Ruby Karp: John Mulaney > sixth-grade crush

Ruby Karp is a 17-year-old comedian and journalist living in New York City. She appeared on Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls At the Party at the age of 7, and has since written for HelloGiggles, Refinery29, Mashable and the Mindhut. Ruby is the author of EARTH HATES ME. Buy it! You’ll help her pay for college.

Favorite response to a heckler or troll?

I’m a child.

Describe your worst gig. 

I was 12 and my longtime crush was supposed to come to my show.

He bailed 5 minutes before I was supposed to go on.

I had an actual breakdown onstage.

John Mulaney was in the audience.

Best comedy advice you ever got?

You can’t be a comic if you’re a selfish comic.

Worst comedy advice you ever got?

Before an improv scene: “So when we go up there, just let me do all the talking.”

Word that always cracks you up?

Funnel cake.

What advice do you have for how to level up from open mics/bringer shows to actual SPOT-spots?

OWN THE STAGE!

No matter how scared you may be, make everyone in the room feel like they’re in your house. When you’re on stage, it’s your space.

How has being funny helped you in your offstage life?

I am capable of finding the humor in any situation, no matter how brutal. Laughter is one of the only reasons we are able to exist in a somewhat happy society.

Who inspired you to become a comedian?

Shannon O’Neill and every woman I’ve ever met at UCB. Ever since I was a kid, all the women at the theater have encouraged me to constantly be myself and has shown me that I am capable of being funny.

On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a teenage female comedian? 

You aren’t a “woman in comedy.” You’re a comedian. No matter what age, gender, race, sexual preference—all comedians are on level playing fields. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Ruby Karp is a 17-year-old comedian and journalist living in New York City. She appeared on Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls At the Party at the age of 7, and has written for HelloGiggles, Refinery29, Mashable and the Mindhut. Ruby is the author of EARTH HATES ME, which is out now. Buy it and help her pay for college.

Photo via: Mindy Tucker

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