Carolanne Miljavac is living out her comedy dreams
Carolanne is a comedian and author of She Laughs: Choosing Faith Over Fear which talks about looking on the bright side of life in the face of poverty and grief, and how you can too! Carolanne has cultivated a massive online presence across multiple social media platforms as well as performing live stand up. She is married with three kids residing in Saint Joseph, MO.
Describe your worst gig.
Fortunately, I’m new enough that I haven’t experienced anything too terrible just yet, but I did have a show with a random 10 year old boy in the front row. Really threw off my stripper bit.
What were you like as a teen? (Did you have comedy #goals? Were you already funny, or not so much?)
I was always the group goof performing skits for friends, providing comedic relief in tense situations, and the self depreciation queen to hide my own insecurity. But comedy as a profession was nothing more than a daydream. I didn’t think I’d ever have enough courage to pursue it as a career, although I thought about it every day.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young (female/non-binary) comedian?
Never give up on your gift.
What’s your first impulse when someone says “women aren’t funny”?
Just kick them in their tiny balls right then and there.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Support from family and friends, faith, and a promise I made to say yes to every opportunity I’m given in life after losing my 7 year old niece to cancer.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Get comfortable in moments of silence. I used to feel like I was failing if my audience wasn’t laughing every few seconds.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
Memorize your set. The more I think the worse I perform. You gotta trust in your ability to be witty and unplanned.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
Dead silent death stare.
Feelings about the word “comedienne”?
It’s spelled wrong.
Favorite response to “What’s it like to be a woman in comedy”?
It’s like making people laugh for a living, while also being a woman.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life, either recently or when you were younger?
It has helped to lift people up in times of struggle, bring people together in times of divide, and provide a much needed relief from the worries of the world. As long as you have the ability to laugh, there’s hope for joy in your future.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy? If so: who?
Gilda Radner. She was just so goofy, fun, and unafraid to be just plain ridiculous. I admired her ability to be unapologetically silly as a little girl either getting laughed at or told she’s “too much.”
What single word always cracks you up?
Cooter….especially when followed with poot.
Connect with Carolanne this Friday, Feburary 19th for a live show! Get tickets here.