prop comic
Object-wielding humorist
A prop comic is a comedian whose act relies heavily on physical objects rather than purely verbal humor.
The props might be homemade contraptions, oversized versions of everyday items, or ordinary objects used in unexpected ways.
Gallagher smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer is perhaps the most iconic example of the form.
He's a prop comic, so expect visual gags rather than clever wordplay.
The style is sometimes dismissed as lowbrow compared to observational or intellectual comedy.
- stand-upSolo comedic performance
- entertainerOne who amuses others
- vaudevillianVariety show performer
- buskerPublic-space entertainer seeking donations
Howie Mandel · Harpo Marx · clown · jester · harlequin · funnyman · showman · performer
Exaggerated physical humor
- visual humorComedy through images
- sight gagsHumor through action, not words
- pratfallComedic fall on buttocks
- pieingHurling pastry at faces
knockabout · buffoonery · clowning · pantomime · mugging · shtick · gimmick · farce
Latex novelty poultry prop
- whoopee cushionAir-filled prank device
- seltzer bottleCarbonated water dispenser
- custard pieEgg-based baked dessert
- squirting flowerTrick lapel accessory
exploding cigar · balloon animals · puppets · dummies · gadgets · costumes · wigs · novelty items
Theatrical variety entertainment
- burlesqueExaggerated mockery or risqué variety
- variety showProgram mixing different performances
- music hallVenue for live entertainment
- revueMusical variety entertainment
cabaret · circus · minstrelsy · sideshow · carnival · novelty act
Gallagher
- stand-upSolo comedic performance
- entertainerOne who amuses others
- vaudevillianVariety show performer
Howie Mandel · Harpo Marx · busker · clown · jester · harlequin · funnyman · showman · performer · act
slapstick
Exaggerated physical humor
- visual humorComedy through images
- sight gagsHumor through action, not words
- pratfallComedic fall on buttocks
pieing · knockabout · buffoonery · clowning · pantomime · mugging · shtick · gimmick · farce · lowbrow
rubber chicken
Latex novelty poultry prop
- whoopee cushionAir-filled prank device
- seltzer bottleCarbonated water dispenser
- custard pieEgg-based baked dessert
squirting flower · exploding cigar · balloon animals · puppets · dummies · gadgets · costumes · wigs · novelty items · gimmicks
vaudeville
Theatrical variety entertainment
- burlesqueExaggerated mockery or risqué variety
- variety showProgram mixing different performances
- music hallVenue for live entertainment
revue · cabaret · circus · minstrelsy · sideshow · carnival · novelty act
routine
Regular sequence of actions
improvisation · timing · delivery · reveal · setup · punchline · audience · stage · spotlight · monologue
prop comicobservational comic
Humorist noting life's quirks
monologist · stand-up comedian · deadpan comic · wit · raconteur
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