Jonathan Katz to Teach a Masterclass at ImprovBoston:
The ImprovBoston Interview

Earlier this week, ImprovBoston's own Rachel Rosenthal sat down for a one-on-one interview with legendary comedian, writer, and producer Jonathan Katz.  Known for his work on Comedy Central's long-running Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist,  for which he received an Emmy, a Peabody, and two Cable Ace Awards, as well as acclaimed roles in movies, books, and his weekly podcast.  Katz is one of America's most innovative and consistently surprising comedy voices. In July and August of 2009, Katz will be teaching an ImprovBoston workshop in Short Form Comedy.

Rachel Rosenthal: I was reading your bio - and it says Author, producer, actor, comedian and musician - that's a lot on your plate!   What area do you like to work in the most?
 
Jonathan Katz: I think for years I've been almost apologetic about being a comedian, but I think that really (if you strip away the other roles I've played - Author, producer etc. back to since I was a musician) a comedian is really who I am.

RR: Following along those lines... You have done so much different stuff - how did you choose to specifically teach a class on short form work?  
 
JK: I think just the term short form comedy brought me there - the shortest form of comedy is "the joke." And some of my jokes are really short. Like, "my aunt died last week. She was cremated - we think that's what did it." I like efficiency in comedy. I admire comedians who can write efficiently.  
 
But in terms of creating something, I like the idea of the students in this class arriving with the expectations that by the time they leave - they will have a completed piece.  One of the requirements of the class is that you must create something that can exist online.   
 
Did you see my show? (Rachel - no, unfortunately I actually missed it) Ok well I look forward to talking to you again.  
 
(beat)  
 
Well in that show - and in others, I've worked a lot with audio, with powerpoint - different kinds of technology. I'd like this class to learn how to make a short form piece using either video, audio or a combo of both and I hope to guide them through it.  
 
Also - I actually hope to learn something by doing this. I'm 62 years old so I hope to learn a bunch relating to technology and comedy from the people in my class.  
 
RR: This seems like a great subject for a class because creating a short form online piece is just so applicable these days. Many comedians are trying to be seen through youtube etc.  
 
JK: It is a way to get seen in the world of comedy these days. But... someone who dropped a TV on their cat and posted it to youtube and had a million hits - that person isn't invited to this class. (I hope people don't misunderstand what you just wrote down and then all these people show up to the class with a tv and a cat.)  
 
RR: I take comedy ideas from my life, my family and tend to incorporate it into my act - what is your process? Is it based on your observations? Where do your ideas come from?
 
JK: I always start with real life. In fact I had written a sitcom years ago for CBS and after my daughter saw the pilot she said "Dad please make something UP!"  
 
Something I really want to teach this class is the value of hearing and seeing things out of context.  
 
For example, at a show I did, I was talking about my list of worst names for disinfectant.  
 
So... Genocide.  
 
The good person in me is like - that is a terrible name for a disinfectant! But the comedian in me... knows that when you take something out of context, it's funny.  
 
One day my wife brought me a cup of tea and I said it was Luke Warm. Luke Warm - that would be a terrible name for a country singer.  
 
It's funny when you take real things out of context like that.  
 
RR:  For those of us at ImprovBoston who would like to take comedy to the "next level" - any advice you have? Is there anything we should know about the business?  
 
JK: I think I could've saved myself 10 years of my career if I had been willing to make a fool out of myself.  
 
My stand up is pretty dead pan and for 15 years I did this same act every night.  
 
You need a willingness to make a fool out of yourself - as long as that isn't ALL you are doing.  Its one thing to be clever/amusing - and its another thing to be funny. Those things are very different.  
 
Also - this may see obvious but if you have a great idea for a sketch or a comedy bit or something - write IT DOWN. It is so important.  
 
RR: How did you hear about ImprovBoston?  
 
JK: I think I heard about a club that was on the first floor and looked into it. Accessibility is a key thing for me in a venue.
I have two diseases and they are both incurable
1. MS (but I can take drugs to deal with that)
2. Comedy (there is nothing you can take to stop it)
 
 
RR: What is next for Jonathan Katz?  
 
JK: I'm working on a new show called "Mr Games."  It's another cartoon and hopefully, you'll be seeing it soon.  
 
I'm also working on a new CD.  But, the podcast is the thing that drives me on a daily basis.  
 
The podcast is called "hey we're back" and it can be found on itunes or at wkatz.com.
 
Register for the class now at
6 Weeks Only, Saturdays 12:30-2:30 , July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15
At ImprovBoston (Mainstage), 40 Prospect St., Central Square, $250
 This class is full.