Her material is often considered rule-breaking, but she may tell you that she’s only finding ways to bend the rules so they can work with laughter.
For many years, Kate Willett has built a loyal following with her hilarious, heartfelt, and occasionally cringeworthy moments of self-reflection. Kate appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Netflix’s Comedy Lineup. She’s the author of the Audible Original “Dirtbag Anthropology.” She’s the cohost of the political comedy podcast Reply Guys and has written jokes for your favorite boys, Beavis and Butthead. Her appearance on Comedy Central’s THIS IS NOT HAPPENING was on Splitsider’s list of “Best Late Night Standup Sets.” In the past, she toured with Margaret Cho nationally and internationally and has featured with comedians like Kyle Kinane, Maria Bamford, and Greg Behrendt.
In her latest comedy special, Loopholes, Willett dives deep and dirty into the world of sex and feminism.
Recently, Kate had an opportunity to sit down and chat with We Own The Laughs’ Tyson Paul to discuss the process of creating a comedy special, why she stayed original, and share her thoughts on the current state of comedy.
You have a unique title for your comedy special. How did you decide on “Loopholes?”
I was thinking about how there are all these idealized images of what a woman is supposed to be, both feminist and traditional. But life is a mess of contradictions. We’re always trying to find loopholes in our stated values, and other people are always trying to find them, too.
Were there other titles that you had in mind during the process?
I thought about “Taking the L Train,” a play on “taking the L” and the actual train I’ve taken in Bushwick to so many of my misadventures. I love that title, so maybe it’ll be my next special.
Were you inspired by any comedy specials from legendary stand-up comedians that you used to help put together “Loopholes?”
Ali Wong is definitely an inspiration. I love how she’s explored themes of feminism and domesticity. My style and life are very different, but she inspires me.
We’re in an era when many comics believe comedy specials are no longer “special.” Some comedians record every set they have and immediately post it to YouTube, or some don’t tape material even though they should, or they’re great. They don’t get that opportunity. What are your thoughts on this visual era of comedy?
Everyone is making their own stuff, which is exciting to me. I grew up in a DIY art scene, so I’ve always loved the idea that you don’t have to wait for opportunities. I think it’s great that comics can put their own work out there because it allows for a much greater diversity of perspectives.
Your audience interaction during the special stood out to me. How would you describe your relationship to a stand-up audience?
I’m not a crowd-work comic, but I do try to remind myself that the audience is my friend.
I started comedy because I, like many comics, deeply need to be understood. So it’s a gift to share my jokes and feel that way. Laughter is one of the highest forms of connection, in my opinion.
Tell me about the process of writing/performing when producing a comedy special. Do you have structure or a story flow in mind before you get onstage, or does it take shape in front of the audience? Do you worry that your material will be affected by short views and clickbait?
I wrote most of the material on this special in the year or two after the quarantine. I usually write my material based on different things that strike me, and I find the themes and connections later. I wrote 85% in bits, and the last 15% tied it together.
Because of the age of social media, you can find out immediately what someone thought of your material. Do you think you’ll focus on people’s comments and remarks towards the special or more on the overall views?
As a woman in comedy, I’ve learned not to focus on comments. Some are supportive, but there’s also a lot of trolling by incels. I will definitely get in this special because I made fun of trolls and incels.
What is the most essential thing you want viewers to take away from “Loopholes?”
I hope that people can relate to it. For me, I think if art is vulnerable enough, people can emotionally relate to it even if they’ve never had the same experiences. I hope I did that.
You’ve been performing stand-up comedy for a long time and have seen many different sides. Is today’s comedy more inclusive than ever before?
I think so! That’s the good thing about social media, even though there are many downsides. Joke stealing and revealing comedians’ career fabrications have become significant topics among the media and comedy community in 2024. What are your thoughts on the issue?
Now that the special is completed, how has your life been?
Very few people have ever tried to steal my jokes. Probably because they are weird and personal; unless you had a pregnancy scare at Burning Man or dated the most sexist sub in America, it’d be tough.
What advice do you have for young comedians currently in the process of completing their own comedy special?
Keep writing, and push yourself to be more honest every day.
What goals throughout your comedy career are you still seeking to achieve?
I would love to make a film or TV show. I’m mostly a stand-up comedian, but I love to explore ideas visually and through characters you can get to know.
Where are some upcoming shows that fans can see you live?
Check my website to see where I’ll be next! https://www.katewillett.com/tour-dates
