A rising star featured on PBS’ “The Art of Comedy” and “Comedy in the Capital” on CBS. The Washington Post also listed her as one of the “10 Funniest Comedians Working in D.C. right now.” She has performed with national headliners, including Ramy Youssef, Todd Barry, Dulce Sloan, and Judah Friedlander. Most recently, Shelley opened for Roy Wood Jr. and Jordan Klepper on their sold-out “America: For the Last Time” tour. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Shelley Kim. The Washington D.C. native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Shelley Kim
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @machinegunshelley_
Years in Comedy: 10
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: PBS “The Art of Comedy”
Comedic Influences: John Mulaney, Ronny Chieng, Mike Birbiglia, Dave Ross, & Aparna Nancherla
Favorite Comedy Album: Hampton Yount “Able”
Favorite Comedy Special: John Mulaney “New In Town”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Zoolander
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Corporate on Comedy Central
Favorite Comedic Character: Dale Gribble from King of the Hill
Favorite City to Perform In: Any small city without much comedy. Small city audiences tend to be the coolest and most gracious.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Personal life experiences
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: An audience that doesn’t talk during sets.
Favorite Comedy Club: Hotbed Comedy in DC
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I grew up watching a lot of standup specials and comedy shows. That was mostly what I did on Friday and Saturday nights.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The first big pop of laughter. I was so relieved.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Dark, but disarming
Describe your process for comedic writing:
If I think of a funny premise, I’ll write it down, and then go from there.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
DC is the best place to grow as a comedian. Most shows, even open mics, will have an audience.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Continuing to find joy in comedy while staying mentally healthy. I know that sounds corny, but some so many comedians are financially successful but still unhappy. Comedy shouldn’t be a means to an end. Doing comedy itself should be rewarding.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
So many good comics come out of DC. Some of my favorites are Winston Hodges, Brittany Carney, Maddy Brannon, Naomi Karavani, and Lafayette Wright.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My first set
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
You’re on your way to getting better.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Confusion and surprise
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Unstable but fun.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Less cliques
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Watch tapes of yourself.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Are you Mad at Me?”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
All my encounters with celebrities are pretty awkward. I try not to think about it.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Zoom
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Writing for a TV show. Headlining live shows.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Stay true to what’s funny to you, and then try to convey that to the audience.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Not sure, but I really hope AI doesn’t get involved.
What’s next for you:
I have a few shows this week. Hopefully, they go well.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life is chaotic and absurd. Laughing gives you some power over it.
Follow Shelley Kim’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Shelley Kim
Youtube: Shelley Kim
Personal Website: Shelley Kim
