Making it in the ever-competitive and cutthroat comedy industry is no small feat. But with the help of a half-completed doctorate and ample experience with imaginary friends, one of Wesleyan’s own did just that.
Catie Lazarus ’98 has become one of the rising stars of the New York City comedy scene. She currently hosts a weekly comedy show called Fresh Meat at the COMIX Comedy Club in New York’s meatpacking district.
“Fresh Meat is the first industry showcase of book readings, stand-up, short films, character sketches, storytelling, cartoons, and songs,” Lazarus explained.
In the show, each of these dynamic acts gets equal stage time. The performers share their worst experiences in the business, their first jokes, and they partake in a question and answer session.
“You get to see both the best in alternative and club comics, writers, and actors, and get a real glimpse into what inspired them and what they faced,” Lazarus said.
Although the New York comedy scene is infamous for being overcrowded, she sets herself apart with her quirky style.
“As someone who will bust into odd characters when volunteering with the elderly or do a monologue from ‘Judgment at Nuremberg’ at an audition for a tampon commercial, standing out is not really a concern,” she said.
This profession is the realization of Lazarus’ life-long love for comedy, discovered in her childhood.
“In nursery school, I didn’t have anything for show-and-tell, and everyone else had brought cool stuff, like a hamster, a feather, and a bow and arrow,” Lazarus said. “So when it was my turn, I explained that I had invited my imaginary friend, but because he was blind he couldn’t find the classroom.”
Like most graduates, Lazarus, who earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Wesleyan, has fond memories of her time on campus.
“When I was finishing my master’s thesis, I would sleep in my office in Judd Hall,” she said. “Anyway, friends would bring me food, and one night I woke up to find a mouse just sauntering by, as if I was in his way. If there was ever an incentive to turn my thesis in, that four-legged gremlin was it.”
Despite having only seen stand-up comedy once before, Lazarus decided to drop out of a doctorate with a scholarship to pursue comedy. She has some advice for aspiring comedians who may want to follow in her footsteps.
“Comedy is not something you do because law school seems laborious or you’re not the corporate type,” she said. “It’s like love. You’ll know when it’s right. As with love, you will have your doubts. But if somehow you decide to keep at it, well that’s the closest thing to a perfect fit.”
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