Amy grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with parents who love theatre. Growing up she was privileged enough to get to see many musicals, plays, stand-up and improv performances as well as dance performances. During her high school years, she was dedicated to studying dance. Amy received her BFA in dance with a minor in theatre from the University of Iowa. After graduation, Amy spent 10 years performing in Carnival Cruise Lines’ various production shows while traveling the world. Once she retired as a dancer and moved to dry land she thought to herself, “Now what?” And the answer was, “Give stand-up comedy a try”…of course. So now here she is, in her first year of giving stand-up comedy a try.
1. What motivated you to do stand-up comedy?
I always loved stand-up comedy. When I stopped dancing I didn’t think that I would be able to find something that I love as much as dancing. I wanted to think that I should try out stand-up comedy to find something to be passionate about.
2. So you used to be a dancer?
It was always my dream to be a professional dancer since I was a child. I studied dance growing up and majored in dance in college. Then I had a 10 year career with Carnival. I had fun travelling but I wanted to have a normal life since it was a nomadic lifestyle which made it tough to keep relationships and I wanted to start a new chapter.
3. If you could hang out with anyone alive or dead; who would it be? And where would you take them?
David Sedaris; his quirky, weird, funny and his books make me laugh at loud I have tickets to see him at “An Evening with David Sedaris” and I would like to visit him at his house in England.
4. Who would you want to play you in a movie?
Jennifer Lawrence or Jennifer Anniston; someone name Jennifer. They are great actresses, beautiful and popular. Everything that I want to be.
5. What don’t you like about stand-up comedy?
Having to drive late at night for gigs. I am new to it so I still sit nervously until it’s my turn.
6. How do you feel being a female doing stand-up comedy in a male dominated field?
I think being a female stand up is beneficial because it makes you stand out a bit from the sea of men.
7. What do you love about doing stand-up comedy?
I love the writing part. It’s the most fun/challenging thing.
8. What is your advice to New Comics?
Just get up there and try it the first time and having the guts to do it is a big accomplishment.
9. What type of comedians do you enjoy watching?
Locally: John Hyne, Matt Bellak, Jacky Beren and Pam Bruno. Ellen Degeneres, Brian Regan, Kevin Nealln and Jim Gaffigan.
10. Why should people check you out at the Coral Gables Comedy Festival this Thursday?
It will be a fun show as there will a lot of local stand-up comedians that are funnier than me and a portion of the proceeds go to a good cause in University of Miami’s communication program.