30 Under 30: Comedians to Watch

Name: Chris Thayer
Age: 24
Medium: Stand-up
Location: San Francisco
Website: thisischristhayer.com

When and how did you know you wanted to be a comedian?
"Comedy is something I've always had an interest in. When I was 18, I heard Bill Hicks, Lenny Bruce, and David Cross and had a newfound appreciation for stand-up. At 19, I moved to San Francisco and started going to comedy open mics as an envious spectator. It took me another three years before I attempted it myself."

How does performing in front of an audience affect your confidence?
"I feel like my self-worth is often dictated by my most recent set. If I did well, I'm riding on high for awhile, but if I feel like I ate it, then I question whether I've ever been funny in my life and start considering other career paths."

Where does your material come from?
"Life and I failing to meeting each other's expectations."

Comedians tend to be open books; is there anything you wouldn’t joke about?
"I don't feel like any topics should be considered "off limits" on principle; context is key."

What would you be if not a comedian?
"Definitely not a customer service representative at a website that sells roller skates. (I just lost my job.)"

How did you get your start?
"I went to every open mic I possibly could — hundreds of them in the first year alone — and eventually people started throwing little opportunities my way."

Name three things on the horizon for you.
"I'll be 25 in August, so I plan on adding up the events in my life up to this point and trying to determine whether or not I'm a failure. The results will determine whether or not there are other things on the horizon."

Name three things (other than being funny) that someone in your role needs to possess.
"Patience, self-motivation, and a microphone."

Name: Ryan Stout
Age: 28
Medium: Stand-up, TV host
Location: Los Angeles
Website: ryanstout.com

How would you define your comedic style?
"Many of the most popular comedians can be described in one sentence. My favorite comedians, however, are such artists, that they are more difficult to define. I don't know how to articulate my style, but I'd like to think it's because I'm more of an artist and less of a popular product. I suppose you could say that I play a game with the audience where I try to get them to think funny thoughts about subjects they find repulsive. It's a thoughtful show; I like to force the audience to think a lot."

Comedians tend to be open books; is there anything you wouldn’t joke about?
"Nope. I have the deep-seeded belief that once you say something is off-limits, then everything becomes off-limits."

What’s your favorite thing about being a comedian?
"Sleeping in. And, unlike your job, I get to do whatever I want while I'm at work. Technically, I don't even have to be funny every single show and I'll still get paid."

How did you get your start?
"I moved to San Francisco and I got on stage everywhere I could — coffee shops, bars, restaurants, pool halls, laundry mats — performing over 300 shows per year. Eventually, I was invited to be part of bigger things."

How did you promote your own shows when you first got going? And how do you promote yourself today? 
"The idea of self-promotion is something I've always found disgusting and I've tried to avoid it whenever possible. But, I also understand the necessity of it, so I send out Facebook messages, Tweets, and e-mails to the people who have agreed to sign up for those programs. I mean, c'mon: Do you want me to be a great comedian or do you want me to be a great PR person? Excuse me? What was that? Both? Well then, you're expecting too much."

Name: Betsy Sodaro
Age: 26
Medium: Stand-up, Improv
Location: Los Angeles
Website: creamcomedy.com

When and how did you know you wanted to be a comedian?
"I realized that I wanted to be a comedian when I was a junior in high school. I grew up loving comedy and making people laugh, but it wasn’t until then that I started to learn more about what it takes to be a comedian. It also helped when my parents told me after a play I was in that I was pretty funny and I could be a comedian."

How would you define your comedic style?
"I guess I would describe it as big. I like to be big and physical. People have called me the female Farley and the female Belushi, so I am similar to them when I perform."

Comedians tend to be open books; is there anything you wouldn’t joke about?
"I try to stay away from all the touchy issues, but I promise nothing. A lot of times, especially in improv, I’ll say a joke and realize what I said, hear some groans and feel bad but then continue right on with the show. I don’t like shocking the audience with a touchy subject just to shock them. I’d rather shock them with a really funny joke that they can relate to or have never heard before."

What would you be if not a comedian?
"I would be an elementary teacher or an anthropologist."

If you could meet any comedian (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
"I would meet probably Chris Farley, he has been a big influence on my comedy."

What’s your favorite thing about being a comedian?
"My favorite thing about being a comedian is making people laugh. It is the best feeling in the whole world. It is pretty satisfying thinking that for 20 minutes, you are able to help people take a break from their everyday lives and just laugh."

Name: Amy Schumer
Age: 29
Medium: Stand-up, Acting
Location: New York
Website: amyschumer.com
 
How does performing in front of an audience affect your confidence?
"Not much actually. I don't think it's given me confidence, I think it's taken away caring what people think of me. Which is still pretty powerful."

How would you define your comedic style?
"Flawless. Just kidding. I would say a lot of misdirection and a punch to the gut."

What would you be if not a comedian?
"Lonely."

If you could meet any comedian (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
"Lucille Ball. She ran her own studio and balanced a family and her career and was gorgeous and painfully funny. I think she would be the greatest person to have a drink with and learn from."

What’s your favorite thing about being a comedian?
"Getting to spend time with other comics who you love and respect. I laugh hard every night."

What do people in your profession get to do that others don’t?
"Get discounts on chicken fingers."

How do you deal with hecklers?
"I let them know who's boss immediately or I completely ignore it."

Name three things on the horizon for you.
"My album release — called Cutting — on iTunes from Comedy Central Records; filming some episodes of Delocated for Adult Swim; and a steady weight gain."