Funny Girl!

I don't know if many of you watch Last Comic standing, but I am pleased to announce a female finally won! Iliza Shlesinger a 25 year old woman is now the Last Comic Standing. I was so happy I think I literally had tears in my eyes. And why is this such a big deal you may ask?? Because I believe comedy is one of the toughest places for women to be taken seriously. I bet you you are thinking, taken seriously in comedy? Is this girl crazy? And the answer is yes I am, but comedy is unfortunately a hard row to tow for women.

Luckily when things like this happen, it starts a trend a hopefully soon women will be seen as funny and not as woman trying to be funny.

In college I was in an improv troupe and I loved it. That is until, we had a battle with the gender issue. The girls were constantly being put in roles they were not happy with and the guys continued to dominate the scenes. I don't think they were doing it purposefully but it was happening. It was frustrating because we could be more than a skank or a ditz, but never got a full opportunity to display it.

I have heard from other girls in comedy groups that the same sort of things happened. I find it very sad, but luckily there are more and more women breaking through and creating a path for all of us.

Luckily I do have some great comedic role models: Gilda Radner, Jane Curtain, Amy Pohler, Molly Shannon, Anna Gasteyer, Kristen Wiig, Tina Faye, Kelly Kaling, Angela Martin, Jenna Fischer and the list goes on and on. When I was younger one of my many aspirations was to be on SNL, because of these women. I believe without them I would not have had the funniness and inspiration to have dabbled in comedy and improv.
Unfortunately I have fallen out of the comedy scene, and there aren't a lot of opportunities in OHIO. Hopefully some day I can get back into the groove, like Stella. Until then I will continue to be inspired by the women who make me laugh!

Speaking of women who make me laugh, check out Dan's blog.