


Virginia Scott
TEACHER * DIRECTOR * COACH * COMEDY FIXER
Whether we pursue together Clown, Commedia, Physical Comedy or any other style, we'll start with everything you bring, and make it work!
Tippy Topwell
Relentlessly positive and kooky as all get out, Tippy Topwell delivers physical comedy & eccentric dance to delight and amaze!

Tippy Topwell has spread her special brand of unstoppable optimism all over New York, appearing at such venues as
*The Visionary summer residency*
*The Idiot's Hour*
*Bindlestiff's Open Stage Variety Show*
*Ha or Nah? Joke Lab*
and
*PhysFest*
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While her nephew and accompanenneniest, John, is furiously booking her next appearances, follow her on the socials, why don'tcha?
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Physical Comedy Class
"We haven't seen those guys."
"It kills me that I got lazy using writers - not using me. We were funny people. We didn't have to tell funny stories. We were funny. We had funny bones. There are two types of comedians. There's a funny bones comedian and a non-funny bones comedian. They're both funny. One is funny. The other tells funny." ~ Jerry Lewis in Funny Bones
Learn how to design and execute an array of physical comedy events when playing characters in plays/film/video (they can tell you what to say but you have more license over your action), or building your own routines as a clown, stand up, variety performer, TIKtok star, etc.
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Comedians (including physical ones) sometimes say, “you can’t teach someone to be funny.” You might detect how this statement could be just a tad self-serving. Of course if you are deeply committed to being boring there is little to be done. But that is surely not you! Truth is, design and execution of physical comedy is a skill you can learn, and then use to augment your artistic expression, and have a blast. Wanna have some fun acting again?! You make a playground for yourself and then you play upon it.
Virginia Scott developed a new physical comedy curriculum during the pandemic. It includes a handy dandy handbook! In this class, you'll analyze some classic physical comedy turns and then you'll build some of your own. You will have the opportunity to try out a variety of categories of physical comedy such as problems with objects; takes; distraction and flights of fancy; and trips, hits and falls. We’ll investigate how to develop these games using rhythm, repetition, sequencing successes and failures, escalation, and of course sharing with the audience. Plus we’ll look at physically comic characters and their vocal and physical gestures. Develop the necessary timing to go on this particular kind of hilarious joy ride and you'll never be boring on stage or on screen (even when the writing or directing is!). You'll leave with a shiny new routine to take home for your very own.
Physical Comedy Analysis ONLINE!

Physical comedy students have been asking for more analysis time and I'm such a nerd like that! I'm pleased as punch to offer some nitty gritty deconstruction of the premises, mechanics, elements, modifiers and acting of the great routines and physically comedic performance turns. I'll bring some examples to each session for us to pull apart and understand, and offer a chance for participants to bring videos (of themselves or others) about which they are curious. You'll receive access to my updated Physical Comedy Manual and we'll see what's what! All are welcome!



