PrintCHELSEA PERETTI
When did you first realize you wanted to begin working in comedy?
I became funny in junior high school, progressed in high school, and did improv at Columbia (Six Milks), but it wasn’t until after I graduated that I thought about comedy as a career. I met a comedian temping and she took me to my first open mic. I loved writing my own material and the autonomy I could have as a stand-up.
Where should anyone who wants to better his or her comedy skills start?
Don’t take a stand-up comedy class. You can take an improv class at UCB or acting classes maybe but I truly believe stand-up class is a waste of time and the teachers are usually frauds. Just do open mics or start your own comedy night and get onstage as much as possible. If you want to write television comedy you should have gone to Harvard—those guys run Hollywood.
How has Columbia prepared you for work in comedy?
It hasn’t BECAUSE I WENT TO BARNARD!! But I did take a memorable “Satire” course at Columbia. Also I took a course called “Creation and Career in Art Worlds” as well as a course called “Black Feminist Thought.” Also, for real, a course called “Women In Japanese Society” where the only thing I remember was they said Japanese women don’t have PMS. When I think about it, these four courses probably combined in my subconscious to make me the true comedy super power I am today.
What’s the worst joke you’ve ever heard?
Definitely the worst jokes I’ve heard in my life are from flight attendants getting creative on the PA system during in-flight announcements.
What would you do for a Klondike bar?
I’d like to revise my answer to question #4 and say this Klondike bar question is the worst joke I’ve ever heard.
Which Columbia building would you most equate with torture?
Butler Library—I know it’s a nice building and people love it but I remember it as having limited ventilation and attracting students who get way too serious studying in there. Go socialize on the steps for a bit. Soon you’re going to be an adult. The Freshman 15 are nothing compared with what is going to happen to your bodies after college. And then right after you’re an adult next thing is you’ll be dead. YOU MUST ENJOY YOUR YOUTH.
JOE COCOZZELLO
When did you first realize you wanted to begin working in comedy?
Well, as a kid, I would sneak out of my room and tiptoe downstairs, sit in front of the television in the living room, and watch Saturday Night Live … but my first realization was in junior high, knowing that being able to talk to people is something special … a quality I knew I had. I just didn’t know what to do with it …
Where should anyone who wants to better his or her comedy skills start?
Find an open mike in your neighborhood ... go hangout there ... experiment ... start a show yourself ... everybody loves to have a good time and comedy shows are all about fun ... but if you’re going to get into comedy know that the comedy business is serious ... it’s not just about you on stage ... it’s also about off-stage stuff ... the preparation ... the promotion ... the gumption ... the wise comedian Alex Cole told me when I first started out doing stand up thir- teen years ago ... he said, “If you’re not gonna do it for twenty years don’t do it for twenty minutes.”
How has Columbia prepared you for work in comedy?
Being around so many knowledge-seeking people … being social … being able to speak with people, spend time with people … I know that sounds silly but because of computers and fancy telephones we don’t communicate face to face as much … there is an energy … an electricity in being around lots of people … there is something about looking a person in the eye when you are talking to them that has been lost because of technology.
What’s the worst joke you’ve ever heard?
I don’t think there is an actual “worst joke ever” … even though we’ve all heard some steamers … the real worst jokes are when people stand on a stage and tell a non-joke…there is no setup or punch line … it’s just a bunch of words … there is no heart in it … they are just speaking for speaking’s sake … and it’s ok if that’s what you want to but it does grate on me, though, worse than the “worst joke ever” … (which if you want the worst joke ever just open any one of the many joke books from the seventies … Official Italian Joke Book or the Best Polish Joke Book … ).
What would you do for a Klondike bar?
I would do anything … There is nothing better than a Klondike bar on a muggy summer day in the city … what’s the worst thing I’ve ever actually done for a Klondike bar? … streaking across a roof-top party … it was on a hot night in June many years ago and it was against my better judgement but everyone that night saw my pale keister …
Which Columbia building would you most equate with torture?
The library ... between me and you it’s too darn quiet in there ... and my voice carries like crazy ... you can [sic] always tell when I was in the library ... it’s torture for me to be quiet.
RENI CALISTER
When did you first realize you wanted to begin working in comedy?
I was 11 years old, dancing and rapping to Lil’ Bow Wow, all while wearing a home-made blueberry outfit in front of my entire summer camp. It was then that I realized I really had no other choice. (This is a true story).
Where should anyone who wants to better his or her comedy skills start?
Start wherever it seems right. If sketch comedy gets you going, start writing sketches or find someone to dress up and play pretend with. If improv is what you’re into, see shows and take some classes at the plethora of theaters in NYC. If stand-up is your thing, I’m sorry. No, really, do open-mic nights at bars around the city so that you can meet the community. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to audition for something even if you are completely unqualified. Leave the judging and criticism up to other people.
How has Columbia prepared you for work in comedy?
It was on a Columbia stage where I donned a bikini and slapped myself with hot dogs for the first time. This moment, along with countless others, taught me that pride gets in the way whether on stage, in a meeting, or on the job. I’m much more willing to go outside of my comfort zone after my time working in comedy at Columbia. I also met a lot of people here who continue to inspire and support me in my endeavors to be really dumb for a living.
What’s the worst joke you’ve ever heard?
How do you find Will Smith in the snow? You look for fresh prints. It’s actually pretty good.
What would you do for a Klondike bar?
Not much, as I am lactose intolerant. I would, however, steal a baby for any variety of Haribo gummies.
Which Columbia building would you most equate with torture?
Any room in Butler Library where more than two people have eaten burritos.