Road To Success: Jill Valentine

Jill Valentine graciously shared some of her experiences and inspirations with us about creating the huge festival in Chicago that celebrates women.

The Chicago Women's Funny Festival is just around the corner and they are accepting applications for performers.

A lot of people see you as a powerful entity who can help make their dreams come true. What people seem to forget, is that you have built your career over a long period of time. There was a time when Jill Valentine, everyday woman, was first starting out and nobody knew who she was. What are some of the most memorable - but untold - obstacles/adversity you faced back then, both as an individual (Jill's struggles personally) and as a budding performer/producer?

Jill Valentine: Powerful entity??? Ha! That’s nice. When I started in the comedy scene, it was primarily a male dominated art form. There would be about 2 women in each class and most of the teachers were men. It has been really amazing to see the evolution of the scene since then. Women make up half of the classes, there are a ton of female teachers and women are not only the funniest woman comedian on stage they are the funniest comedian on stage. I am so blessed to be here at a time where we are seeing more color, body types, and women killing it on stage. I think we are overcoming obstacles as a community which is bad ass.

Do you remember the first moment you thought to yourself - I'm going to start a women's festival?

Please tell us about the inspiration to boldly branch out on your own and why it was important.

I had thought of putting on an all women festival for a few years before I actually pitched the idea to Brian Posen. He was all for it so I grabbed my good friend Liz McArthur and took a chance. We put the call out for talent and the response was overwhelming. The community was not only excited but they wanted to help. It was empowering to see so many supportive, hilarious, smart and talented women come together and celebrate.

Who or what gave you the confidence to be a pioneer to run the women's funny festival in Chicago?

I have worked on The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival for the last 15 years and seeing the groups change I knew we were ready. We could handle a whole festival dedicated to us. To celebrate us.

What scared you about starting this festival?

That no one would want to do it and that no one would come. Thankfully that didn’t happen.

Were there any obstacles/adversity you faced specifically on the basis of your sex/gender as a woman/female that you can tell us about?

I have been fortunate enough to work with groups that have been insanely supportive. The Cupid Players is one of my faves and it was all about play with them. I have also learned throughout the years to surround myself with people I WANT to work with like Off Off Broadzway and Feminine Gentlemen. These are some of my best friends onstage and off.

You have a history of entrepreneurship and wearing so many hats - producer, director, writer, performer - is there anyone in particular in your family or friend circle who was a prominent guiding force, influence, or mentor to you when you first started the journey to empowering yourself beyond just being a performer who went to auditions? If so, who, and how did they help you?

The consistent voice in my head has been my mom. My mom has been a huge influence in my life. When I started to gear more towards theatre, she was a huge support. She was at every show, wiping away tears and celebrating my accomplishments. She pushes me without being pushy. She has been a constant rock in my personal and work life. I have always thought of her as a strong woman that I look up to. Sometimes the strongest voice in the room is not the loudest but is the most steady.

Tell us about one of your most exciting memories, opportunities, or recaps of a mentor who took the time to give you a chance when they absolutely did not have to go out of their way to help you?

I have been lucky enough to meet many people who gave me a chance. Marisa Paonessa of Paonessa Talent took in a sketch [...] kid with pink hair and tattoos. She cleaned me up a bit and scared me to death auditioning for tv. My first big job was a gig as “Donna” International Delight’s spokesperson and shot 3 national commercials back to back in LA by Peter Farrelly. I WAS TERRIFIED. That’s something I have learned throughout the years……you have to be terrified to make the next leap.

Do you think it is important for women who are in power positions/successful to mentor and uplift other women who come behind them? If so, what do you think are the best ways to do this, and how do you do this in your day to day life?

Absolutely. Success breeds success. Share opportunities, enjoy your peers successes, support each other’s shows, enjoy the ride and count your blessings. Count those mother fucking blessings. Your journey is yours and it’s special.

Walk us through a brief overview/ timeline or highlights of your mentors from young Jill to present day and what each one did for you?

My dad taught me that I could do ANYTHING I wanted. ANYTHING. So I did. My sisters Amy and Julie keep me funny. They are funnier than me. They are just cooler about it than I am. When I get the dead pan sister face, I need to work on some shit. Mom was always there to help me take the next big step. High school was Tom Dzurison who would make me think on stage. Dan Smith in college taught me to demand the room and keep it. Brian Posen taught me to play and to build ensemble and community. He is the yin to my yang.

The Cupid Players built my Chicago foundation and started my comedy family.

Marisa Paonessa taught me how to think bigger and to surround myself with good people.

Off Off Broadzway (TheBroadz) taught me that time is everything and I want to spend it on stage with them.

Liz McArthur is my comedy twin and an amazing friend and co-producer. We like to scare each other into the next project.

Brian Peterlin is my lifelong friend that taught me titles can change, but family is the most important thing in the world.

Mandy Whitenack is my friend soul mate. She is my sister in all of this.

Gus Vera Valinotti taught me that times of crisis can inspire change and new beginnings.

Count your blessings. Surround yourself with the people you love. Work with people who inspire you. Try to inspire others. And have some fucking fun!!!!!

Thanks to Jill for sharing her words of wisdom and highlighting some of the mentors in her life. Be sure to check out the Chicago Women's Funny Festival this summer in Chicago!

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