Despite what you may have heard, “Burlesque” means “parody” and not “striptease”.   In the first of this two-part class, we examine the history of burlesque in comedy (and comedy in burlesque). Some of the most famous American comics got their start on the burlesque stage. Burlesque has its roots in a long comic tradition — and a lot of modern comic traditions have their roots in burlesque. This class is a look at the evolution of burlesque from the commedia dell’arte of the 16th century to the modern day.  Through video, readings of actual burlesque comic scripts, and a discussion of the rise and fall of the comedian in the world of burlesque, students will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for what burlesque was and can be.  This class is ideal for both performers and non-performers alike.

NOTE: Many traditional burlesque comic routines used language and stereotypes which are offensive to a modern audience and not appropriate for a modern stage.  We may look at some of these facets in the course of the class in a historical context.