Caricature in Skits

“Caricature” is defined as “ludicrous exaggeration; distortion by exaggeration of parts or characteristics.”  I feel that in order to get your point across to your audience, certain characteristics must be exaggerated visually.  For instance, one of our skits (see website for free downloadable skit “Trees Planted by the Water”) calls for a character to be a fruitful tree.  In order for this to be recognized, we went way overboard.  Her hat was covered in all kinds of (artificial) fruit; we made a garland of fruit to go around her neck.  Because of our exaggeration, there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind (regardless of where they sat in the audience) that she was a fruitful tree.  As another example, when we have a character representing the enemy in any form, we want it to be obvious that character is evil.  At the very least, we dress the character in solid black.

I have said before that I am a minimalist as far as costumes and props are concerned.  However, as you read over the skit you have chosen, you will recognize those props or costume effects that are important to getting the point of the skit across visually.  They can be done simply, but the exaggeration must be able to be seen and recognized by those watching the skit.