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Summary: Bright Light on Even Dark Subjects
Review: Greg Dean's "Step By Step To Stand Up Comedy" is like good-tasting yet powerful medicine. His uncommonly simple and sensical way of explaining the structure of comedy and the strategy for creating great comedy, is brilliant. I find this book an instant and constant idea-generator for me. As the author of the book, "Jack and Jill, Why They Kill," my subject--kids killing kids--could be perceived by those not wearing sunglasses as a dark topic. However, with "Step By Step To Stand Up Comedy" as my constant coach, I have been able to illuminate and elevate my topic so much that people don't exodus the hall when I am introduced but actually stay for my entire presentations, as much for the jokes they contain, as for the vital message of how to rear violence-free, bully-free, and gun-free children. Bravo, Greg Dean...and thank you!
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Summary: So you think you're funny...
Review: Greg Dean's book is unique. Completely and absolutely. Other comedy self-help books tell you how you can be "funny" even if you're NOT already. Not much chance of that happening! No, Dean's book won't make you funny. BUT if you already have a good sense of humor, Greg Dean's techniques will make you funnier than you've ever been before. Dean's easy-to-understand teaching method makes this a must-have for the beginner and professional alike. There's stuff in here you won't see ANYWHERE ELSE!
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Summary: Not Just for Stand-Up Comics!
Review: Greg's book has really helped me on 2 independent fronts: The effective performance of stand-up comedy, and COMEDY WRITING! This is an important point for those who are writers, not performers. Of all the books I've ever read on comedy, this is the first one to actually outline a concrete process for quickly generating a significant volume of humorous material. This should be very useful for anyone doing any kind of script writing.Naturally, the writing methods described in the book are also quite helpful for performers, as are the in-depth instructions for actually doing stand up comedy. I've used this book as a constant source of inspiration in rehearsing and to raise my spirits right before performances. It's literally the kind of book that I can open to just about any page, read for 10 minutes, and come away with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Some books I've read on this subject have a few good parts, but this one has high-quality material from start to finish. If you're looking for a true textbook on comedy (both writing and performance), this is the only book you'll need.
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Summary: true comedy structure
Review: I feel this book is the best stand up comedy book involving in writing, structuring, and performing. It is a little better then Judy Carters The Comedy Bible. But if you really thinking about getting into comedy this is the book for you.
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Summary: I loved it!!
Review: I found this book very informative and useful. Greg Dean really knows what he is talking about. There are sections on how to deal with hecklers and how to handle the microphone. Not much else to say except that you should get this book if you are serious about doing comedy.
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Summary: Wow... funny can be taught
Review: I have read all of titles devoted to Stand Up Comedy technique and performance and found them to be nothing more than an ex comedian or comedy bookers idea of what they think is/was funny. They all seem to say, "Write some material by making associations, try it in clubs, re write, try it again and take my class." Not very insightful!!!This is the only comedy book devoted to the internal development of what it takes to go from not funny to funny. It should be considered the first major work to answer the myth that 'funny' can not be taught.
Rating: 
Summary: Complicates things too much.
Review: I just didn't find this book that useful. It over copmlicates joke structures. Not really that helpful. A couple of good ideas on dealing with stage fright, but overall not worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Complicates things too much.
Review: I just didn't find this book that useful. It over copmlicates joke structures. Not really that helpful. A couple of good ideas on dealing with stage fright, but overall not worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: This book is GREAT
Review: I loved Greg Dean's book. I've read other comedy books that talk about what it's like to write jokes but this is the only book I know of that actually walks you through the steps of writing jokes. It helped me write new jokes and gags for my act and it helped me polish the stuff I already was doing to make it better. The exercises make you actively do the work as opposed to just reading about it. I loved it.
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Summary: From England...
Review: I'm from England and I was recommemeded this book by a friend and it's really brilliant. Really inspirational. The jokes bits are very useful although VERY American (but it's handy to see where you're coming from) and the bits on performing are totally great - I don't know if anyone else has done anything like this! Critic versus performer - very useful. It also includes a bit on neuro-linguistic programming! Excellent!
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