1: More Than A Laughing Matter: Women, Comedy and Tacoma

SpeakOut 253 is back for Season 2! Today we’re talking to Jill Silva about comedy, feminism and the Tacoma comedy scene. Jill is a comedian who has been around the Tacoma scene for three years and has performed at many of the city’s comedy venues, she currently co-produces two comedy nights, Laughing Mater at Alma Mater and Bob’s Comedy Jive. Jill will be performing at YWCA’s feminist comedy show, Stand Up for YWCA, on October 11th at the Swiss!

**In this episode:**

**Women in comedy** – With the #MeToo movement, Jill feels that it’s refreshing to be a woman in comedy right now, there is a lot more comradery between women comedians thanks to the ability to talk about one’s experiences and use that drive their work. When it comes to jokes about assault or harassment Jill abides by the rule of ‘punching up’; she does not have disenfranchised people or groups be the punchline for her jokes. When speaking about Louis C.K., Jill says “Comedy is a profession and if you act unprofessionally you should not be allowed to work in that field again.”

**Issues in the Tacoma comedy scene** – The Tacoma Comedy Club has a lot of issues surrounding it, the largest and more serious are numerous allegations of harassment or assault from female comics or wait staff at the club. This has created a divide between comedians in town on who will perform at the club. Jill shares her own experience at Tacoma Comedy Club and her follow-up with the owners regarding the allegations.

A light through the clouds – The issues with the Tacoma Comedy Club has opened up space for new comedy venues to blossom, which is exciting for a city that previously really only had one venue for comedians. We’ve shared a list of Jill’s recommendations for comedy in Tacoma below.

**Jill’s local recommendations:**

Natalie Holt

Erin Ingle

Alyssa Yeoman – Podcast: You Suck Don’t Leave

**Jill’s national recommendations:**

Steph Tolev

Sophie Buddle

Caitlin Peluffo

Shanna Christmas

Kristen Schaal

Maria Bamford

**Comedy spots in Tacoma:**

Bob’s Java Jive – Open mic every Thursday, showcases the last Friday of every month

Comedy at Shakabrah Java – Open mics on Fridays

Laughing Mater at Alma Mater – Every Third Friday