As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Soo Ra. Literally flyer than any comedian you may ever come across, Ra has been spotted making people laugh all over America. The Brooklyn, NY native shares some of their favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how they always own the laughs.
Name: Soo Ra
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @hoora4soora on all socials
Years in Comedy: 8
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: BuzzFeed, Fusion Network, and WorldStar Hip Hop
Comedic Influences: Adam Sandler, Dave Attell, Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, Jim Gaffigan, Larry David, Mark Normand, Mitch Hedberg, Robin Williams, Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Tina Fey…just to name a few.
Favorite Comedy Album: George Carlin, the special where he’s wearing black
Favorite Comedy Special: See above.
Favorite Comedy Movie: Mean Girls
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Comedic Character: Any Eddie Murphy character
Favorite City to Perform In: I’m partial to Midwest cities.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My silly life.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A slightly tipsy, giggly bunch.
Favorite Comedy Club: Planet of the Tapes in Louisville is a really unique new club.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
In college, I was in a gang aka sorority. During recruitment, we performed sketches & I was one of the main characters. I improvised a lot and got some good laughs so they later nominated me for our school’s Miss Miami competition. I was the only contestant that didn’t take it completely seriously as a pageant so I won. But making people laugh was the ultimate win.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I swore more than a sailor and unknowingly went way over my 5 minutes, but they let me keep going. I had so much adrenaline, it felt like I had just done heroin. I’ve never done it before, but I could imagine it would feel wild, reckless, and on cloud 9 like I did that night.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Witty little nuggets.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write down things that tickle me & try to carve the lard off into a bite-sized bit. Then if it bombs, I tuck it in my poetry archive instead.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s NY f-ing City. There are hundreds of places to do spots and thousands of comedians vying for them.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
The quality of ramen you can afford from comedy money.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Trevor Wallace and Becky Robinson are killing it right now. They’re talented writers & performers that can do both standup & sketch comedy.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
One night at Comedy Key West, a bachelor party from Boston came in as the club was closing. They demanded a show and paid $800 in cash. So I hosted those rowdy New England boys.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Just show up.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They’re usually caught off guard because I’m this tiny Asian woman. I think I contradict their preconceived notions. And I thrive on that and aim to shove those down the garbage disposal.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Bit by bit, like I’m building a house out of LEGOs. I want to have a roof over my head from comedy, but I’m still working on the foundation.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Drink tickets should be a bonus, not the standard compensation at bar shows.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Just have fun up there, that’s what the audience came to do.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Soo Raw
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Adam Sandler at this fancy restaurant I used to work at, but I only had a few seconds with him as I walked him to his table. I just finished telling my coworkers about a mysterious bright green poop I had and it made them cry laugh so they encouraged me to tell Adam too. I started the story off so crappy by asking him, “Do you find poop funny?” He passed my question off to his friend (David Spade!). But I was so embarrassed I blanked at what was said and hurriedly walked away. Probably not the best opening line, especially before dinner.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A thrift store, a laundromat, a 14-year-old’s birthday party; definitely other spots but I probably forgot about my mental health.
A Soo Ra Fun Fact:
I have never shaved my legs. Before you think I’m a hardcore hipster, I just haven’t grown any hair! Maybe I haven’t gone through puberty yet?
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Across the border! Montreal to be exact…Just for Laughs. My own Comedy Central Special. Netflix will work too. Call me!
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
To own the laughs, you must have enough for a down payment. And in terms of comedy, that’s a 5-minute set. Cut out any unnecessary words in your jokes. Get that 5 minutes as tight as yoga pants on a thickened woman.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It’s booming baby! There are so many talented comedians and numerous platforms giving us a chance to get some recognition. Plus the world is only getting crazier so there’s a bottomless bag of material.
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:
Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David discovers a promising young Asian comedian and takes her under his wing.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Cellar in New York with Dave Attell, Amy Schumer, & Jerry Seinfeld.
What’s next for you:
Probably lunch but after that-Carolines on Broadway 11/8 at 7pm for NY Comedy Festival!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It’s safer than drugs.
Watch Soo Ra on Kill Tony:
Follow Soo Ra’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @hoora4soora
Facebook: Soo Ra
