Help w/ Shakespeare - can't say line w/o laughing?

Well, yes, there's always the obvious cracking up when we get the "ho" lines in Shakespeare. Usually rehearsal takes care of it. If it hasn't, then I would suggest there's a problem with knowing what he means with the line.

Which is NOT THE SAME as knowing what the line means.

Honestly, I don't remember this line in R&J. It sounds like it's Tybalt's line, or Paris at the tomb. In any event, the only reason to be calling for a rapier is to fight. And the only reason to add "Ho!" is because someone is desperate. If the actor is in a situation where he is about to fight for his life and he's desperate to get his hands on his rapier, then there really shouldn't be any problem with cracking up--IF HE IS GENUINELY IN THE SCENE. Laughter at this point is partly a problem of focus.

But it's also a matter of knowing what you are saying. I might suggest a simple substitution:

"My rapier - Now!"

"My rapier - Now, NOW I SAID!"

If that's what you mean by "Ho!" then there shouldn't be any problem with the delivery of the line. The intention is directed to the servant, who is too slow in getting the blade.

Try pausing after rapier (as if he was waiting for it) and after it has not come. yell loudly HO! as creating urgency. this way the words do not mash up together and are delvered at separate dynamics

Repeat it over and over and over and over over and over and over and overover and over and over and overover and over and over and overover and over and over and overover and over and over and overover and over and over and overover and over and over and over

Yeah! Also have other peopple to that scene. Because once they do it over again too they won't find it as funny.

Just like with a movie. Some jokes aren't funny the second time.

Say it over and over again tell its not funny.

maybe kinda like an old joke... keep saying it to you yourself, til it's not funny anymore..