Corpsing

Corpsing is a term used in theatre and television to describe an actor's inability to stay in character, often resulting in uncontrollable laughter. This phenomenon can occur during live performances or recorded scenes and is typically seen as unprofessional, though it can sometimes endear actors to their audience.

Origin of the Term

The term "corpsing" is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom. It is thought to derive from the idea of an actor playing a corpse who inadvertently causes other actors to laugh, thus "corpsing" them. The term has since been adopted in various forms of performing arts.

Causes of Corpsing

Corpsing can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Ad-libbing or unexpected improvisation by fellow actors.
• Unintentional mistakes or bloopers.
• The inherent humor in a scene or dialogue.
• Nervousness or stage fright.

Impact on Performances

While corpsing can disrupt a performance, it is often met with a forgiving attitude from audiences, especially in comedy settings. However, in more serious or dramatic productions, corpsing can be seen as a significant lapse in professionalism.

Notable Instances

Several famous actors have been known for their susceptibility to corpsing. For example, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman were well-known for causing each other to break character on The Carol Burnett Show. Similarly, Jimmy Fallon frequently corpsed during his tenure on Saturday Night Live.

Prevention and Management

Actors and directors employ various techniques to minimize corpsing, such as:

• Rigorous rehearsals to ensure familiarity with the material.
• Developing strong focus and concentration skills.
• Using breathing exercises to manage nervousness.

Related Pages

• Theatre
• Television
• Comedy
• Improvisation
• Blooper
• Stage fright