The Gauntlet: How to Create 12 Characters in 1 Minute

I remember the first time I saw Robin Williams explode from one character to the next, from a silly Russian to Shakespearian persona and the to a southern Baptists priest. I remember thinking how special that was and that I could never do that. After studying comedy for a number of years not only can I do that, but I found a way teach people to do it. I teach people how to do, “The Gauntlet.”

Think about your vocal range as a ladder. It has a top, a bottom and maybe rungs. Each rung has a different pitch. Call yourself by each name starting at the top of your vocal range and end at the bottom of your vocal range.

I’m Albert and I love comedy
I’m Bruce and I love writing
I’m Curtis and I love dogs
I’m David and I love sales
I’m Evan and I love improvisation

Technically you just did 5 characters. Next add variety of pace. Start back at the top and say the line as fast as you can. Say each line a little slower until the last line is at a snails pace. Do it again, top to bottom, but say one word wrong. Do it again but pause for no reason in a different play. Do it again but stretch one word. For example I love doooooogs. This is just the beginning. Reach out to me for 1 on 1, and team coaching 480-784-7258