Earlier this year there was an outpouring of stories from female comics both local and national about the sexism, harassment, and abuse they’d faced in the comedy scene. Through social media, personal blogs, and word of mouth, women united to shed light on experiences that took place everywhere from small open mikes to the largest comedy theaters in the country. But such accounts shouldn’t overshadow the real reason we need to be paying attention to these women: they’re great comedians who should be noticed for their talent and drive rather than because of scandal. The best strategy for combating sexism in the comedy world for women in Chicago is to continue to be among the strongest, funniest, and most innovative comedians working in the city. While there are countless women who deserve recognition, here are some of the performers and producers who stood out for me in 2016.
The mission of the trio of women behind the Arts & Culture Club is to give stage time to women, people of color, and LGBTQ performers for their weekly variety show, which features stand-up, sketch, improv, poetry, storytelling, music, and more. (Full disclosure: I’ve been on the lineup.) Each show is curated by either Atkins, Austen-Smith, or Crary and is constructed around a single subject—topics range from sharks to menstruation to Beyonce. These personal obsessions open up dialogue for a diverse room of performers and audience members.
Sarah Sherman
The stand-up is completely uncensored when it comes to talking about marriage and motherhood, and proves that even without the glitz and the glamour she can have things her own way. She’s long made a name for herself in Chicago as the first female producer-member of stand-up standby Comedians You Should Know and is a founding member of the female comedy collective Hoo Ha Comedy. This year she recorded her first hour-long video and audio special, Mother.fucker. v
