The state of comedy today is sad, sad place: it’s filled with straight white men who do the same sketches and tell the same jokes. There are very few LGBTQ-identified comics, like the illustrious Gina Yashere, on the scene giving audiences far and wide that something special, that je ne sais quoi. Thankfully there is a movement to change this in the form of Women in Comedy. Based in Chicago, this non-profit is dedicated to “educating, empowering, and connecting powerful, ambitious, hilarious, and talented women in the comedy industry through resources that foster their professional development and advancement.” And through a series of nationwide events on November 8, they will be doing just that.
In Alexandria, VA, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Women in Comedy’s Up All Nite will connect and harness the energies of local talent and encourage women and non-binary comics to attend.
“As Women In Comedy grows as an organization, it is becoming more and more noticeable as a safe space for all female identifying individuals,” says Heather Jane Moore, the president of Women in Comedy’s D.C. Chapter. “The LGBTQI community is definitely growing within Women in Comedy and we see that from the volunteers that run the organization, the featured comedians at our events and the attendees that participate in our events. We hope to continue to empower all individuals connected to Women in Comedy.”
The evening boasts speed networking and a Creativity Cocktail hour where small groups will have a chance to create comedy on the spot, followed by an open mic for the content created that night.
“Being in a room filled with performers who are as passionate about comedy as we are is always strengthening,” Moore says. “It reinforces why we want to be funny and helps propel all of us female-identified comics into doing more and feeling supported as an individual. Once that power is felt on the individual level, it is only a matter of time before it’s felt within the wider community. Women In Comedy is and continually aims to be a part of that empowering force!”
Up All Nite will take place at Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles, Ryan’s Daughter in New York, and Oi Theater in Chicago. For D.C., Maryland, and Virginia comics, the creative juices will be flowing at Fireflies in Alexandria, Virginia and costs nothing but your time, energy, and willingness to participate and voice your unique point of view. Visit Women in Comedy’s Eventbrite page to reserve your spot.
