If you’re a frequenter of live comedy in Chicago, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Chris Witaske. He has performed at the famed Second City Theater and Io (formerly Improv Olympic), and he has written and performed in over ten shows at The Annoyance (owned by Second City comedy director Mick Napier).

After spending four months performing on a cruise ship for Second City, Witaske was recently summoned to the Comic Wonder Interview Headquarters to discuss improv versus joke-telling, the future of the punch line, and how to tell if you’re funny or just weird.

You’re an improv guy, but you tell jokes too, like “two whales”. What do you like about jokes?

I like that jokes are a lot more universal. One of the biggest pain-in-the-ass things about being an improviser is explaining to people what the hell it means to be an improviser. I often begrudgingly find myself comparing what I do to “Whose Line is it Anyway” just so my uncle gets the idea. It’s a hell of a lot easier just to tell him a joke.
Do you agree with Rolling Stone’s recent assessment that the punch line is dead? Does that mean the joke is dead?

I don’t think the joke is dead. Just last night five of my best friends and I stood around in a circle at a bar and told jokes. Jokes are best told in a circle.
Whenever I think of improv classes I think of Michael Scott in The Office pulling out a gun every time it’s his turn. As a teacher of improv, what are a few basics you give your students?

Make strong choices and don’t put so much importance on your improv shows. It’s very hard to relax and have fun on stage when you’re busy freaking yourself out about how important the show is.

Can anyone be funny, or are there some students who should steer clear of comedy?

General rule of thumb: if you’re over forty, single, still live with your parents and are taking an improv class you’re probably more weird then you are funny.