Play at the Top of Your Intelligence
Respond to an absurd premise as the smartest, most thoughtful version of your character would — don't play dumb for laughs.
Known for
- Attributed to the UCB house style and often cited in the UCB Manual as a rule for the 'straight' character.
- Counters the temptation to undercut a premise with knowing irony.
- Paired with specificity: a smart character asks 'which kind' instead of reacting generally.
Connected to
Schools & Theaters