"One of the most innovative comedians working today." That's how Patton Oswalt introduced Maria Bamford last October to the audience at the Black Cat during the latest edition of the Comedians of Comedy tour. Bamford then went on to steal the show by seamlessly weaving in characters throughout her twenty minute set. Maria is back in town this weekend headlining at the Arlington Drafthouse. (Friday, March 14th and Saturday March 15th) Local stalwart Erik Myers will also be on the bill.
We were lucky to have a chance to have Maria answer a few questions about her comedic style, approach to writing and thoughts on non-traditional comedy venues.
You've mentioned Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy as being a few of your comedic influences. What about their performance style captivated you?
I like their goofiness-and with Eddie Murphy I liked his characterizations- I think my favorite part was listening with my Dad.
How far were you into your comedy career when you felt truly comfortable with your style?
I guess that’s sort of an ongoing process as an artist/human- I’m always changing but it’s really helped to have things on TV/Internet because the more people who like what I do and come to see me, that really helps me feel more comfy – that people know what they’re coming to see.
How do you or have you in the past curbed the urge to pander to an audience who maybe had a certain expectation in material or delivery of material that differed from what you were presenting?
Well, I only have one act- so, beyond trying to do jokes that I already I have that I think people might like- jokes that are loud or slightly sexual seem to grab people’s attention, but I only have 2 or 3 of those – so, I’m a bit stuck if people don’t like it, they just don’t like it.
What do you find hacky?
I’m not a judge of comedy/art- I think it’s pretty subjective and if somebody laughs or gets something from somebody’s work- then it’s valuable/funny.
How has your material changed over time?
I think/hope I’m more personable- am better at communicating my premises, but I think it’s stayed the same in that it’s whatever I’m passionate about at the time.
Do you find that audiences in non-traditional comedy venues and theatres are more open minded than audiences in traditional comedy clubs?
I like them because I do better in them, but I don’t know if that’s because they are more specifically marketed toward my sense of humor. Comedy Clubs can be sort of vague in their advertising (give away free tickets) and that makes the audience unprepared for what type of show is on- let’s blame the comedy clubs.
When you are writing a new joke do you write it out fully and then take it to the stage or do you take the concept to the stage and then work it out?
I just do it on stage and try it over and over and over again. To friends, family, on stage, wherever.
How do you cope with the occasional writer's block?
Just keep writing.
How often do you spend daily or weekly writing?
About 5 days a week- but sort of happens throughout the day- while driving, walking my dog.
How do you handle hecklers? What was your worst heckling experience?
Every heckler is different-and I have specific lines, but sometimes, you can’t prepare and just have to be in the moment and hope for the best- The worst heckling is always the last one. It feels bad- is a bummer when people don’t like it and verbalize it- I don’t understand why they don’t leave or ask for their money back- because the comic really can’t do anything about it.
Have you ever felt like you were in a slump on stage either with your material or how you were performing your material? What have you done in the past to break the "slumpy" feeling?
All there is to do is to keep trying, keep doing it, keep doing more things. Stop talking about it, worrying about it and just do it again. Take a break if you’re not having fun-do something else, take a vacation, then try it again. If you really don’t enjoy doing stand-up- it’s ok to stop doing it! There are other ways to be creative!
Have you googled yourself and what was the weirdest thing that popped up that was associated with your name?
I googled myself a few times and then, I stopped once I read a negative chat room thing that bummed me out. Who cares what other people think? It’s none of my business. All I need to do is keep doing what I enjoy doing and let go of the results- whether anyone cares doesn’t really matter as long as I’m having a good time.
Check out Maria's sit com on Super Deluxe.
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