Scott Sedita - The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting and Writing

Praise for Scott Sedita and THE EIGHT CHARACTERS OF COMEDY

Scott Seditas sitcom class and his bookThe Eight Characters of Comedytook my acting to a whole new level!

- Allie Grant, Series Regular, Weeds, Suburgatory

Scott Sedita is truly a genius!The Eight Characters of Comedyis an indispensable secret weapon for comedy TV writers. In a pilot script its very important that characters are clearly defined and have razor-sharp edges. Scotts book helps me achieve this and has earned its place on my desk as a top-notch reference guideindeed, its a writers GPS that guides you in creating clear, relatable and funny characters. Every TV comedy writer should own this book.

- David Holden, Sitcom Writer, Executive Producer

The Eight Characters of Comedymay be one of the best acting books Ive ever had the good fortune to pick up! And its funny!

- Backstage

Seditas keen insight and analysis ofThe Eight Characters of Comedyis amazing! There has never been anything like this in print before. AND IT WORKS! I have seen his acting students create wonderful characters from this astute understanding of sitcom characters.

- Mary Lou Belli, Emmy-Award Winning Sitcom Director

The Eight Characters of Comedyhas a permanent place on my list of recommended books for my actors!

- Brianna Barcus-Ancel, Vice President, Clear Talent Group

Scott Seditas sitcom class and hisEight Characters of Comedyhave had a huge influence on my directing and have made communicating with actors much easier.

- Roger Christiansen, Sitcom Director (over 100 episodes of Friends)

If Id read Seditas bookThe Eight Characters of Comedywhen I was auditioning for sitcoms, I would be living in a much nicer house now! - Judy Carter, Author, The Comedy Bible Every actor auditioning for sitcoms should readThe Eight Characters of Comedy!

- Collin Daniel, Casting Director, Hot In Cleveland

There is no other book available that helps new sitcom actors understand the craft of sitcom acting and how they can break into the industry!The Eight Characters of Comedygives actors (and writers) a blueprint for creating real and hilarious, complex characters that will get them work in this challenging genre.

- David Sweeney, President, Sweeney Entertainment

In sitcoms, character is everything. Scott SeditasThe Eight Characters of Comedybreaks down all the classic genre archetypes with keen insights and thoughtful analysis. Its an invaluable tool that will give any aspiring sitcom actor or writer a leg up in making his or her work stand out and shine. Dont be The Lovable Loser or The Dumb One. Be The Logical Smart One and buy this book!

- Manny Basanese, Sitcom Writing Teacher, UCLA Extension

Scott Sedita is a comedic genius! He teaches actors what it takes to understand the theories and techniques of breaking down sitcom scripts and characters. I have ALL my clients readThe Eight Characters of Comedy.

- Mara Santino, Talent Manager, Luber Rocklin Entertainment

I wanted to get better at comedy, so I went to Scott Sedita. A few months later, I booked a series regular on a sitcom! Karma? Maybe. Sedita? Absolutely!

- Jonathan Chase, Actor

Not only is this book a must for aspiring television writers, it should be on the table of every writers room. I learned more reading Scotts insightful analysis of characters than I did reading hundreds of actually-produced scripts. I wish Id had this book when I was starting out. It wouldve shortened my learning curve and helped those first spec scripts I wrote not completely suck. Seriously, fantastic book!

- Tod Himmel, Sitcom Writer, Executive Producer

In his book, Scott Sedita has dissected comedy archetypes in a way that is REVOLUTIONARY! This secret weapon should be part of any aspiring actors or writers arsenal.

- Jed Seidel, Writer, Executive Producer

This is a bible for actors who are preparing for auditions and creating a comedic character. It will help them to keep focus on what each of the eight characters wants and needs, in order to stay true to the parameters of the character they have chosen. I insist all my actors take Scotts One Day Comedy Intensive and not only READ this book, but STUDY it!

- Judy Kerr, Sitcom Dialogue Coach

Nobody has given me more confidence when it comes to comedy than Scott. He is THE must-see comedy coach, and this is THE must-read comedy book.

- Jennifer Finnigan, Actress

In sitcom casting, the guy who gets the most laughs wins. Understanding how to build realistic, complex, yet funny characters is vital to getting those critical laughs in the room. Scotts unique and fascinating book is the starting point for any actor or writer hoping to break into sitcoms.

- Patrick Baca, CSA, Board of Governors, Casting Society of America

A House Built on Sand Will Not Stand. And thats what Scott SeditasThe Eight Characters of Comedygives the actor; a rockThe Characteras the foundation for a great performance. As Scott dissects the core building blocks inherent in each character, he allows the actor to completely free themself to create a spontaneous, free-form and truthful portrayal. And, as most insiders know, truth makes the ultimate comedy.

- Peter Kluge, CEO, Impact Artists Group

WithThe Eight Characters of Comedy,Scott Sedita shows why he is the top comedy coach. His informative and unique approach serves as a blueprint for actors who want to understand half-hour television and what it takes to become a sitcom star.

- Stew Strunk & Tracy Steinsapir, Presidents, Main Title Entertainment

The Eight Characters of Comedy
A Guide to Sitcom Acting and Writing
by Scott Sedita

Published by:
Atides Publishing
526 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004, USA
www.SitcomActing.com
#scottsedita

Copyright 2006, 2014 by Scott Sedita
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.

2nd Edition, completely revised
ISBN: 978-0-9770641-2-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Sedita, Scott
Atides Publishing
The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting and Writing
-1st Edition
Includes index
Subjects: Situation comedies, characters and characteristics in literature, television acting Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2005931094 LC Classification: PN1992.8.C66 S43 2006 Original ISBN: 0-9770641-0-7

Cover and Interior Design: Greg Hain
Cover photos: Tim Harrington
Editor: Jim Martyka

First printing: 2006
Second printing: 2014
Printed in the United States of America

In Loving Memory Of

My Mother Doris

A single mother of three boys, she worked 12 hours a day and so sitcoms became my babysitter. Shed always joke, Someday, youll turn into a sitcom.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, I would like to thank fellow sitcom aficionado Jim Martyka for his dedication to helping me research, edit and self-publish this book.