Born into an Afro-Indo Caribbean family, she has used her cultural background to inform her craft. This has led to her sharing the stage with various current stars, including Michael Che and Zanib Johnson. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Electra Telesford. The Brooklyn, NY native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Electra Telesford
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Instagram/Tik-Tok: @Electra_Telesford/@electra_telesford
Years in Comedy: 5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: New York Comedy Club
Comedic Influences: Michelle Wolf, George Carlin, & Rosebud Baker
Favorite Comedy Album: The Monty Python Matching Tie and Handkerchief
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Em Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: The Jerk
Favorite Comedy TV Show: What We Do In The Shadows
Favorite Comedic Character: Homer Simpson
Favorite City to Perform In: NYC!
Favorite Topics to Joke About: I like political humor and topical comedy
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I love a diverse audiences across race, ethnicity and age!
Favorite Comedy Club: New York Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I became passionate about comedy from my first time on stage, it was never something I saw myself doing but I enjoyed it from the start.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My first open mic was hosted by Gianmarco Soresi at The PIT in NYC. I went with a friend I made at an improv class. I came with my jokes typed out on computer paper, and read them straight off the page. I remember getting some big laughs, and I’ve been doing it ever since.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I would describe it as observational and a little bit absurdist. I tend to run the spectrum between nuance and hyperbole.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write for 30 minutes a day, sometimes my joke will start off as a page, and then I try to widdle it down. When I feel comfortable with it on the page, I’ll bring it to the stage. Sometimes that can happen the same day, but it can also take months.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The comedy scene in NYC is super diverse, we have the clubs and a strong alt scene. I’m very happy to say that I get to do both.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Everyone has to determine success for themselves. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but understanding your own goals can help counter envy! For me, success is being able to live comfortably doing standup and television writing. I want to gain a following that loves my humor, and wants to hear what I want to say. One of the short-term wins I am hoping to achieve is getting a Don’t Tell or Comedy Central digital set.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My girls Hoodo Hersi and Riley Lassin have awesome work ethics. I am also really inspired by Menuhin Hart, Jonathan Teklai and Chike Robinson. Everyone I mentioned has a really unique perspective and are absolutely hysterical.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Opening for Michael Che at Caroline’s. I had only been doing comedy for about a year, and the producer of the show through me up. It was a sold-out show and I had never performed for that many people. I absolutely destroyed, and it made a name for me in the local scene. Comics are very much about “show and prove” and it showed me the importance of preparation.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
My mentality around failures is pretty grounded. I have a performing arts background, and I learned very early on that rejection happens at every level. My motto is “set it and forget it”. I apply for the festivals, submit for shows, and ask to open for people– but once I’ve done it, I don’t think about it.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I am pretty funny in conversation so people aren’t surprised.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
There is always something you can be doing to further your career, and that’s what I love about standup. If I’m not working on the craft, I’m working on the business side. Learning the business end has been fascinating. It’s a small world where networking is the name of the game. It can be hard sometimes because I try to be authentic to myself, I am not willing to pander to get ahead. Luckily, I’ve encountered really gracious people in comedy who are willing to give advice or a vouch.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I wish spots paid more. I’m grateful to have a full-time job, but the average spot in NYC pays anywhere from $20-100, a minuscule fraction of what a show can make. There’s a mentality in the standup scene that revolves around paying your dues, but many comedians may not have access to those larger opportunities. I get paying your dues, but I think we need more pay equity and transparency.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
You’re going to be tired for a couple of years, get used to it.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Those Who Can’t”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I once saw Busta Rhymes yelling at his security guard.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A strip club!
An Electra Telesford Fun Fact:
I played volleyball in college.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want an HBO special in the next 5 years!
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Don’t compare yourself and make sure you’re self-aware!
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
TikTok might kill the comedy star, but I’m hopeful things will level out.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Cellar with Hoodo Hersi, Riley Lassin and Michelle Wolf
What’s next for you:
I am performing my new half-hour #Forever28 at Union Hall March 23rd at 7pm. It’s about my nostalgia for life before the internet and what I means to age online, I promise it’s a comedy!
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Laughter has this ability bond a room, it’s incredibly powerful and healing.
Follow Electra Telesford’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Electra Telesford
Youtube: Electra Telesford
Personal Website: Electra Telesford
