More than ten years ago, I tried an improv workshop. Before I went, a friend warned me, “Be careful. Improvisers and comedians are competitive. They can be pretty mean.”
I didn’t have a bad experience in that workshop, but the comment stuck with me. Then I found my way into the storytelling world—and it was a delight. The storytelling community cares deeply about the art itself. People value creativity, collaboration, and generosity.
WPA (Writer, Performer, Artist)
Meanwhile, that old comment quietly shaped how I thought about comedy for a long time. But it didn’t seem to matter. After all, I wasn’t a comedian. I wasn’t going to be one. And I had no interest in becoming one.
Fast forward to now: it’s been three years since I stepped into the comedy world.
My first comedy year
And honestly? It’s been surprisingly joyful.
Instead of mean spirits and sharp elbows, I found a community that is warm, generous, and deeply caring. People show up for each other. They listen. They celebrate wins. They hold space during hard seasons. Many comedians I know are juggling one challenge after another—loss, health issues, financial stress, family responsibilities—and still somehow find the capacity to support others.
One of those people is my brilliant comedy friend, Emily Vokal. After losing both of her parents, Emily became the caretaker for her sibling. And yet, rather than disappearing or burning out, she continues to thrive creatively. She produces shows, uplifts other comics, and helps unhoused people whenever she can. She’s also the producer of Lady Bits at The Glendale Room. (You should absolutely check it out.)
Emily Vokal
Looking around now, I realize how fortunate I’ve been—not just in comedy, but also with my storytelling friends and my former Toastmasters community. They’ve all genuinely rooted for my journey, cheering me on at every stage in ways I never expected. One that proves again and again that kindness and creativity can coexist. One that reminds me that the stories we’re told about a space aren’t always the stories that end up being true.
And I’m really glad I walked in anyway.
The Crow Holiday Party