This week’s comedy foot solider, Katherine Bryant, is one of my closest friends and one of the funniest women I know. She is one hard core bad ass comedian! She’s unafraid (but small), unapologetic (but nice), and original (without being annoying). Plus she let me give her her nickname in college (it was and as far as I am concerned is Chuck. Please everyone start calling her Chuck again). That’s a bond that can never be broken.
Also, I will never forget the time we spend together in Your Mom (a sketch group we were in together a few years back). She was great in Your Mom. For sure she was the prettiest person ever in Your Mom. She loved Your Mom and Your Mom loved her right back. Is that enough Your Mom jokes? Okay, one more. She was with me in Your Mom for over three years and we often talk about getting Your Mom back together to do it one more time. Point is, she is incredibly funny and one of the most recognizable and respected forces in the NYC sketch community.
What’s the most important thing you learned since you started doing comedy?
Be active. Go see shows. Get inspired. It’s so important to see what everyone’s up to*. It’s the best way to find your own style and be part of the comedy community. In comedy, as in life, it’s about relationships and collaborations.
*Brought to you by the Joke Stealers Association.
How did you know you were meant to be a comedian?
I used to get in trouble a lot as a kid for commenting out loud on everything and everyone. When you’re “making fun” of things as a kid, you’re a smartass. But when you do it as an adult, you’re a comedian. It’s just in me.
What’s been your brightest moment as a comedian?
Some of the best moments happen off stage when you’re not even thinking about comedy. It’s the moment everyone is sitting around and one person says something that sparks an idea. Then it’s a laser storm of wit and one upmanship as everyone builds on and adds their panache and style. The idea goes through a virtual puberty becoming a fully-fledged sketch/bit. It’s magic to be part of.
What’s been your darkest moment as a comedian?
We’ve all done shows where you’re so pumped to perform the shit out of your jokes/sketches/bits only to realize that the audience consists of your boyfriend and the theatre intern. It sucks. It’s enough to make you want to drink bleach and take a forever nap.
What is your favorite thing going on in comedy right now?
Conan.
What is the scariest thing going on in comedy right now?
Conan being fired over Leno. How can that happen?
Who do you think is today’s most underappreciated comedian/comedy actor?
Conan. But just by NBC. Seriously though, that guy is so smart and amazing. The goodbye speech on his last show was so touching and down to earth. Down with cynicism!
What’s the best advice you ever received as a comedian?
“Be honest.” It’s clear when you see a comedian who is “trying” too hard or has hung their performance on a gimmick. I love when performers give you a piece of themselves and not some cooked up bullshit they thought would be funny.
What’s the worst advice you ever received as a comedian?
“Wing it.” As a sketch comedian, that’s the last thing I want to do. Fearsome is often revered for being tight and that comes from a lot of forethought and rehearsing. We take pride in preparation. I hate sloppy, lazy performances. It’s disrespectful to the people who spent energy and money coming to see your show.
What is your craziest show experience?
Fearsome once performed at a burlesque night out in Greenpoint. We followed Dizzy Swank, one of NYCs only male lumberjack-themed dancers.
What is the biggest source of your comedy?
Wigs. And sometime mustaches. But mostly my inspiration comes from the energy and imagination of the amazing comedians I get to play with.
How would you describe your comedy?
Really dry and a bit dirty. So, like dog food you find under the couch, I guess.
Quick Hitters
I would like to be known for…being someone people want to have a beer with.
Shoot me if I ever…break into your house. I’ve clearly taken up with the wrong crowd and it’s doubtful I’ll make it back to the honest life.
I think most comedians are…attention getters.
The one thing I have never seen a comedian do, but would love to is…Hey, if I knew a really great idea that no one has seen before, I wouldn’t tell you here. I would just go do it myself. Wait…are you a member of the Joke Stealers Association?
My favorite comedy bit that I was not involved in is… Eddie Izzard’s Heimlich Maneuver; Do You Have a Flag; and Cake or Death bits.
My favorite comedy bit that I was involved in is… Fearsome performed Shayna Ferm’s first song, “But Hold Me” which is funny because it sounds like we’re saying “Butthole Me.” Once at the end of the song we put fudge on our fingers and made a circular, butthole-like shape that Shay’s head popped out of. The fudge smeared all over her face. So ridiculous and classy.
People often say they are attracted to a sense of humor. I think that is…true but those people need to think more outside the box when it comes to their e-harmony profiles.
I would like to plug…
“The Worst Guy Ever” – More Info Here
Two short films created by my Film Racing team, Fast Moon Films:100 Hour Film Race: Noir & Peace – Watch Here
24 Hour Film Race: What Little Remains: – Watch Here
Sketchfest NYC, June 2010
And coming this summer…a show written by myself and the one and only Shayna Ferm.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Dustin,
Loved this interview. Obviously this young lady is smart, witty, a brilliant comedian and she is beautiful too. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
ps. This comment has nothing to do with the fact that I am “Her Mum”!
It was great to see your web site, and we reallyenjoyed reading it.
Best wishes. Linda and Roger B.
Dear Katherine,
Great job! Who would of known that the little girl who did cartwheels across the yard would have turned out to be so funny. Keep up the great work.
Linda L.(Charlotte)