Just last night I took a train ride home from down town Los Angeles. Not something as common in this city of dreams, where most of us drive to get from one block to the end of our streets. But I went against the norm, rode the metro, and I sure am glad I did.

Aside from saving time and gas, I was entertained by a little itty bitty voice just two seats in front of me who started singing “A…b…c…d…e…f…g…h…i…j…k…l…r…v.” Wait! Then the giggles started and strangers began looking at one another versus their phones or out the windows with warmth and wide open grins. The innocence of her attempt at reciting the ABC song, connected 40 passengers aboard an anticipated “Metro Red Line” onto a “Welcomed warm line” ride home.

Now we know our A, B, C’s – next time won’t you laugh with me? Yes! By taking some- thing we learned in one way, and changing context, it results in a plethora of humor. For example, what happens when we adjust our point of view to our ABC’s? How would it sound singing it after a 3 hour ride in bumper to bumper traffic at the top of our lungs?

Shifting our point of view ignites energy and playfulness, and when we play, we laugh.

Nicolas Cage exemplifies this from the Film “Vampire’s Kiss” while saying the alphabet in a fit of rage to his therapist. This in turns, ends up to be very comedic.

5 Ways to explore finding the funny from the basics!

Sing the ABC’s as:
An 80 year old
A 6 year old
As if you just won the lottery!
As a news correspondent
As an opera singer

By delivering with different circumstances, you will:
1) Learn that point of view is what drives words to a whole new meaning.
2) Heighten the ability to emotionally express.
3) Shift fury into funny in a matter of minutes.
4) Introduce how using our imaginations turns into comedy gold.

So on your next ride to work or school, pay attention to the details around you. By increasing your awareness, you’ll be amazed by the funnies you will find!

About the Author: Susanna SPIES is one of Your Monthly Mentors, a seasoned educator and Founder and President of Comedy Playground, LLC, showcasing at The Hollywood Improv located in California. With a performance background, Spies has worked within mediums of television and film, and has performed stand up comedy on stages throughout the nation. Known for her many “faces”, in 2013 she debuted over 30 characters in her one-woman show “The Dryer” and was featured on Nuvo TV’s Stand & Deliver, E-One Entertainment’s Uncontrolled Comedy, and the Youtube sensation “Carol” of “Carol & Claire in The Angela Hoover web series, as well as dozens of national commercials, and Independent Feature Films. Read More… 

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Cover Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.