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Comedy is learning to be funny, and you learn to be funny in small rooms with young audiences.
Joan Rivers
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Comedy is a skill that is developed through practice in intimate settings.

In this quote, Joan Rivers emphasizes that the art of comedy relies on the experiences gathered in small, intimate environments, particularly with young audiences. This suggests that learning and practicing in a close-knit setting allows comedians to understand their craft better, experiment with their humor, and connect with their audience on a personal level.

Themes

ComedyLearningAudiencePerformanceHumor

In practice

Example use cases

A comedian reflecting on their early career in a speech at a comedy festival.

More from Joan Rivers

I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it.
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"I've learned what's funny verbally ain't so funny on e-mail: They don't hear your intonations. Melissa broke up with somebody over that. She tried to tell him: "That was a joke!" But he just didn't get it. Mick Jagger said, "F- 'em if they don't get the joke." And I love him. That comes with age: Knowing it's their problem, not mine."
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I enjoy life when things are happening. I don't care if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive.
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Life goes by fast. Enjoy it. Calm down. It's all funny.
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Life is so tough. I don't know how old you are, but I've seen so much in a wink. One phone call and your life is changed forever. We all know that. You better laugh at everything.
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I walk on a stage, and I know if it's been a good show or not. You know when it's been a good interview. No one has to tell you. You know it. You feel it. You can feel the air. You can feel everything about it when it's a good show. And you know when you've messed up.
Joan RiversRead

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Quote by Joan Rivers | QuoteProject