Double-take (comedy)

A double-take is a nonverbal communication in which a second look is taken at something with a marked physical reaction such as shock, astonishment, or amazement.[1]

In theatrical terms, a 'take' is a physical reaction to seeing something.[2] Comic characters often perform a double take because of the absurd world in which they are performing, and their audiences are often in a similar position when they have had an instant to reflect on a comic performance.[3] With correct timing a double-take seldom fails to get a laugh.[4] The double-take has probably been in the comedians repertoire for centuries and the term has been in general use since at least the 1940s.[4]

References
  1. Charney, Maurice (2005). Comedy: A Geographic and Historical Guide, Volume 2. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313327155. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  2. "Double Take". Theatre Dictionary. THEATRE DEVELOPMENT FUND. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  3. Hutchinson, Peter (2006). Landmarks in German Comedy. Peter Lang. ISBN 9783039101856. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  4. Harrison, Martin (1998). The Language of Theatre. Psychology Press. ISBN 9780878300877. Retrieved 13 October 2015.


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