MULTI-award-winning comedian and actress Tumi Morake says many fans are surprised to learn that what they see on screen is mostly scripted.
Even when it looks like she is freestyling, much of it is planned.
The 44-year-old star said acting requires discipline and teamwork, and actors cannot simply improvise whenever they want because it could disrupt the entire scene.
"I don't freestyle. If people understood how it works, you can't really do that because then you throw other actors off," said Tumi.
The popular comedian said scripts guide most performances on TV and film sets.
However, she believes every actor adds their own flavour to a role.
"A lot of the stuff is scripted, it's just that I make it my own. I read what's in the script and interpret it in my own way, but we don't really go off script honestly," she said.
Tumi said she actually takes it as a compliment when fans believe she is improvising.
"I think I'm just naturally funny. When people say that I appreciate it because it must mean I'm doing a good job as an actor."
ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Sexual harassment rocks top singer's family!Opens in new window
The seasoned entertainer also opened spoke about the big difference between performing on TV and doing stand-up comedy on stage.
Tumi said stand-up comedy gives performers instant feedback from the audience, something that TV does not offer.
"Stage and TV are completely different. When you're on stage, it's immediate. You can feel if people are enjoying themselves. With TV, you don't know how people will react until much later," she said.
The comedian is currently celebrating another career milestone after being nominated for the Beyond The Mic Award at the Savanna Comics' Choice Comedy Awards.
Tumi admitted she was both surprised and excited by the nomination.
"It's been a while, so I'm really chuffed. I'm happy and also surprised because it's the second time I'm nominated in the same category," she said.
The prestigious comedy awards will take place on 2 May at Gold Reef City's Lyric Theatre, south of Joburg, where some of the country's biggest comedy stars will gather to celebrate the best in local humour.
