Where Are The Women Of Color In Comedy?

With #OscarsSoWhite and the release of Beyonce’s Formation video, the topic of color is consuming mainstream dialogue. But where is the discussion about women of color in the comedy industry?

Join Women In Comedy as we bring this discussion of color into our local comedy world. On Sunday afternoon February 28th, 2016, a handful of local female comedians of color in the Chicago community will come together at ComedySportz Chicago to openly discuss their unique experiences, obstacles, and thoughts on pursuing a career in the comedy industry.

Panelist Krystal Janigan, a woman of color who writes and performs sketch comedy with Ebony Essence Jet believes this discussion is important because "The open conversations about WOC in the industry's experiences is something that benefits everyone involved. When we're on stage, we are creating a theatrical or comedic world that should represent all backgrounds and cultures. We can't do that as a group if we are placing people of color into boxes or excluding us all together. Discussing this puts it out on the table. We can't hide from the truth once it's been blatantly stated. Once we know better, I think that can, at the very least, plant the seed of doing better.”

We hope that this discussion will shed light on some of the specific concerns facing women of color in this industry. Meghana Indurti, a young woman of color pursuing stand up comedy noted, “Right now, there's this sort of shift happening where women are being given more of a voice, but I think you'll find that those who are - are mostly white, conventionally attractive women. I love Broad City, Tina & Amy, Amy Schumer, Samantha Bee etc. and I also love Chris Rock, Jay Pharoah, Trevor Noah, etc. but we're still missing WOMEN of COLOR a LOT. And it's not that they don't exist, it's that people don't know. And I think you'll find that those who ARE shown also fall into the lighter-skinned, European feature aesthetic, aka Hannah Simone on New Girl or Rashida Jones from parks and rec. And not that there's anything wrong with that...but just like there's so many different types of dudes writing, directing, and acting in film and tv, there should be the same for women, and women of color.”

We hope you will join Women In Comedy Non Profit on Sunday afternoon to hear more from a diverse panel of women including:

Brandi Denise: Stand up Comedian

Allison Reese: Sketch/Improv Comedian

Loreen Targos: Stir Friday Night

Krystal Janigan: Ebony Essence Jet

Meghana Indurti: Sketch writer/Stand up Comedian

We hope you will be present as we host this important discussion and community Q & A from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the graciously donated ComedySportz Theater located at 929 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657. Doors open at 1:30pm. Free and open to the public. All are welcome.