Grace Holtz: Comedy is pain relief
Grace Holtz is a Chattanooga-based comedian and performer. She previously was a co-host for the Once a Month comedy show and helped lead GOLD Comedy’s Comedy Camp at the Chattanooga Public Library.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
That even with a microphone and a PA system my voice will never be as loud as an arrogant man still putting his two cents in at a comedy club where he used a Groupon.
BRIEFLY describe your worst gig.
I told several anti-police force jokes before a cop approached the stage to tell me to shut up. I would’ve used the retort to that heckler but all I did was give him my license plate number.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Realizing no one had my voice in my city. I felt unique for one of the first times in my life.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
Make your strongest joke your last.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
Wear makeup.
Favorite response to “What’s it like to be a woman in comedy”?
Same as a man. Just harder.
Feelings about the word “comedienne”?
Lose it.
What advice do you have for how to level up from open mics + bringers to actual SPOT-spots?
Always get to know out of town comedians in your town. Each booking could lead to a level up.
What single word always cracks you up?
Duty
Was there one person who inspired you to become a comedian?
Joan Rivers and my bff who is way funnier and never had the guts to do it.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life?
Understanding that all people have a voice. It’s not your responsibility to change their voice, but empathize and move on if they don’t deserve your ears.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Your talent is to turn your pain into humor and help someone else’s pain shrink a little bit. Even if your audience doesn’t like you, you’re the one walking home with a paycheck.
Grace Holtz is a Chattanooga-based comedian and performer. She previously was a co-host of the Once a Month comedy show and helped lead GOLD Comedy’s Comedy Camp at the Chattanooga Public Library.
