After years of preparation, not only was she ready to take a bite of comedy in the Big Apple, but she fast-tracked herself into becoming one of the premier comedians and show producers in the city. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Shivani Dave. The New York City native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Shivani Dave (‘Dah-vay’ Spelled like Dave)
Hometown: New York City
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @shivanidave_
Years in Comedy: Been writing for several years (e.g screenplays, sketch at Magnet Theater) and started stand-up comedy 2 years ago.
Comedic Influences: Sarah Silverman, Jerry Seinfeld, Judd Apatow, Gary Gulman, Bill Burr, Dave Attell, Chelsea Handler, Aziz Ansari, and Amy Poehler
Favorite Comedy Album: Mitch Hedberg “Strategic Grill Locations”
Favorite Comedy Special: Gary Gulman “The Great Depresh”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Mrs. Doubtfire and Bridesmaids
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Jiminy Glick
Favorite City to Perform In: NYC or Chicago, IL
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Stereotypes, relationships/family, the corporate grind, and foodies.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Diverse and drunk
Favorite Comedy Club: Improv
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
At a young age, I’d watch my dad laugh at the show Seinfeld, and I loved laughing right along with him (although I probably didn’t understand the jokes at the time).
Later, in college, I traveled to Los Angeles with my college tennis team for spring training, and one night, our coaches took us out to a small comedy club where Jay Leno was headlining. We were all dressed in our matching tennis outfits, and he absolutely demolished us. I thought, “wow, this is so much fun”.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Walking up to the stage, thinking to myself “Don’t fall, don’t fall, DON’T FALL!”
How would you describe your comedic style:
I like to address serious topics and turn them upside down; I’m generally dry, sardonic, surprising, but relatable.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Structured procrastination
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Electric, a hustle, and no easy laughs.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Creating a fan base of folks who relate to you and crave to see your commentary on particular topics.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Amanda Alvich is my co-host/producer for the “Top 5 Comedy” show.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Opening for Dave Attell in a sold-out, packed room of 500 people at the Chicago Improv. Also, the satisfaction of hustling to produce the first “Top 5 Comedy” show in NYC, and continuing to pack out the room to build more and more traction every show.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
To always be prepared, and to embrace uncomfortable moments.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Two very opposite reactions, which are typically “Wait, you do comedy!?”, or “yeah, that makes a lot of sense.”
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
A goddamn hustle and definitely not for the faint of heart.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More transparency into club protocol and continued representation in terms of diverse voices.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
“Keep Writing”
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Dave Goes Dave”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Chatting it up with Craig Robinson in the Hollywood Improv green room, debating over Pizza Hut vs. Dominos
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
The rooftop of a mall in Oakland, CA.
A Shivani Dave Fun Fact:
Despite having scrawny Indian chicken legs, I played Division 1 college tennis at the University of Illinois (Fighting Illini).
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Major stages, writers’ rooms, and greenlit screenplays.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Make sure the audience sees your confidence.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I hope people’s appetite for smart, thoughtful, compelling comedy will continue to grow.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
The Office (When the COVID pandemic hit, e.g. Michael Scott/Dwight figuring out Zoom)
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
“Shivani Dave & Friends – Fundraiser for CurePSP.org” w/ Bill Burr, Gary Gulman, Sarah Silverman, and Dave Attell at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, MA. (I grew up in Boston, and my father passed away in 2023 from the incurable neurodegenerative disease, PSP)
What’s next for you:
Continue the stand-up and writing hustle. Come out to a “Top 5 Comedy” Show!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life is a roller coaster of emotions, comedy helps on the descents.
Follow Shivani Dave’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Shivani Dave
Youtube: Shivani Dave
*Shivani co-hosts/produces the successful “Top 5 Comedy” Show in New York City: An interactive comedy show featuring the hottest stand-up comics around the country, plus a secret Top 5 theme each month.
*Photos courtesy of Mike Bryk, Amanda Alvich, & Brenna Nicole
