As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Elle Shahid. Known for her hilarious sets, this female comedian has used the art of never taking herself too seriously to build a serious following in the world of comedy. The Orange County, CA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she owns the laughs.
Name: Elle Shahid
Hometown: Orange County, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @elleshahid
Years in Comedy: 4
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Kill Tony
Comedic Influences: Amy Poehler, Sarah Kate Silverman, Ali Wong, & Katherine Ryan
Favorite Comedy Special: Baby Cobra
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Parks & Recreation
Favorite Comedic Character: Chris Pratt (AKA Andy Dwyer) and Amy Poehler (AKA Leslie Knope) in Parks and Recreation
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles, CA (DUH)
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Genital Mutilation
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I like all types of people
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I had friends encourage me to try it out. One of my good friends signed me up for my first open mic.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I spoke really fast and sat down before I got the light. The host brought me up saying, “she’s really funny,” and I was like, how does he even know that? (Laughs)
How would you describe your comedic style:
Touching
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Still trying to figure this out. I mostly think of something funny and write it down. When I’m at a mic, I’ll try talking about this funny thing while recording myself. After listening to my recording, I’ll decide if it’s something I should keep working on or if it’s too cringe and I should dump it. (Most things are cringe)
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s all about who you know! Comics in the OC are pretty tight.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Being completely comfortable and confident in whatever material you put out.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My good friend Joe Eurell inspires me. Hardworking, determined, and supportive (and incredibly funny). Also, my friend Breahna Upton is so freaking creative (buy her zines @brestinyprintshop on Etsy).
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Performing my first show at a dive bar that is now condemned (good ‘ol OC steel house). Also, my first paid gig!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
It’s never worth degrading a group of people for a cheap laugh. (I’m never saying the R-word again)
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I’d like to think people like me, but they’re probably scared of me. It’s hard to tell tbh.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Exhausting and discouraging.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Cancel culture. I’d like the freedom to say whatever I want without consequences. If I did say something horrible, I would like to apologize without being “canceled.”
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
It doesn’t matter if you completely bomb tonight.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Junk in the Trunk
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Tony Hinchcliffe’s wife at the comedy store, and I go “damn, you British,” and Tony corrects me by saying, “she’s Australian.” I also made a comment about an all-white audience at a comedy show in front of Jojo, the singer (she said it was cool and that she gets it).
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A rehab center without a microphone and a public park.
An Elle Shahid Fun Fact:
I have a master’s degree. I am the first in my family to achieve this and am a first-generation Egyptian American. I don’t speak a lick of Arabic and pretty much know the wrong words.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d like to write a book and travel.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Just be your authentic self.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Not sure, but willing to continue this ride for a bit.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom, which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
Parks and Recreation: Leslie hosts a Special Olympics tournament that Andy participates in.
If you could choose one comedy club and three comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Oof, It would be an all-female show. I would get Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson back together and have a spin-off of 2 Dope Queens.
What’s next for you:
I’m just going to keep doing open mics and bar shows, you know, local stuff.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because nothing is that serious, and life is too short.
Follow Elle Shahid’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @ElleShahid
