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There is something about the vocal quality of the actors…

“There is something about the vocal quality of the actors who can really do it. Jim Burrows, the great sitcom director who directed Will & Grace and Cheers, when an actor comes in to audition for him, he never looks at them. He just listens. Because funny is funny. You can be fooled by the eye, but…” quote by Tim Matheson
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“There is something about the vocal quality of the actors who can really do it. Jim Burrows, the great sitcom director who directed Will & Grace and Cheers, when an actor comes in to audition for him, he never looks at them. He just listens. Because funny is funny. You can be fooled by the eye, but if your performance is funny to the ear, it will be funny.”

Tim Matheson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A director judges comedic talent by listening to timing and delivery, not appearance.

In simple terms: Comedy is judged by sound, not looks.

Key Takeaway

Focus on auditory performance.

Themes

comedy audition talent evaluation

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

advice insightful

When to use this quote

  • casting
  • stand‑up comedy
  • improv workshops

Key Concepts

humor perception listening skills

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess humor without seeing the performer?
  • What role does timing play in comedy?
A Different Perspective

Visual cues can mislead; sound alone may miss nuance.

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