How did you get into comedy?
I was acting and doing mostly comedic plays. But, getting into stand-up was by accident – I was writing my first solo show when an actor friend told me she wanted to try stand-up. She enrolled in a class and asked if I wanted to join her because the class brochure said it also helped solo show artists get started. So I signed up.
But in the first class, the only thing the instructor talked about was stand-up! I was so disappointed that at the end of that class I actually asked for my money back. We discussed my solo show and he suggested I try the next week’s assignment, which was to write three minutes of material and perform it in front of the class. He said, “Then if you still want your money back I’ll give you a full refund.”
I took that as a challenge, so I did it. And the laughs surprised me. I loved knowing instantly from the audience whether a joke I wrote was working or not. When the course ended I didn’t do a stand-up show for a few years but I did continue writing stand-up. A few years later I decided to give it a shot – booking weekend roadwork and weeknight shows in the city and even producing a few stand-up shows. But it wasn’t until six years ago when I quit my full-time job that I decided to do stand-up and writing exclusively. That’s when things really started happening. It was a financial gamble, but I haven’t regretted it.
What differentiates you from all other comedians?
It’d be easier to show you rather than tell you, but here’s what I think: As a clean, mostly autobiographical comic I like pulling all of my material from my unique experiences and then I just bring my particular perspective to the stage. I share the turmoil in my life. There are sayings like “the truth hurts” or “the truth will set you free." But I think the truth can also be hysterical.
As a well-rounded entertainer, you wear many hats. How do you juggle being a comedian, actress, writer and a producer? Did I leave anything out?
Well, I directed my short film too – but that’s not something I’m pursuing. I have a system for when I have deadlines – I just do what I did in high school…and I
Interview with
Roberta Rockwell
by PR for People Team, Interviewed on January 25, 2016