How To Write Funny Episode 40 | Margaret Cho
Apr 30, 2020
Margaret Cho, a veteran stand-up comic, writer, and actress, shares her experiences in the comedy industry. Topics discussed include her start in the 80s comedy boom, thoughts on writing and performing stand-up, the challenges faced by women in comedy, the disappearance of a renowned comedian, and the art of writing for plays.
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The Comedy Condo Scene
- Comedians often shared cheap communal housing on tour; Cho recalls grimy 'comedy condos' with shocking decor.
- She describes a shared apartment whose wall collage included pornography and unsanitary residue, reflecting the male-dominated scene.
Sell The Room With Confidence
- Build and show confidence on stage because audiences trust a performer who seems in control.
- Prioritize convincing people you can lead them; confidence often matters more than raw funniness.
Sexual Material As Honest Observation
- Cho's raunchy sexual material was not aimed to be sexy but to explore the awkwardness of having a body.
- Audiences misread female sexual comedy as sexualization rather than candid examination.