Laura Dellis stopped waiting for others to see her
Laura Dellis is a comedian, writer, and performer originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota. She earned her BFA in Musical Theater from the Chicago College of the Performing Arts, where she honed her skills and discovered her passion for comedy. Laura has performed stand-up at venues including Zanies, The Laugh Factory, and iO, and completed training at The Annoyance and iO, where she also formed the sketch group Motorcycle Rocketship, with runs at The Second City, The Annoyance, and The Bughouse. She is the creator and star of the one-woman show Halfway to Fifty (and its sequels), which blend stand-up and music and have sold out multiple runs, as well as the holiday comedy special A Very Dellis Holiday. Her work combines sharp stand-up, theatrical flair, and a deep love of comedy’s ability to connect people. See her in NYC.
What were you like as a teen?
I was a theater kid through and through and loved watching musical theater! I think I became quite silly and slightly dramatic because of it.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
Yes, I served cocktails on a boat in Minnesota! I didn’t drink at the time, so I learned a lot about liquor and the amazingly funny effects it has on people–especially when they are on an uneven surface in the middle of a body of water.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
Performing my solo show at Second City, Chicago.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Knowing that it was the only thing I was truly good at and that it will always be something I want to do.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Yes! People have been mean on social media and comments. I love to respond back, “Thank you so much for taking the time to write that! Made my day.”
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Listen, I am dying alone and it’s not so bad!
Best comedy advice you ever got?
“Own it.” If you don’t have confidence in your material, the audience isn’t going to have confidence in you.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“I think the joke should be longer.”
How has being funny helped you in your life?
It has helped me not take everything so seriously. It allows me to take a deep breath and realize that it’s going to be alright.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Perform. Write stuff down and then say it out loud to people. Get it in your body and adjust from there.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
Yes! My friend, Kyrie, once told me that I needed to be creating my own material and that I should stop waiting for others to see me. Now, I can make them see me in the way I want.
Do you have a writing routine?
I am always talking aloud and writing things down in my notes app. I wouldn’t say I have a routine, but I am always working through stand up and sketches in little mini sessions. I never go past an hour of writing because that’s when I start to loose the drive.
What is your go-to movie when you’ve had a bad day?
Father of the Bride or Waiting for Guffman.
What single word always cracks you up?
comedian comedy writing solo show standup comedy
