Final Project Proposal

By Sophie Zucker

For my final project, I will be doing a research-inspired multimedia blog post on my all-time favorite comedian, Sebastian Maniscalco. He’s an Italian American comedian who turns ordinary life scenarios — like going to the grocery store or attending dinner at a neighbor’s house — into short, hysterical skits. Though his sell-out shows were put on pause during the pandemic, he’s been uploading old skits with coronavirus-related titles, making them all the more amusing.

I chose to research this comedian in particular, because I believe his understanding of people is different than other comedians. His skits aren’t packed with swear words and inappropriate jokes as if to say “hey, laugh at me!” Instead, his painfully relatable punch lines and physical hand and body gestures enhance the delivery of the jokes and make them all the more irresistible.

As I begin my research for the final project, I will keep in mind the impact that Sebastian has had on his audience, and how comedians reimagine the news, current events, and pop-culture. I will also consider how he confront taboos in our society, and if comedians in general have always been put to this test.