Despite a plethora of comedians and stand-up comics, the number of men far outweigh women in the funny business. Female comedian Kathleen Madigan is breaking down the barriers in the male-dominated field, one routine at a time.
About 10 years ago she was a college student, struggling to figure what she should do with her life.
While bartending, she began to realize that she might have a knack for comedy. Almost a year after graduating, Madigan stumbled across amateur night at the St. Louis Funny Bone Comedy Club. It was there that she gave stand-up comedy a try.
Things took off from there.
Since then she’s filmed her own half-hour comedy special for HBO and won “Best Female Stand-Up Comic” at the American Comedy Awards in 1996.
You may have seen her on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and, most recently, “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
Now she has Dallas in her sights.
Madigan will appear at the Addison Improv Comedy Club for a half-week run.
Last week, I caught up with Madigan in Indianapolis via telephone. She has been doing a show in Indiana and appearing on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Show:
Q: So, you graduated from Southern Illinois University with a journalism degree. What made you go from being so serious to being a comedian?
A: I just could not handle the predictability and a routine of nine to five. But I thought that even when I was little I was like, “Look you only get to be here once in this lifetime. I am not sitting at a desk for 40 years.” And I knew I wasn’t into hard news enough to go out and be Christiane Amanpour.
Q: How long was it after graduation before you realized journalism was not the career for you?
A: Well, I think I knew it while I was doing it. I knew it in college. But it was the only thing I could do because I’m horrible at math and science. I enjoyed writing, but just could not picture myself doing that all my life.
Q: It seems like you’ve really followed your heart with your career. For you, what has it been like on the road to success?
A: In the beginning, it was really rough. I had to stay in crappy hotels and drive to places in my own car. At some places I had to share a hotel room with two or three other people and that was most definitely not fun. But now, I get to stay in very nice places, travel and see different places and do something I really enjoy doing.
Q: What is it like being a female comedian in a male-dominated game?
A: It’s a lot easier. If you are a funny woman, there are more opportunities and they come a lot quicker. Because there aren’t any women out there.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: I basically get most of my ideas from everyday life situations and real-life experiences. Some of the best comedians can make you laugh with real-life humor, and I think that’s where I get most of my acts.
Q: How do you adjust to the crowd?
A: In any situation you have to feel out an audience and see how far you can go. Some of my shows can get pretty crazy if I feel the crowd is up for it.
Q: Has anyone ever stolen an act from you?
A: Actually, yes. There was this guy who went so far as to use some of my jokes on his CD. Needless to say, I wasn’t very happy about that.
Q: Do people come up to you and say, “Hey, funny lady, tell me a joke, make me laugh?”
A: All the time, if they find out what I do. For instance, when I’m traveling and someone asks me what I do for a living, I just tell them I sell insurance or something, just so I won’t be put on the spot.
Q: Have any advice for females out there?
A: Just to follow your dreams and be prepared to start from the bottom of the barrel. Being a comedian is something you’ve really got to love and want to do. If you’re out there doing it thinking that you’re going to change the world or something, then you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.
Madigan will open at the Addison Improv Comedy Club Wednesday and run through Sunday night.
For more information, call the club at (972) 404-8501 or visit www.KathleenMadigan.com
