5 Questions With A Comedian: Dava Krause [FREE POST]
Which is better, performing stand up or being a mom?
I met Dava Krause at a comedy show in Philadelphia that was hosted by Margot Leitman and Giulia Rozzi. Side note: it was one of the most fun comedy shows I’ve ever performed in, and a video of my set lives online. Dava and I became fast friends and for the decade plus that has followed, have collaborated, shared stages, shot videos, shed tears in each other’s presence, saw each other into and through motherhood, and more. I love this woman. I can definitely say that Dava is one of those comedy people who has had my back through every kind of craziness this bonkers business has thrown my way, and I have strived to do the same for her. She’s super smart, super funny, super fun, super chill, a super mom and wife, and just all around super. Got it?
Dava is a performer, writer and producer who has been wowing audiences with her very laid back and funny style of stand up since the early 00’s. She was a recurring character on the FOX show, House M.D., and has rocked the stages of clubs all over New York City, Los Angeles, and destinations in between, and many of the shows I’ve produced. She does video work, too — the comedy pilot she wrote, Baby Steps, won 1st place at the Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles and screened at the Big Apple Festival in New York City. She’s got the goods! She currently works in post production at Havas NY, and lives in good ol’ New Jersey with her family. If you want to follow her on Instagram, you can do it here: @davakrause.
I was delighted to have an excuse to chat with her about comedy again (it’s been a minute). Below are her 5 questions, and 5 answers.
When was the last time you got on stage, and where?
I just got back on stage for the first time in over 4 years at SOPAC in South Orange, NJ where I live. I did a tight 5 and it felt pretty damn good.
Which is better--performing stand-up or being a mom?
Better? I don’t know about better. Being a mom is definitely harder. Infinitely.
What is a theme in comedy that you keep returning to?
It’s funny, I did a show with Guilia Rozzi in NYC years ago where you did a set and then played an old clip of yourself doing standup. And I talked about the saaaame shit, lol. Weed, relationships/marriage and being lazy. But now I sprinkle in motherhood.
Who is a person in the industry who has had your back through thick and thin?
My fellow comics. Like you. And so many others who I was in the trenches with in our 20s. I just saw Christina Walkenshaw and I’ve known her for 20 years. She was like a hype squad the day of the show.
How much money do you think comedians should be paid per stand up set?
Depends on the venue. I think if you draw a crowd, you should get a good percentage of the door. Most of the door. Club makes money on alcohol. Comics worked hard building up a fan base and that should be compensated.
Today’s inspo:
The Taylor Swift of comedy | Rolling Stone
The Vince Staples Show sounds awesome | The Guardian
Travis Kelce taking on comedy? Ok, then | ESPN
TGIF, mihuman.