UNO Documentary: The NOLA Comedy Scene

What: The women and non-binary led comedy scene in New Orleans

Film By: UNO student and documentarian Kat Durel

Editor’s Note: NolaVie partners with students of UNO professor László Zsolt Fülöp, pairing them with artists, non-profits, environmental groups, and cultural entities to facilitate a live curriculum, that results in a short documentary. Created by Kat Durel, this documentary follows the growing community that is the New Orleans comedy scene. Comedy is largely driven by cis-gender white males, but there is a growing community of funny women, non-binary people, and transgender people joining the stage. Kat Durel lays out where to find female hosted comedy shows in New Orleans and interviews Amanda G., a popular New Orleans comedian. To learn more about nightly comedy shows in New Orleans, visit 504comedy.com.

[Read the full transcript of the interview below]

Kat Durel: People travel from all over the world to visit the southern melting pot that is New Orleans, Louisiana. The French Quarter, the jazz, the seafood, the Mardi Gras. But underneath the stereotypes and expectations of this city is a local comedy scene with a strong undercurrent.

Stand-up comedy tends to be a field dominated by cis-gendered men, and New Orleans certainly has their fair share of men seeking the spotlight.

Comedian on stage: “…that specify ‘I’m a cisgender man.’ Like yikes… and you’re proud of that? In this economy?”

Kat Durel: But if you look closely, there is a growing community of funny women, non-binary people, and transgender people who get up on stage every night to make others laugh. Unique beings are bravely standing behind the microphone navigating the world of comedy and it’s time to give them our attention.

On a Monday night, if you find yourself in Midcity, then make sure to stop into the bar “12 Mile Limit” located on the corner of South Telemachus and Boden. Your comedy experience will be led by none other than funny ladies Laura Sanders and Lauren Malara, hosts of the weekly open night mic “Bear with me”.

A basement-esque vibe with a warm and inviting feel, comedians from all over the city are welcome to pop in and do a three-minute set, but the night tends to be dominated by women as it is a female hosted show. Taking the stage are regulars like Lee Glass, MJ Hebert, and Amanda G. Amanda G. can be found all over the city performing in open mics and hosting shows as well.

Amanda G. on stage: “I love a hot mess, I can’t help it. I’m just like girl, are you a natural disaster? Because I’m FEMA. I’m gonna house you, I’m gonna feed you, I’m [going to] give you some spending money. And look I’m no fuckin’ prize either, I know what I have to offer, I’m a hot mess, too. In that example, I’m FEMA. Like I’m showing up late…”

“I deny all your valid claims… and whatever money I give you is never enough.”

Kat Durel: She hosts an open mic on Tuesdays at the “Howlin’ Wolf” with Allison Hotard,  an open mic night on Thursdays at “Kingfish Cider Brewery” with Lee Glass, and monthly, Amanda G. hosts a storytelling night called “Queer Mountain” at “Always Lounge” located just off of St. Claude street.

The New Orleans comedy scene fosters a community that is accepting and open, offering more than just the straight white man talking about his penis and floundering love life.

Comedian on stage: “The problem with my marriage, uh, was that I married my mother. I married my mother, guys. And how do I know that? Both of their pussies taste the same.”

“It’s a joke.”

Kat Durel: Female hosted shows tend to attract a more eclectic group of comedians, from the out and proud queers to those just trying to find their voice. These comedians deserve to be heard and appreciated by you. A calendar of nightly comedy shows can be found on 504comedy.com. Check out the site, see some comedy, and start remembering who your favorite local female and non-binary comedians are. There are so many amazing comedians running around this swamp city, injecting humor into the veins of a willing audience.