Interview with comedian Melissa Stephens

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

I’m a comedian, writer, and director from the Peach State (Georgia). I wrote on Brett Goldstein & William Bridges’ AMC anthology series SOULMATES, now streaming on Amazon Prime (I wrote ep 5). I’m currently developing a dark comedy series with AMC Studios and UK based Two Brothers Productions, as well as penning a pilot “HOMEBREW” for eOne and Mark Gordon. I’m a founding member of IAMA Theatre Company, was a member of Groundlings’ Sunday Company, and regularly performs stand-up around Los Angeles. My directorial debut, PEEN, was a Vimeo Staff Pick, and the short series I wrote and directed, FINDING THE ASSHOLE, was chosen to show at Slamdance. This is my Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut. You can find more of my work at www.melmstephens.com

How would you describe your show?

When I first started stand-up, I realized after I did a set that a lot of the jokes that got the most laughs were unexpected and not usually what I wanted to go well. Those things were about my cringe worthy family, the wild South, and my bizarre perception and actions. HOT DOGS & TEARS has material that I did from very early on and then a lot of new stuff peppered in.

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

I want to experience what it’s like to perform a show consistently for a month and how the material changes or doesn’t change. I also would like to experience performing for new audiences from different backgrounds and see if it works.

What differentiates it from other festivals?

It’s the premium comedy festival without being so saturated with just industry. I feel like it’s where artists want to come, not where the industry dictates. It means a lot to perform here, and it feels very artist forward. Like summer camp for adults. I’ve not been, so I am really going out on a limb here.

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

I have always loved to laugh and to escape. Inspirations….Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Gilda Radner

How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?

It’s everything, it’s my POV. It’s what my show is about and how I see the world.

What is your earliest childhood art memory?

Entering a colouring contest at Burger King.

If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?

Maybe working with animals or in an office. I like things that are the same every day and I like animals. Toss up.

Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?

Yes. I don’t do just any show to do a show to say I got up. I am much more purposeful now. I have learned my writing and stand-up process more specifically. Instead of constantly comparing myself to others, I got specific and figured out what works for me and my process. I’ll be testing that out again with my next show. Also the same with my reactions to audiences. I feel more solid as a performer than I did before. Not everyone will love me and that’s ok. I give positive and negative feedback all the same response.

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

It’s all about imperfect consistency.

Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?

No, but I also know that life is often in the grey area.

If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?

Mary Pickford – First woman to own a film studio with other artists.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

Go with people you like; I’ve never been but I’m happy I’m not going alone.

When and where can people see your show?

The Assembly Powder Room August 4-27, 19:40

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

www.melmstephens.com