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The untold struggles of disabled comedians: A journey through laughter and barriers
In the world of comedy, where laughter is the ultimate goal, the journey to the stage can be fraught with unexpected obstacles, especially for comedians with disabilities. This article delves into the experiences of several comedians who have faced and continue to face significant challenges in their pursuit of making people laugh. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues within the comedy industry and the resilience of those who navigate it.
Ramy Youssef and Steve Way: A friendship tested by accessibility
A day before Ramy Youssef was set to record his latest special “More Feelings,” his friend and fellow comedian Steve Way was scheduled to do a practice run as his opener at Brooklyn’s Bell House. However, the performance never happened. “The day of the show, they tell Ramy, ‘Sorry, we can’t get Steve on stage.’ They needed a week’s notice to rent a ramp,” Way recalls. This incident highlights the often-overlooked logistical challenges that disabled comedians face.
The Bell House, in a statement, expressed gratitude for Way’s advocacy and mentioned that they are “actively taking steps to improve the venue’s accessibility.” This includes adding a permanent lift and having ramps available in the meantime.
Danielle Perez: Overcoming discomfort and liability fears
Danielle Perez, known for her role in “Russian Doll,” faced a similar situation when she was denied the ability to perform because the stage had no ramp. Despite offering to carry her wheelchair onto the stage herself, she was told the venue’s manager was “uncomfortable” with that. “You literally won’t even let me do a bar show for no money because you’re scared about liability,” Perez said.
The diversity of disabilities means accessibility needs can be both wide-ranging and specific to an individual. Dan Hurwitz, co-founder of the Seattle-based comedian collective The Disabled List, notes that “there are very, very few venues where the stage itself is accessible.”
Pavar Snipe and Mike Favor: Facing the audience sideways
Pavar Snipe, a voice actress and comedian with rheumatoid arthritis, recalls seeing fellow stand-up Mike Favor perform in New York. The stage didn’t allow for his wheelchair to face forward, forcing him to talk to the audience with his head turned sideways for the entire show. Favor, who has Cerebral palsy, adds that performing in front of stages at eye level with crowds impedes his ability to interact and engage.
Favor’s experience at a Manhattan comedy festival competition underscores the precarious nature of speaking out about accessibility issues. “If someone tried to sue a club for not being accessible, they probably wouldn’t have a career,” he says.
Nina G.: The broader implications of inaccessible stages
Nina G., author of “Stutterer Interrupted” and a member of the Bay Area troupe Comedians With Disabilities Act, emphasizes that a comedy stage is the entry point to other opportunities that help develop one’s art. “If you’re not able to develop your art, how are you going to get those acting gigs? How are you going to write that sitcom? How are you going to get a special?” she asks.
The logistical and financial burdens of accessibility
Comedians often face the “fire and the gauntlet” of navigating inaccessible public transit or expensive and unreliable rideshares even before they arrive at a venue. Once there, ASL interpreters, audio description, ramps, or accessible bathrooms are few and far between.
Maysoon Zayid, a comedian with Cerebral palsy, fought to have interpreters at all her university shows, even when they insisted no Deaf people were coming. Zayid built a long-term relationship with Manhattan’s Gotham Comedy Club largely because of its accessible bathroom, a feature lacking in virtually every other comedy venue in the city.
The financial strain of performing in accessible venues
Accessible options like Broadway and The Kennedy Center exist, but these spaces can have a price tag of $20,000 per evening, forcing disabled comedians to “pay to play.” During the pandemic, the rise of Zoom shows presented more opportunities to perform with accommodations, but these measures have since been rolled back after venues re-opened.
Navigating the industry’s lack of access
The general lack of access in the comedy industry is tricky, but so are the many other realities of trying to make comedy a full-time career. Comedians often juggle multiple jobs, work for low pay, and grapple with the exhausting nature of live performance.
“We’re constantly fighting for spots. Constantly fighting for stage time,” Way explains. Favor notes that comedians can get “paid next to nothing” for shows before they reach a certain level, with paychecks as little as $25 to $50, on top of having no insurance.
The resilience of disabled comedians
Despite these challenges, disabled comedians continue to pursue their passion for making people laugh. Their stories highlight the need for systemic changes within the comedy industry to ensure that all performers have equal opportunities to develop their art and share their talents with the world.
As the industry slowly moves towards greater inclusivity, the resilience and determination of these comedians serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accessibility and the impact it can have on the careers and lives of disabled performers.Exploring the evolving landscape of comedy: A deep dive into the lives of disabled comedians
In the ever-evolving world of comedy, the landscape is shifting to become more inclusive and representative of diverse voices. This article delves into the experiences of disabled comedians, exploring their challenges, triumphs, and the unique perspectives they bring to the stage. With insights from prominent comedians like Nina G., Jesse Perez, and Maysoon Zayid, we uncover the intricate balance between humor and disability, and how these performers are reshaping the comedy scene.
The rise of disabled comedians: Breaking barriers and redefining humor
The comedy world has long been a platform for marginalized voices to share their stories and perspectives. Disabled comedians are now stepping into the spotlight, using humor to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. Nina G., a comedian with a stutter, shares her journey of navigating the comedy circuit while embracing her disability. “I still do improv, but if that was my full-time hustle — my whole family is on my health insurance — I literally do not know how we’d be able to afford it,” she says, highlighting the financial and healthcare challenges faced by many disabled performers.
Jesse Perez, another comedian with a disability, emphasizes the physical toll of live performances. “As someone with osteoporosis and Crohn’s disease, a lack of healthcare access alongside the ‘show up by any means necessary’ demands of live and touring comedy partly inspired her shift into more screenwriting,” she explains. The demanding nature of live performances often exacerbates health issues, prompting some comedians to explore alternative avenues within the entertainment industry.
The impact of social media: A double-edged sword
The rise of social media has transformed the comedy landscape, offering comedians new platforms to reach audiences. However, it also brings its own set of challenges. “The pandemic really accelerated it,” Perez explains. “With the TikTok of it all, we’re just putting it out there and we’re using that to get the fans to come out to see the show. People are doing crowd work specials so you’re not burning material.” The pressure to constantly produce content can be overwhelming, especially for comedians with disabilities who may require more time and effort to perfect their material.
Nina G. shares her approach to preparing for performances, noting that she practices her material repeatedly at open mics to “see what I’m going to stutter on.” This dedication to her craft is a testament to the resilience and determination of disabled comedians, who often face additional hurdles in their careers.
Navigating audience reactions: The fine line between humor and offense
Comedy is all about creating and defusing tension, and for disabled comedians, this often involves addressing their disabilities head-on. “A wide variety of things crack me up, but my being disabled is the first thing most people are going to notice,” says Hurwitz. However, post-pandemic audiences have become more vocal, sometimes crossing the line into offensive territory. Perez recounts an incident where an audience member mocked Nina’s stutter, while another called her a slut. “I have a black belt in dealing with hecklers. This is what I’ve been doing all my life,” she asserts, highlighting the resilience required to navigate such encounters.
Maysoon Zayid, a Palestinian comedian, faces additional challenges due to her identity and political views. She has experienced censorship and show cancellations, including five Arab American Comedy Festival shows at the Gotham Comedy Club. Despite these setbacks, Zayid remains undeterred, continuing to use her platform to advocate for Palestinian equality and challenge societal norms.
Building a supportive community: The power of connection
For many disabled comedians, finding support within the industry is crucial. Perez emphasizes the importance of headliners in advocating for accessible venues. “When I get to open for bigger names, like Maria Bamford, I get to say I need a ramp,” she explains. “When Maria Bamford asks for a ramp, she’s gonna get a ramp.” This support from established comedians can make a significant difference in ensuring accessibility for all performers.
Organizations like Disability Belongs and the Inevitable Foundation provide financial support and connection opportunities for disabled artists. Zollar, a comedian and advocate, notes that these initiatives have made it “OK to be a full person,” allowing artists to embrace their disabilities and express their full range of emotions.
The Disabled List Comedy Festival and The Comedians with Disabilities Act troupe have also played a pivotal role in creating a sense of community among disabled comedians. “What I discovered when we created The Disability List is that the disability community [in comedy] was much larger than we originally thought,” Hurwitz shares. These efforts not only bring comedians together but also connect them with disabled fans who appreciate and relate to their material.
Embracing disability on stage: A path to better material
For many disabled comedians, embracing their disabilities on stage has led to more authentic and impactful performances. Snipe, a comedian who initially hesitated to acknowledge her disability, found that doing so improved her material. “Once I really realized I can bring [my disability] onto the stage, my commentary got so much better,” she says. This acceptance allows comedians to share their unique perspectives and challenge societal norms through humor.
Looking ahead: The future of disabled comedy
As the comedy landscape continues to evolve, the visibility and representation of disabled comedians are crucial. Favor, a comedian and advocate, emphasizes the need for more opportunities and accessible spaces. “I just want there to be more of us,” he says. “I want more spaces for us to have opportunities. I don’t want to have to cramp myself in places to make people feel comfortable with the decision to not be accessible.”
The journey of disabled comedians is one of resilience, creativity, and determination. By sharing their stories and perspectives, they are not only breaking down barriers but also enriching the comedy world with their unique voices. As audiences and industry professionals continue to embrace diversity, the future of disabled comedy looks promising, with more opportunities for these talented performers to shine.
For more insights and to watch trailers of some of the mentioned comedians’ performances, visit the following links:
The comedy world is evolving, and with it, the voices of disabled comedians are becoming louder and more impactful. Their stories remind us of the power of humor to challenge, inspire, and connect us all.
