Center Stage: Laura Mannino
by Matt Kleinschmidt
September 15, 2010
Laura Mannino is an actor, comedian, and writer from New York who now spends her days living in LA. She’s a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where she trained at The Atlantic Acting School. Since 2004 Laura’s been performing her stand-up all over New York. She’s also co-produced a long running stand-up and variety show called Mintyfresh. In 2009, Mannino packed up shop and moved to LA. In the short time since she’d lived there, she’s written, starred, and produced a comedic short film called Ten Minute Decade. Her stand-up has taken her to levels that include stops at The Hollywood Improv, The Comedy Store, The Ice House, Downtown Comedy Club, in addition to helping put together the Hollywood Comedy Festival at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. Laura also spends her time writing for three different blogs, I Stomach LA, Affirmations For Actors, and Don’t Be An Asshole. In addition she’s also a weekly contributor to the blog, Say Something Funny B*tch!
We asked Laura to tell us an anecdote about her comedy career and this one puts things into perspective indeed:
When I lived in New York I was booked a gig in Connecticut. The booker told me he wasn’t allowed to tell me who I’d be performing for, I need to be to handle heckling, I would have to pay for my own transportation, and I’ll be paid $150 for the gig. Of course I took it. What can go wrong? Youth and desperation do not mix. I spent a Saturday afternoon traveling by train to middle of nowhere Connecticut. My fellow comics and I (all women) were picked up at the train station by a bottle blonde in a Geo Metro, brought to a Marriott and held in the lobby bar until they were ready for us. I guess my red flags were too busy fantasizing about that big $150. After sitting for two hours and eating a dinner that we paid for, the comics were shuffled into a hotel ballroom and greeted by a 100 old men wearing cheap suits and jester hats. Yes, jester hats. We finally learned that our audience is a chapter of the “super secretive” Masonic order, The Royal Order of the Jester. Fortunately, I got the “dessert” spot so the men were too busy asking for decaf to heckle me. Once they saw my black sweater turtleneck, I was useless to them. The men gave most of their attention to the comic that happened to be wearing the tightest, reddest dress. If you Google “Royal Order of the Jester” you can learn all about their “super secret” participation with prostitutes. So the moral of the story: desperate comedians are a great alternative if you have to cut hookers out of this year’s budget.
The Laugh Button Interview with the Comedians of the Hollywood Comedy Fest
by Todd Ulise
August 17, 2010
What does it mean to you and your carer to be involved in the Hollywood Comedy Festival’s inaugural run?
I moved to LA in February 2009 from NYC. For the past year and a half, I had to start over in a new-for-me comedy scene in LA and build relationships with show producers and comics. I’m excited to be part of an event that’s bigger than its individual shows. I really appreciate Liz Stewart for creating an opportunity for fellow comics to gain exposure to a new audience and industry professionals we wouldn’t get otherwise while making the open mic and bar-show rounds.
How does you see comedy growing and changing in the 21st century with the proliferation of access points via the web and new media to content?
I’m feeling that “say something smart” pressure I haven’t felt since sitting in my dorm room at 2 am banging out a paper…or trying to write a joke about Afghanistan. Well, comedy is definitely growing. There are a lot of stand-up and improv classes, improv and sketch groups, self-produced comedy shows at bars, “bringer” shows at clubs, stand-up and sketch videos online, and out-of-work actors hoping stand-up is their golden ticket to their own network show. The business of learning and starting out in comedy is flourishing. The web is a great resource for new and mid-level comics to gain exposure and for established, working comics to maintain a relationship with their fan base. We don’t need to audition or get someone else’s approval to post a video or a blog post, we just need to do it. What we don’t know yet is how to earn money directly by producing new media content. Web content is a means to an end and not necessarily created for its own sake: a Twitter feed is successful because it turns into a sitcom, a blog is successful because it turns into a book, a stand-up performance clip and sketch video are posted in hopes they lead to a booking opportunity or a development deal. Meanwhile, the sites those videos are posted on are making (or potentially making) money in ad revenue and benefiting from the traffic a comic’s content attracts. Networks and studios are making gobs of money in ad revenue and SAG and WGA are fighting for their actors and writers to get their fair share. Comedians don’t have a union to protect their financial interests. As long as comedians define web success solely on how many hits their video received or how many followers they might have, instead of how their web content can be a direct source of income, someone else will figure out how to make money off of comedians’ intellectual property. It’s already happening.
Comedy Foot Soldier: Laura Mannino
by Dustin D'Addato
January 6, 2010
I couldn’t think of a more perfect person to kick off the relaunch of our Comedy Foot Soldier feature than Laura Mannino. Laura is awesome. She’s funny. She’s smart and she’s one of the nicest people I have ever met in the comedy community. Talk to her five minutes and you feel like you’ve known her your whole life. My only problem with her is that she moved to LA. Sure it’s so she can become rich and famous (and she probably will) but still, New York needs more people like her. I guess LA probably needs more people like her too. All that talk of that nice stuff being said, her passive aggressive blog Affirmations For Actors is really funny (and painfully truthful sometimes. Listen Laura, I don’t need an excuse for all my afternoon drinking. It makes the hurt go away okay).
What’s the most important thing you learned since you started doing comedy?
There’s no prescribed path and the only person you should be in competition with is yourself. I think that’s what the motivational posters at my day jobs said.
There’s no prescribed path and the only person you should be in competition with is yourself. I think that’s what the motivational posters at my day jobs said.
How did you know you were meant to be a comedian?
Maybe it’s when I found myself practicing Bea Arthur’s double takes and death stares as a kid. Maybe it was when I found myself laughing through scenes from ‘Night Mother in college. Maybe it’s when I realized the tragedy and crap life throws at you is a little more palatable with laughter. And when I do make someone laugh, self-conscious neuroses are briefly disabled.
Maybe it’s when I found myself practicing Bea Arthur’s double takes and death stares as a kid. Maybe it was when I found myself laughing through scenes from ‘Night Mother in college. Maybe it’s when I realized the tragedy and crap life throws at you is a little more palatable with laughter. And when I do make someone laugh, self-conscious neuroses are briefly disabled.
What’s been your brightest moment as a comedian?
The moment when the audience and I are having fun together. I’m not thinking about how I’m doing, what my next joke is, why did I wear this shirt or why the host can’t say my last name name correctly, but really enjoying watching the audience laugh. I once did an open mic with an actual recovering crack whore. Yeah..she could use some work on her writing and timing but if she has the courage to be open and truthful in front of strangers, we all need to nut up.
The moment when the audience and I are having fun together. I’m not thinking about how I’m doing, what my next joke is, why did I wear this shirt or why the host can’t say my last name name correctly, but really enjoying watching the audience laugh. I once did an open mic with an actual recovering crack whore. Yeah..she could use some work on her writing and timing but if she has the courage to be open and truthful in front of strangers, we all need to nut up.
What’s been your darkest moment as a comedian?
Performing my solo show to an audience that took my performance as an opportunity to text while waiting for their friend’s sketch group. It’s passive aggressive heckling. Oh, and I once did an open mic with a crack whore.
Performing my solo show to an audience that took my performance as an opportunity to text while waiting for their friend’s sketch group. It’s passive aggressive heckling. Oh, and I once did an open mic with a crack whore.
What is your favorite thing going on in comedy right now?
Women are slowly and steadily gaining equal footing in this industry and audiences, producers and bookers are listening and know women can speak a universal and relateable truth to both men and women. We’re no longer being perceived as a novelty or specialty act that’s limited to tampon and fat jokes. It’s so inspiring to see the gay comedy community and its audience exploding! It’s a matter of time when networks, cable, studios and their advertisers catch up to live audiences that are paying attention to women and gay performers.
Women are slowly and steadily gaining equal footing in this industry and audiences, producers and bookers are listening and know women can speak a universal and relateable truth to both men and women. We’re no longer being perceived as a novelty or specialty act that’s limited to tampon and fat jokes. It’s so inspiring to see the gay comedy community and its audience exploding! It’s a matter of time when networks, cable, studios and their advertisers catch up to live audiences that are paying attention to women and gay performers.
What is the scariest thing going on in comedy right now?
With the above said, I have a little advice for the dude hosts out there. You don’t need introduce those comedians who happen to be women with “Well, we got ourselves a lady coming up.” No shit. We’re not a novelty or an exhibit at the zoo, we’re 52% of the population. You’re not introducing a black male comic as the “black guy.” It’s not the scariest thing, but it happens to annoy me. Maybe an audience chock full of bachelorette parties could be the scariest thing in comedy.
With the above said, I have a little advice for the dude hosts out there. You don’t need introduce those comedians who happen to be women with “Well, we got ourselves a lady coming up.” No shit. We’re not a novelty or an exhibit at the zoo, we’re 52% of the population. You’re not introducing a black male comic as the “black guy.” It’s not the scariest thing, but it happens to annoy me. Maybe an audience chock full of bachelorette parties could be the scariest thing in comedy.
Who do you think is today’s most under-appreciated comedian/comedy actor?
I think “under-appreciated” is part of the job description for a majority of comedy jobbers out there.
I think “under-appreciated” is part of the job description for a majority of comedy jobbers out there.
What is the biggest source of your comedy?
Change.
Change.
How would you describe your comedy?
The anti-social social butterfly.
The anti-social social butterfly.
Why did you move to LA?
I moved to LA because I need a change…and a dishwasher. And I think LA really needed another out of work actor using up it’s finite water and energy.
I moved to LA because I need a change…and a dishwasher. And I think LA really needed another out of work actor using up it’s finite water and energy.
What under do the radar comedians do you think we should know about?
So many. I’m having “I just accepted an award and need to thank everyone” anxiety. Shawn Hollenbach has been comedy buddy since day one. We’ve produced, performed and written together. Shawn really inspired me to discover and develop my voice and brand as a performer.
So many. I’m having “I just accepted an award and need to thank everyone” anxiety. Shawn Hollenbach has been comedy buddy since day one. We’ve produced, performed and written together. Shawn really inspired me to discover and develop my voice and brand as a performer.
Quick Hitters
I would like to be known for… Spending three full hours answering interview questions.
Shoot me if I ever… Spend another three hours again answering interview questions.
I think most comedians are… are highly sensitive.
The one thing I have never seen a comedian do, but would love to is… Pull an inflated balloon out an asshole.
My favorite comedy bit that I was not involved in is…Louis CK’s meltdown on Conan about how our generation doesn’t deserve or appreciate technology.
My favorite comedy bit that I was involved in is…Will hopefully be my film I’m shooting.
People often say they are attracted to a sense of humor. I think that is… True. Particularly if the person they’re attracted to is unemployed.
Making Book on Readings: Script development series are among an actor's shrewdest investments
by Simi Horowitz
February 7, 2008
...Adds standup comic and actor Laura Mannino, "You just never know. So far I've read a couple of times, and two screenwriters have asked for my headshot. But networking is not the only reason to go. It's a terrific opportunity to practice cold readings, and that's very useful for me as a standup comic who has to fly by the seat of my pants. I also like these readings because it gives me a chance to learn something about the film world in a professional atmosphere that's not competitive. There's a real feeling of cooperation among everybody. I feel appreciated there."
....Mannino echoes his view: "The Raw Word has made me want to go back to doing television and movies, which I haven't even tried for in a long time. It's just so refreshing to have a world like that available."
....Mannino echoes his view: "The Raw Word has made me want to go back to doing television and movies, which I haven't even tried for in a long time. It's just so refreshing to have a world like that available."
Where Laughter Comes Naturally: Chicks and Giggles at Mo Pitkin's
by Jackie Beach
May 8, 2007
...Up next, Laura Mannino (left). Cutesy, but in a good way, this woman with a booming voice established some dialogue with audience members. “What’s going on over there in the corner?” she asked a group of guys and gals wearing colored polo shirts, collars turned up.
“It’s a super sweet 16 birthday party remix,” was the reply. “The theme is Pumas, pumps, and Polo.” It was just the kind of response a comedian could really run with, but out of kindness, Laura held back. She didn’t hold back on the gross factor of traveling the New York City subways.
“Can you imagine seeing yourself under a black light after riding the F train?” she asked. Citing subway horrors of a little girl urinating on the platform, finding herself sitting in a seat with a trampled weave underneath her, and sitting by a man cutting his toenails, Mannino’s jokes hit home. “What am I doing still living in New York? Am I done trying to prove myself to my high school friends?”
“It’s a super sweet 16 birthday party remix,” was the reply. “The theme is Pumas, pumps, and Polo.” It was just the kind of response a comedian could really run with, but out of kindness, Laura held back. She didn’t hold back on the gross factor of traveling the New York City subways.
“Can you imagine seeing yourself under a black light after riding the F train?” she asked. Citing subway horrors of a little girl urinating on the platform, finding herself sitting in a seat with a trampled weave underneath her, and sitting by a man cutting his toenails, Mannino’s jokes hit home. “What am I doing still living in New York? Am I done trying to prove myself to my high school friends?”
The Bastion
by Elizabeth McQuern
November 2006
.....and then having a great conversation with special guest Laura Mannino, comic and producer of NYC's Mintyfresh Comedy, which showcases some of NYC's funniest at Mo Pitkins. Laura was a delight as she warmed up a chilly night in Andersonville with her sharp wit, and reportsshe's enjoying her time in Chicago. We told her we think it would be great if there was more flow between NYC and Chicago, and told her to send word back home that NYC comics can pop in here for a week at a time whenever they want, and we promise to show them a good time. Maybe we could do an "exchange comic" program. A couch trading enterprise. Okay, maybe not. But a comedy cultural exchange? We think it's a fabulous idea. More Mintyfresh info from Laura after the jump (and the ridiculous video).
Mintyfresh is a comedy show that will be three years old this January. I co-produce the show with fellow comic, Shawn Hollenbach. Originally at The Duplex in the west Village, Mintyfresh has moved around to many venues. The show finally settled as a weekly show this year on Monday nights at Mo Pitkin's. Our weekly stand-up features a large range of comedic styles. We've participated in the last three NY Underground Comedy Festivals. The goal of our weekly stand-up show is to give the audience seven comics with eclectic styles, energy and material. Though the show is part of the 'underground/downtown/not a club' scene we don't discriminate between club comics and more 'alt' comics or comics who have been at this for ten years or one year. New York has wealth of talent and potential, that as producers and comics, we really want to use the show as an opportunity to meet and work with as many comics as possible. I'd have to sit down at our comic database but we've probably have had over hundred comics perform on our show in last three years. Along with our weekly standard stand-up show, we also produce monthly specialty shows that include 'Cocktail,' 'Coming Out' and our new show, 'Cabaret Star.'
Mintyfresh is a comedy show that will be three years old this January. I co-produce the show with fellow comic, Shawn Hollenbach. Originally at The Duplex in the west Village, Mintyfresh has moved around to many venues. The show finally settled as a weekly show this year on Monday nights at Mo Pitkin's. Our weekly stand-up features a large range of comedic styles. We've participated in the last three NY Underground Comedy Festivals. The goal of our weekly stand-up show is to give the audience seven comics with eclectic styles, energy and material. Though the show is part of the 'underground/downtown/not a club' scene we don't discriminate between club comics and more 'alt' comics or comics who have been at this for ten years or one year. New York has wealth of talent and potential, that as producers and comics, we really want to use the show as an opportunity to meet and work with as many comics as possible. I'd have to sit down at our comic database but we've probably have had over hundred comics perform on our show in last three years. Along with our weekly standard stand-up show, we also produce monthly specialty shows that include 'Cocktail,' 'Coming Out' and our new show, 'Cabaret Star.'
Laura Mannino, Lady Comic
by Nichelle Newsletter
November 3, 2004
Laura Mannino has appeared all over New York city brandishing herkiller comedy stylings. She also co-produces Mintyfresh, a bi-weeklycomedy show.
The Basics:
Age: 25
Occupation/Day job: Permanent temp. Damn you, BFA!
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in White Plains, NY. White Plains is the County Seat of Westchester, which means we got all the Claire’s Accessories and car dealerships so to not disrupt the quaint, quiet charm of the
neighboring hamlets and villages. I now live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Greenpoint, the red-headed stepchild of Williamsburg, is where all the hipsters without the trust funds live.
neighboring hamlets and villages. I now live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Greenpoint, the red-headed stepchild of Williamsburg, is where all the hipsters without the trust funds live.
Give us the quick and dirty reason why you decided to do comedy, since lady comics aren't funny. (Ha!)
The quick reason: Making people laugh is the best job in world (“best” meaning those rare moments when you can walk off stage and not want to spiral down into the depths of a Paxil and Wild Turkey bender. I use the word “job” loosely because that suggests I actually get paid). Also being around other people, who make you laugh all the time makes it way worth not getting paid to be judged by strangers pissed about filing a home Equity Loan to pay for a Rolling Rock. Not much of a reason and not at all quick. Dirty reason: It’s great to work in the one part of the entertainment industry in which passable personal hygiene and decent enough looks can actually work against you.
Who is funnier? Tina Turner or Tina Brown? Donald Duck or Donald Trump?
Tina Brown doing Tina Turner’s Proud Mary dance routine crocked on White Wine Spritzers at the CNBC Christmas party.
What is the best improvement to New York City in the last year?
Baseboard heating in my apartment.
In your opinion, what fashion trend is this year's UGG boot?
Old Navy’s version of the UGG boot. There is nothing worse than a hyped up trend than its mass-market rip off counterpart. The jury’s still out on the capelet.
Now that it's getting cold, what (or who) do you do to stay warm?See above answer to best improvement in New York City…and my Old Navy Faux-Shearling boots of
course.
course.
How many takeout menus are in your apartment?
Nine. Their names are a combination of the following words: Fortune, Wok, Garden, Lucky, Shanghai, Dragon, Wasabi, and Baldo’s Brick Oven Pizza.
What do you do with the leftover wire hangers from your dry-cleaning?
I have three jokes here that I can’t put in writing. I’ll tell them to the short list of people I managed to convince that I’m not a horrible, tasteless person.
What's the best place in New York for semi-public sex?
Semi-public? I don’t know... Jail.
You've been asked to host a party and the only requirement is that you must invite three New York celebrities (alive), who would you extend an invite to?
Jon Stewart, the homeless guy who entertains on the 1/9 train, a true song and dance man and a great joke teller; he’ll never be written about in Gawker but he’s a celeb among the 1/9 commuters, and Eric Bogosian. Did I use the semi-colon correctly? Damn you, BFA!
If you could revoke a famous New Yorker's citizenship, who would it be?
The Yankees, every single one of them. Except Torre. The Mets may need him one day. Like now...
(pause for moment to have Gothamist readers think, “hmm, she was almost likeable”) Wanna hear my wire hanger jokes now?
