Comedy Across Media: Introduction to Performance Studies

Comedy is more than just a laugh; it is a powerful form of social commentary and artistic expression that changes shape depending on where it is performed. This text-based course guides you through the mechanics of humor across diverse formats, from traditional theater to modern digital spaces. By reading through these structured modules, you will develop a critical framework for analyzing how comedy operates as both an aesthetic art and a social interaction. You will transition from a casual viewer to an insightful critic capable of deconstructing comedic writing, timing, and media-specific performance strategies. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational theories of humor and performance studies. - Analyze how comedy adapts when moving from the live stage to digital platforms. - Examine the historical and social role of satire, parody, and irony in media. - Deconstruct modern comedic structures, including memes, short-form text humor, and audio-only performance. - Apply performance analysis techniques to written scripts, sketches, and digital transcripts. The course starts with essential terminology and the core theories of humor before moving on to practical readings and analytical exercises that explore comedy in theater, print, and contemporary online spaces. This course is designed for beginners interested in theater, media studies, or creative writing, with no prior academic background required. Start reading today to unlock the mechanics behind what makes us laugh.