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.
Confidence is crucial in comedy, leading the audience through a performance.
Taking risks on stage helps comedians understand their true comedic style and voice.
Deep dives
Comedy career and current projects
Margaret Cho discusses her career as a stand-up comedian and actress. She talks about the importance of confidence in comedy and how it helps lead the audience through a performance. Additionally, she mentions working on various acting projects, including a recent film with Eliza Schlesinger and an appearance on Law and Order: SVU.
Finding her comedic voice
Margaret Cho reflects on discovering her comedic voice at a young age and how taking risks on stage helped her understand her true comedic style. She also discusses the influence of her time in San Francisco's comedy scene, where there was an emphasis on creating comedy that questioned life and had emotional weight.
Challenges in her career
Margaret Cho shares her experiences dealing with opposition and criticism throughout her career. She discusses the challenges she faced when her TV show premiered right after the Los Angeles riots and the strained relationship with the Korean community due to representation issues. She also talks about the importance of confidence and how it can affect audience perception and trust.
Writing and the creative process
Margaret Cho talks about her writing process and the differences between writing for stand-up, acting, and her current one-woman show project. She discusses the importance of confidence in writing, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the balance between sticking to a structure and allowing room for improvisation.
Veteran stand-up comic, writer and actress Margaret Cho talks about getting started in the 80s comedy boom, her TV show, and her thoughts on writing and performing stand-up.
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