A Trigger Warning
issues on a theme in comedy. A distinction that
This issue has been the most rewarding we believe is important when talking about
endeavour I’ve undertaken in comedy.
women of comedy. Females in the industry is
As a male, I understand that taking on an issue noteworthy and newsworthy and if done with
which I have no lived experience can be seen as care, is an interesting and compelling read.
gargantuan hubris. I want to take this opportunity Being a female in comedy does not relegate
to thank the people who’s meticulous council led said females to the women in comedy issue. As
me on the sensitivity of the matter. Without them,
this issue would have not shed light on some of landscape in any theme we address.
the more important issues.
To be fair, it is a concern not just of females
to be typecast by our themed issues, but of
I’d also like to acknowledge comedians who everyone who is asked to comment on issues
expressed their concerns of the issues possible which are important to them. No one wants to
shortcomings. They, of course, wish to remain be categorised. No one wants to be artistically
anonymous but there advice and concerns gave pigeon holed.
shape to the issue in ways they are not aware.
Some of the concerns are:
Artists are not one thing. They are many things.
They are complex. YAWP magazine takes
‘Women in comedy’ is trite, overused and tired.
an aspect of their talent and puts it under a
In this issue we will focus on two main points: We magnifying glass, highlighting it to allow for deep
will feature some of the more impactful women analysis. As we grow into our hundredth episode
of comedy and then we will address matters and beyond, the comedians which are featured
concerning women in the industry. In this issue, in one issue will hopefully be featured in many
we seek to celebrate the females who have others. We simply need time to grow with our
dotted the comedy landscape, while at the same comedians and with the industry. The fullness
time, have women in the industry comment on of time will give us the opportunity to cover all
their experiences in the context of being a female aspects of the comedy industry in a meaningful
comic. To be a female in the comedy industry way.
opportunity to powerfully change the industry like
no other time before. We publish this edition to
catapult those voices that much further.
Would you ever publish an issue about Men in
comedy?
This issue is currently in production and is set
to be released in early 2015. We are publishing
it because we have encountered a number of
concerns with men’s issues in comedy that
YAWP magazine agrees emphatically with are both fascinating and important. Does the
current quantity of men dilute a man’s potential
genre like sketch comedy or musical comedy to stand out? What does a man not have a right
or improvisational comedy is a genre. We cover to talk about in comedy? The issue of privilege.