The Adaptation of Anecdotal Standup Comedy to Dramatic Writing for Vets First

Abstract

In anecdotal standup comedy, a comedian’s personal story is often conveyed through humor. Humor makes uneasy topics digestible and plating it with personal experience invites the audience to connect with the standup comic, usually the writer, in a personal way. This connection disarms the audience, exposing them to new thoughts and different perspectives likening today’s comedian to yesterday’s philosopher. In this manner, humor can reveal truth and provoke critical thinking. Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony that the White House repeatedly pressured Facebook to censor humor and satire is a testament to humor’s power. Vets First adapts anecdotal standup comedy writing to dramatic writing. In turn, the characters often engage in humoristic dialogue and action that expose their feelings, thoughts, and opinions derived from their lived experience. With a focus on veterans, social issues such as health, suicide, feelings, emotions, dating, relationships, and readjustment, are discussed in a funny and inviting way. There are approximately 7000 post 9/11 combat deaths, yet over 30,000 suicides. Through purpose without activism, Vets First aims to reach veterans through its character’s example while circumventing the algorithms of censorship.