We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr Holly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I took a lot of classes (stand-up, improv, acting, sketch writing, screenwriting and TV pilot writing). I also attended online and face-to-face workshops and events around all of these thing to meet and network with others in the field.

To speed up my learning process, I would have started sooner.

The most essential skills are being observant, curious, open to feedback and a great listener.

Dr, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Dr. Holly is a dynamic Philly-based comedian who brings her sharp wit and unapologetic humor to the stage. Known for her smart and sassy take on life, she tackles everything from hot-button social issues to the unique experiences of being a Black hockey mom. With a fearless approach to comedy, Dr. Holly captivates audiences with her politically incorrect yet thought-provoking material. Her impressive resume includes performances at the prestigious New York Comedy Fest and Don’t Tell Comedy in Minneapolis and New Orleans. She has also hosted and showcased her talents at the San Francisco Sketch Fest, as well as opened for the talented T. Murph at the Detroit House of Comedy. Dr. Holly’s ability to blend humor with real-life experiences makes her a standout in the comedy scene, leaving audiences both laughing and reflecting long after the show ends.

I started doing comedy four years ago. I always wanted to try it, but the pandemic happened. Once things started opening up again, I went for it. I went into doing stand-up without any expectations other than to have fun. It has afforded me to travel throughout the world and perform. I have met some of the most amazing comedians.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Gatekeeping is real in the comedy field. So many people, including women, do not think women are funny. Given the history and the long list of hilarious women today, this way of thinking has to die. One way of doing this is to make sure you are intentional of booking women and making sure they are performing on your venue, at your venues, on the fliers, are headliners, etc. Funny is funny. Funny is not classified by your private parts.

Stand-up can be competitive, for no reason at all, but because that person thinks you are taking something away from them. I never feel like I am competing with anyone because every comedian I know is so unique. Their craft, their jokes, their delivery is so unique to them. How do I compete with that when I have my own style and way of doing stand-up that also makes me stand out. Stop thinking there’s competition. What is meant for you, the role, the festival, the comedy club, or whatever, will not pass you by and stepping on someone else’s back will not get you there faster.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Making people laugh, bringing some joy to another person’s life, allowing people to just be and not focus on their problems in that moment I am on stage doing stand-up. Working with and meeting others for a common goal (laughter) is the absolute best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drhollysfunny.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhollysfunny

Image Credits

Picture in White Dress: Casey Chumbley, @caseychumbleyphotography
All other pictures: James Lathrop @jameslathropphotography