A stand-up comedian, writer, and performer known for her sharp storytelling, self-deprecating humor, and relatable observations on modern life, relationships, and personal experiences. She has built a growing following through her live performances across the New York comedy scene, viral stand-up clips, and appearances on comedy showcases and podcasts. Her comedy blends witty honesty with an energetic stage presence, making her a rising voice among the next generation of stand-up comedians. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Sarah Barnitt. The New York City native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Sarah Barnitt
Hometown: NYC
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @sarahbarnitt
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Skankfest, Roast Battle, & New York Comedy Festival
Comedic Influences: Iliza Shlesinger, Nikki Glaser, & John Mulaney
Favorite Comedy Album: John Mulaney “New In Town”
Favorite Comedy Special: Jacqueline Novak “Get On Your Knees”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Good Place
Favorite Comedic Character: Elaine
Favorite City to Perform In: New York
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Reality TV, Sex, Dating and Corporate America
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A bachelorette party
Favorite Comedy Club: Village Underground at the Comedy Cellar
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I grew up listening to stand-up albums whenever I felt lonely or wanted to escape! They got me through my first year of college.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
It was awesome! Once I got the first laugh, I felt like I was finally doing something right.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Sharp, witty, and theatrical.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I like writing in public spaces like parks, libraries, or bars. I have a certain playlist I always put on when I write. I start by freewriting; I’ll write down all my knowledge and feelings about a topic, then shape them into jokes using word association. I don’t try to ‘say something funny’; I try to say something in a funny way.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The best of the best! There are amazing comics all over the world, but in my opinion, nobody beats NYC joke-writing. Everyone has a similar hustle mentality, so while it can get competitive, there is a camaraderie to it as well. There are so many micro-scenes inside of New York that there truly is a place for everyone.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
That’s a great question! For me to feel successful, I want to know my material impacted someone or made their day better. That can happen at a bar show with 6 audience members, or it can happen in the Fat Man at Comedy Mothership. I want to be proud of what I write and know that it is reaching people!
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
SO MANY. I come from the world of roast battle, and my friends Andrew Manning, Charity Gregory and Dan Wickes are masters of the craft. I’ve learned a lot from watching them! In terms of standup, I am always so inspired by the women around me: Grace Lobo, Abbey Vollman, Alaina Bamfield, Maggie Naughton and Chloe Fimiano just to name a few.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My grandma came to see one of the first shows I ever did. It was a 5PM Bringer, and it was horrible, but she brought all her friends, and they took a limo in from the Jersey Shore, drank cocktails all night, and had a blast. She passed a year later, and I miss her a lot, so I cherish the memory!
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
No ‘Failure’ will destroy your career completely and no ‘Win’ will make it!
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They are usually surprised! And then ask about my set and to tell them a joke.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s a million little steps and trying to improve every time you go up. I like to take it one set at a time. Stand-up is a crazy thing – it can give you the biggest dopamine rushes of your life and also very low lows and embarrassing moments. Riding the wave of emotions is normal and to be expected!
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
People doing bits for social media and not for the people in the room.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Getting your nervous system to a point where you are comfortable on stage and can sit in silence and uncertainty is critical. Working on this!
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Big Mouth”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was given a cigar at a comedy festival and had no idea how to cut it or light it. Dave Atell did it for me and looked at me like I was STUPID (which I was).
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A laundromat in Poughkeepsie, New York
A Sarah Barnitt Fun Fact:
I’m a triplet! Two sisters; we aren’t identical but look the same!
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d love to write TV, particularly monologue jokes, TV roasts, and unscripted events like awards shows.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be goofy and silly! Taking yourself too seriously in comedy is a dead end.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
More and more, we see comedy coming to parts of the world that didn’t have it, and I think that is SO awesome! I love seeing standup pop up all over the country and the world. I’d love to travel and do standup on every continent!
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Seinfeld! Jerry gets annoyed that a hot new frozen yogurt shop has a line around the block, and George hatches an idea to sell frozen yogurt to people waiting in line. Elaine learns TikTok language to try and connect with her Gen Z coworkers. Kramer starts taking illegal peptides with wacky side effects.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
It would be the Comedy Cellar Village Underground. I’d have Blair Socci (one of my fave comics to watch right now), Dan Soder (huge fan of his voices), and JP McDade (I think he’s the best joke writer in the city)
What’s next for you:
I just left my day job that I was going to lose to AI anyway. So who knows! I have some road dates coming up this summer I’m excited for, and I can’t wait to see what I can create with blinders on.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
If we can’t laugh, we have nothing!
Follow Sarah Barnitt’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Tik-Tok: Sarah Barnitt
Youtube: Sarah Barnitt
