At lunch I see Ethan sitting alone at the end of a table. I go and sit by him. Logan and Talia come with me. I told them about my conversation with Ethan during 3rd period.
"Hey," I say.
"'Sup," says Logan, "you're Ethan, right?"
"Yes, sir." says Ethan. "Who are you guys? I mean, I kinda know you, Leo. But who are these two?"
"Oh, this is Logan and Talia. They're my best friends. We have some things we'd like to ask you," I say.
"Whoa, am I under arrest or something?"
Logan chuckles. Not gross. Not quite stupid. Almost. Real. Comedy.
"Ha, no. But I have some questions about comedy for you."
"Oh, I'm not a comedian," says Ethan assuringly.
"That's not really what I mean. What, in your mind, can be classified as comedy?"
Ethan thinks for a minute. "I'll tell you what ISN'T comedy. Stupidity in different voices. Stupid faces. Stupid gross jokes. Randomness can be funny, but only when it's still somewhat clever. Not just answering a question with an obviously incorrect answer. I think comedy should be clever."
This guy is a genius. Maybe because he's just like me. He knows all about what comedy should be.
"I agree," Talia says, "and what do you think about the comedic stylings of Jamal Woods?"
"I feel like I'm repeating myself. I think it's stupid. Stupid faces. Stupid noises. Not true comedy." says Ethan.
Not. True. Comedy. Interesting catchphrase.
"Why do you guys want to know?" he asks. But not in a mean way.
"We just think you're right. We're a lot like you. We like to say we think comedy is more of a science. You know, randomness times wit times sarcasm. That kind of stuff."
"Nice. I feel like I'm in class. 'Comedy 101'."
I laugh.
"Hey, Leo. We should all hang out somewhere after school today to discuss your act. Tryouts are next week, you know. Maybe Ethan can come, too...I mean, if he wants to." Talia says.
"You're going to be in the Talent Show? Cool. Where should we meet?", Ethan asks.
"How about my place? Does 4:00 work for you guys?" Logan asks helpfully.
"Sure," I say. The bell rings. "See you then."
I stride out of the lunchroom, into my 5th period class (math), and straight into Jamal Woods.
YOU ARE READING
Comedy 101
Humor6th Grader Leo Price has always been a comedian. The thing is, he sees comedy differently. He prefers witty and sarcastic comedy, not gross and stupid comedy. And with the school talent show coming up, now is his time to prove that he is the funnies...
