales Rank: 272166
Category: Book
Author: Jay Sankey
Publisher: Routledge/Theatre Arts Books
Studio: Routledge/Theatre Arts Books
Manufacturer: Routledge/Theatre Arts Books
Label: Routledge/Theatre Arts Books
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 214
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5
ISBN: 0878300740
Dewey Decimal Number: 792.7
EAN: 9780878300747
ASIN: 0878300740
Publication Date: April 23, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
The sound of one hand clapping may be the performer's worst nightmare. In this engaging and disarmingly frank book, comic Jay Sankey spills the beans, explaining not only how to write and perform stand-up comedy, but how to improve an perfect your work. This unique insider's look explores the finer points of stand-up comedy, including sources for ideas and writing the jokes; taking the stage, delivery and timing; dealing with nerves; breaking in new material;relating to the audience; marketing and self-promotion; and much more. Sankey enriches the understanding of anyone who is thinking about a career in this profession. Much more than a how-to manual, Zen an the Art of Stand-Up Comedy is the most detailed and comprehensive book on the topic to date. It is an invaluabl reference tool for amateurs and professionals, a thought-provoking look at performance art, and a source of inspiration for anyone seeking artistic growth.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 10 more reviews...
 A Great Book for the aspiring and seasoned Standup May 24, 2008
This is indeed an excellent read and FULL of great insights about nearly every aspect of Standup comedy (Writing, Performance, Delivery, The Audience, Set development, etc).
The author gives you great insight into both the "Art" and "Science" of standup. You can tell that he has a wealth of experience and shares it in a fun, easy to read kind of way.
I think if an aspiring Standup combines this book with Judy Carter's "The Comedy Bible" they will greatly shorten their learning curve into many aspects of Standup Comedy (of course this will have combined with actually getting up on stage a bunch of times).
That's good larnin'! December 3, 2007
This book's humor is a little...erm...Canadian, but the author is an experienced touring headliner and touches on a lot of topics that beginning through intermediate comics could use- solid advice on how to keep writing, keep building, edit material, professionalism, etc. Highly recommend!
Great book but some shortcomings March 1, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I found this book to be very thorough in covering most aspects of Stand-up performance, with some very original insights. It was however a very dense read. This was mainly due to so much content being covered in a relatively short space. I think Mr. Sankey needed to maybe give a few more examples/elaborations of the points he was making... not to clarify them, but rather to give the reader a chance to absorb them before proceeding to the next point. Do I recommed this book? DEFINITELY!!! It is a very realistic and ENCOURAGING read, with tons of info. I would have liked to see a bit more depth possibley by way of example AND because of its scope IT NEEDS AN INDEX!!!
 a workbook September 29, 2005
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
If you are curious about what makes things funny and how to get laughs, this book breaks it down. It is geared towards people breaking into the world of stand-up comedy, and even if you don't intend on making a career out of it, you can still learn a lot about being funny. If you want to be a stand-up comedian, this book is for you. If you are inclined to write, I suggest picking up a copy of The Comic Toolbox by Vorhaus.
Make this your first book on stand up comedy. June 24, 2005
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I've bought several books on stand up comedy and,this is the best book.I enjoyed reading and learning from the author.
He tells you what you need to know,why you need to know it and gets to the point real quick.He doesnt bore you.The author shares his experiences and explains things in a very sensible way and very clearly.And,in simple english too.This guy is your friend who just wants to help you be good at stand up comedy and reduce your chances of doing badly.
If you want a book that will help you in your new career or you're thinking about it then buy this book first.This book is the one book you will keep with you.
I have nothing negative to say about this book at all.Its great value and has so much to offer.Thanks,Jay!
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