Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joanna Briley . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Joanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Creating the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest in 2018 after a FB group miscommunication issue. Comedian Shanna Christmas from Vegas saw a NYC comedy festival was occurring and there were no Black Women on the lineup. We brought it to the attention of the comedy community and in a bit of “rage” the festival was created.

I am so proud of what we’ve created and the NYC festival in fact did have Black women and women of color in the festival it was the journalist who focused on the non-black women. Thank you….whoever you are.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was raised by my Dad. He was a single father in Danbury Connecticut. We would go shopping at Bradlees or Caldors and he would always meet women. I got older and realized I was an 8 year old wing woman for my Dad. Lol

I believe my sense of humor began the day I moved in with my Father. I turned to SNL, SCTV, Mad magazine and Cracked to deal with the isolation because I was the only child in a house of adults. I loved to laugh and tv back then had so much funny that I connected to. Roseanne Roseanna Danna on SNL to the Wild and Crazy guys just was silly fun that allowed me to escape my sadness.

My first time I went to a comedy club I nearly lost it. I sat in the front and laughed and laughed it was such a joyous feeling. Every date I went on was to a comedy show. This particular guy, Andre, said “you know, you’re funnier than that guy on stage.” I’m like “really?” He said “yes!” He also told me I could do comedy.

I was wide-eyed and couldn’t believe it when he came to my apartment with a Learning Annex catalogue that was for all types of classes. “How to be a stand up comedian” was circled.

March 1996 I performed for the first time at Stand Up NY COMEDY club. It was amazing. It’s been the one thing that brings me so much joy and happiness. I cannot imagine life without comedy. Although I love performing, creating the BWICLF to elevate and empower other funny black women to take control of their comedy careers through networking, industry showcases, and building a strong comedy foundation. The festival is a beautiful journey. I want to leave a legacy for generations of funny black women that are yet to be born.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission for the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest is to center funny black women in an industry that oftentimes overlook and dismiss who we are as performers. Each year the festival highlights the overwhelming need for black women to be seen, heard, and valued as comedians. We bring so much joy and cultural identity to our standup. We thrive when we share what is happening in our lives. This fest also lets others know we are not a monolith. We tell it like it is with wit, confidence, and punchlines.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A part of my journey toward self-producing comedy showcases came from being overlooked by bookers at comedy venues. I started in March 1996. Even back then it was rare to see a woman on stage and even more, a Black woman. Always in the back of my mind, I wondered if they “industry execs” didn’t think black women were funny.

What I chose to do was focus on building a great show that people would want to attend. With that framework, I could get stronger as a comedian and also learn the business of comedy.

Everything I’ve done has been trial and error. I had no one spoon feeding me the formula to success. I didn’t mind though because I just kept producing and networking and learning.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BwicLaffFest.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bwicLaffFest
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/BlackWomeninComedyLaffFest
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/BwicLaffFest

Image Credits
Hunter Peress Laf dance Saloon Joanna Briley