Go to the following website: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/vshtml. This is the Library of Congress holding for vaudeville entertainment on the American stage in the late 19th and early 20th century. Explore the site thoroughly. Do you find any of the images or sound recordings funny? How can we explain the appeal of vaudeville in relation to today?
Visit the Humor Mall at http://www.humormall.com. Once there, look at all the jokes and writings on development technique. What do you find funny? Why? Examine how the urge to laugh is connected to life experience and personal narrative. Now do a search for your favorite comedian. How does their background influence their delivery and/or audience?
