How and/or where did you start comedy?
I originally started in improv. I went to a show in college and it changed my life foreverrr. I interned at what used to be Voodoo Comedy club (now Rise Comedy), took their class series, and was on house teams for a bit. Then I got into standup in 2016 after going to an open mic at Ted’s Cheesesteaks. Some of my friends from improv would go there. I remember thinking, “Whoa, you can just do standup?” I had no idea.
What inspires you or drives you?
Absurd moments in life inspire me. Everyday we’re forced to face ridiculous situations with a straight face. I like to go over the top with those moments so that we can recognize how silly they really are and allow ourselves to laugh at them.
I also love collaborating with people. Some of my favorite times are getting together with my sketch group to brainstorm and just laughing for hours together.
What is some advice you would give to aspiring comics?
Try out all kinds of comedy. It’s fun having stand up, sketch, and film to work on. You’ll meet new friends and you might discover that you vibe with one medium over the other.
Are there obstacles you've faced and how did or do you persevere?
The biggest obstacle is myself. Self doubt pops up every now and then. You’re forced to ask yourself, “Is this crazy? Am I good enough?”
The answer is “Yes you are crazy.” and “You are good enough!” Comedy is a mental rollercoaster and I’ve learned how to navigate it over the years, but there are plenty of new challenging moments that come out of nowhere. I get through it by having a community to lean on, self affirmations (woo!), and exercising (I like to go to dance classes). All of these things get me out of my head and remind me that I’m not trapped up there.
What's something awesome that's happened to you recently?
I got to perform at the Paramount theater in Denver, I featured for one of my favorite comedians, Chris Estrada, at Cloudtop Comedy Festival, and opened for another favorite comedian of mine, Toddy Barry.
Are there some big accomplishments and or credits you're proud of and would like mentioned?
I wrote a tv pilot with my sketch group over the past two years and we raised the money to film it this year. It’s called Paranormall. It’s about a paranormal mall! We just wrapped filming a couple weeks ago. I’m super excited for the editing process and to see what comes of it.
I am also recording an album under Blonde Medicine records this month with my best friends Kate Strobel and Salma Zaky. Together we are Firecracker Comedy and I’m so proud to be sharing this with them.
Instagram: @shishgabab
Website: gabbygr.com