SYNOPSIS: An introduction to comedy with non-royalty plays and sketches. For big laughs, comedy relies on exaggeration, incongruity, automatism, character inconsistency, surprise and derision. Now a book that defines and demonstrates each of these devices with twenty-two short sketches and one-act plays. This unique overview of high and low comedy defines all comedy genres: absurdism, tragicomedy, farce and melodrama. The different types of comedy are compared to show the differences of each form. A discussion precedes each type of comedy illustrated, explaining the comic devices used. Following each sketch or play are notes reviewing what must be considered for acting the roles and preparing the total production. The reader will find many insights along the way about how to write and perform each comedy style successfully. This books is user-friendly for teaching, acting practice, and live presentations.