What Is It Called When Actors Can’t Stop Laughing?

By Webmaster

  • What Is It Called When Actors Can’t Stop Laughing?

    One of the most relatable and amusing things to witness is when actors, whether on stage, on a film set, or during a live performance, simply can’t keep it together and break into uncontrollable laughter. This phenomenon has a name: “breaking” or sometimes referred to as a “corpsing” in theater and film circles.

    But what exactly does it mean, and why does it happen? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this delightful display of human vulnerability and explore its impact on performances.


    What Does “Breaking” or “Corpsing” Mean?

    “Breaking” occurs when an actor inadvertently steps out of character, usually due to uncontrollable laughter, and disrupts the performance. The term “corpsing,” often used in British theater, reportedly originated from actors laughing while playing dead bodies on stage. Whether it’s called breaking or corpsing, it refers to the same irresistible wave of laughter that interrupts the flow of the scene.


    Why Do Actors Break Into Laughter?

    1. Unintended Humor
      Sometimes a line, facial expression, or action—either intentional or accidental—comes off far funnier than expected. When an actor is caught off guard, it’s hard to resist laughing.

    Example: A co-star improvising a hilarious line that wasn’t in the script.


    1. Inside Jokes
      Actors often spend hours, days, or even months together during productions, and inside jokes inevitably develop. A seemingly innocuous moment can trigger these private jokes, causing uncontrollable laughter.

    Example: A single glance from a co-star who knows exactly how to make you laugh.


    1. High-Pressure Situations
      Live performances or scenes requiring intense concentration can paradoxically make actors more prone to breaking. The tension of “getting it right” sometimes bursts out as laughter at the most inopportune moment.

    Example: An actor trying to keep a straight face during a dramatic monologue while their co-star makes a subtle but funny gesture.


    1. Unexpected Mistakes
      Props falling over, costume malfunctions, or someone flubbing a line can throw off even the most seasoned performers. When the unexpected strikes, laughter is often the natural reaction.

    Example: A fake mustache falling off mid-scene, leaving everyone in stitches.


    1. Contagious Laughter
      Laughter is highly contagious. If one actor starts giggling, it often spreads to the rest of the cast, creating a ripple effect that’s difficult to stop.

    Example: A single chuckle during a serious scene snowballs into full-blown laughter from the entire cast.


    When Breaking Happens: Famous Examples

    • Saturday Night Live (SNL): The live nature of sketch comedy makes breaking a frequent occurrence. Jimmy Fallon and Bill Hader, in particular, were known for struggling to keep a straight face during sketches.
    • Friends: During filming, the cast would occasionally lose it over improvised lines or unexpected mistakes, many of which were captured in blooper reels.
    • The Office: Steve Carell’s improvisational brilliance often left his co-stars breaking, particularly during awkward or ridiculous scenes.

    Is Breaking Always Bad?

    Breaking can disrupt the flow of a performance, especially in live theater, where the audience notices every slip. However, it’s not always negative:

    • In Comedy: Breaking can enhance the humor, as audiences enjoy seeing actors lose control. Shows like SNL and The Carol Burnett Show have made breaking a beloved part of their charm.
    • In Blooper Reels: Breaking often results in some of the most memorable moments during production, giving audiences a glimpse of the fun behind the scenes.
    • In Live Theater: While it can be disruptive, audiences often appreciate the spontaneity and humanity of actors laughing in the moment.

    How Do Actors Recover from Breaking?

    Experienced actors have their tricks to recover from breaking:

    1. Refocusing on the Scene: They might take a deep breath or focus on their next line to regain composure.
    2. Avoiding Eye Contact: Looking away from a co-star who’s also laughing can help reduce the temptation to giggle.
    3. Using the Laughter: Sometimes, actors incorporate the laughter into their performance, making it feel natural and intentional.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • Who Plays Santa in the Target Commercial?

    Who Plays Santa in the Target Commercial? Meet Brent Bailey, the ‘Weirdly Hot’ Santa Turning Heads This Holiday Season (By Carmichael Phillip) In the ever-evolving landscape of holiday advertising, Target’s 2024 campaign introduced…

    Who is the Girl in the Mercury Commercial?

    Who is the Girl in the Mercury Commercial? A Closer Look at the Actress Captivating Viewers in Mercury Insurance Ads (By Carmichael Phillip) In the ever-competitive world of advertising, a single character can…

    Who is the Old Spice Guy?

    Who is the Old Spice Guy? Unveiling the Man Behind the Iconic Commercials That Redefined Masculinity and Humor (By Carmichael Phillip) Old Spice’s bold, humorous, and visually dynamic commercials have been a staple…

    How Many Final Destination Movies Are There?

    How Many Final Destination Movies Are There? Tracing the Evolution of a Death-Defying Horror Franchise (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Genesis of a Gruesome Franchise Since its debut in 2000, the Final Destination…

    Who Is the Woman in the Capital One Commercial with John Travolta?

    Who Is the Woman in the Capital One Commercial with John Travolta? Exploring the Nostalgic Reunion in Capital One’s Holiday Ad (By Carmichael Phillip) Donna Pescow: Reuniting with John Travolta In Capital One’s…

  • Ad

  • Who Is the Woman in the Vaseline Commercial?

    Who Is the Woman in the Vaseline Commercial? Unveiling the Faces Behind Vaseline’s Empowering Campaigns (By Carmichael Phillip) Regina King: The Iconic Face of Vaseline’s Campaigns Academy Award-winning actress Regina King has been…

    Who Is the Woman in the Hers Commercial?

    Who Is the Woman in the Hers Commercial? Exploring the Faces Behind Hers’ Empowering Campaigns (By Carmichael Phillip) Kristen Bell: The Prominent Face of Hers In recent years, actress Kristen Bell has become…

    Sinners: A Review

    Sinners: A Review Ryan Coogler’s Genre-Bending Southern Gothic Is a Bloody, Brilliant Triumph (By Carmichael Phillip) A Southern Gothic with Bite Set in 1932 Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack…

  • Ad

  • Do Actors Get Paid Double for Playing Twins?

    Do Actors Get Paid Double for Playing Twins? The Truth Behind Dual Roles and Hollywood Paychecks (By Carmichael Phillip) The Short Answer: No, Not Automatically When actors are cast to play twins or…

    How Much Did Michael B. Jordan Get Paid for Sinners?

    How Much Did Michael B. Jordan Get Paid for Sinners? Inside the Actor’s Salary, the Film’s Success, and the Coogler-Jordan Partnership (By Carmichael Phillip) Michael B. Jordan’s $4 Million Payday: A Closer Look…

    Is Sinners based on a true story?

    Is Sinners based on a true story? Unraveling the truth and fiction behind Michael B. Jordan’s dual-role thriller (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: When Fact Meets Fiction The psychological thriller Sinners, starring Michael B….

    How do they film Twins with one actor?

    How do they film Twins with one actor? Behind the cinematic magic that lets one performer become two people at the same time (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: A Double Act with a Single…

    How does Michael B. Jordan play Twins in Sinners?

    How does Michael B. Jordan play Twins in Sinners? The star of Creed and Black Panther takes on his most ambitious dual role yet in a psychological thriller where he must become both…

  • Ad

  • How Can I Impress a Director?

    How Can I Impress a Director? Proven Strategies to Stand Out in a Director’s Eyes and Make a Lasting Impact (By Carmichael Phillip) Master Your Craft Before You Enter the Room Before you…

    How Do You Get Your Director to Like You?

    How Do You Get Your Director to Like You? Winning Over the Visionary: Professional Tips for Building Rapport with Your Director (By Carmichael Phillip) Understand Their Vision One of the best ways to…

    Do casting directors look at Instagram?

    Do casting directors look at Instagram? **How Your Social Media Presence Could Influence Casting Decisions** (By Carmichael Phillip) The Growing Role of Social Media in Casting In today’s entertainment landscape, platforms like Instagram…

  • Ad

  • Is it OK to follow up with a casting director?

    Is it OK to follow up with a casting director? **Navigating Professional Communication in the Acting Industry** (By Carmichael Phillip) Understanding the Role of a Casting Director Casting directors play a critical role…

    How long does it take for casting directors to contact you?

    How long does it take for casting directors to contact you? **Understanding the Waiting Game in the Audition Process** (By Carmichael Phillip) The Typical Timeline After an Audition For many actors, the time…

    Which Network Has the Most Commercials Per Hour?

    Which Network Has the Most Commercials Per Hour? Analyzing TV Networks, Their Advertising Loads, and Impact on Viewers (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Commercial Landscape on TV Networks Television networks rely heavily on…

    How long do commercials typically run for?

    How long do commercials typically run for? Understanding the lengths, formats, and examples of TV and online commercials (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Basics of Commercial Lengths Commercials are an essential part of…

    What Happens After a Callback?

    What Happens After a Callback?Understanding the Final Steps Between Audition and Booking the Role (By Carmichael Phillip) What Is a Callback, and Why Does It Matter? In the world of acting and auditions,…

  • Ad