The last year I've written dramas in a spectrum of gray to white. It's time to embark on the comedy. Not even the romantic comedy. The true comedy-comedy. And my audience is 4 to 6 year olds. Let's explore what makes them laugh:
1. The obvious, Slapstick: From the 3 Stooges to Ren and Stimpy, people (little people especially) love watching people fall down, trip into a pie, or lose a toupee.
2. Silly voices/clothes/faces: Silliness is absolutely key for the 4 to 6 year olds. They're silly little creatures. I must match em!
3. Sarcasm: Little snarky lines, followed by an intoxicating laugh track can go a long way sometimes.
4. Neurosises: A duck that can't swim? An owl afraid of the dark? A little girl who rejects everything pink, despite the fact that her mother brings her pink dress after pink dress and she soaks them each with her water gun? Neurosis can be golden.
5. A Character's Inability to Achieve Something Over the Long Term: Think Charlie Brown trying to kick that football. Think Doug Funny trying to ask out Patty Mayonnaise. Failure can make the little ones giggle!
6. Crazy, Inventive Oddities: "Spongebob Squarepants". The parents say "what?!" And the kids sing his theme song. "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!" He looks funny. He sounds funny. He makes serious money.
7. Repetition: Same catchline, predictable events they grow to anticipate, someone getting covered in mud everytime they try to dance. Rinse and repeat!
8. Tickling: Which I cannot do through the t.v., so I guess #8 doesn't really count.
Do you have any 4-6 year olds in your life? Do you remember what made you laugh when you were 4-6? Please do share!
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For some reason Alee thinks it's hilarious, when she asks my dad what his name is and he says, "Puddingtame! Ask me again and I'll tell you the same."
But your list seems pretty good. This entry is older, so you may already be done with the project, but if you ever need to borrow some kids, we have a few to spare. Also, the neighbors that I want to introduce you (I think you met November, the wife) have a boy who is 5 and a girl who is a VERY MATURE 3, and one on the way. But seriously, any Friday you want, let me know and I'll take you to the play group... there are lots of kids in that age range and all the moms drink wine.
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