Apr 1

Apr 1 7 Questions With: Amber Autry

In recent years, Nashville-based comedian Amber Autry has been on the rise. Following time spent learning improv at Chicago’s renowned Second City, she realized that her passion was in stand-up. That passion has only solidified as she’s toured regularly, sharing the stage with comedy greats like Fortune Feimster, Maria Bamford, and Tim Meadows.

In 2023, Autry launched “I’m Fine, It’s Fine,” a podcast co-hosted with trauma therapist Melanie Reese, where the two women explore the deeper side of humanity via comedy. With a growing following and high-profile guests like Josh Johnson and Pinky Patel, the podcast continues to elevate Autry’s career and expand her audience.

Now, thanks to Modelface Comedy, Autry is coming to Asheville to deliver laughs at Eulogy on Friday, April 4. In anticipation of the show, she took part in Asheville Stages' new 7 Questions with Comedians series.

Jonny Leather: What makes you laugh?

Amber Autry: I like comedy that is goofy and fun. If the comedian is having fun, I'm having fun. I get bored easily with political humor or jokes meant to show the audience how smart the comedian is — or how good of a writer. That's all well and good but this isn't a Ted Talk, it's a comedy show. Have some fun! My favorite comedian of all time is Jim Carrey. His physicality, ingenuity, and creativity is inspiring. I also love Rory Scovel and Gabbie Watts.

JL: How do you handle a joke bombing on stage?

AA: When I first started, a joke not doing well on stage used to crush me. Now, I take it in stride because it's usually something that is easily fixable. I will go back and watch the joke and realize, “Oh, I said it in a confusing way, missed an inflection, or skipped a keyword — next time I'll do this to fix it.” I've had enough practice now that I can keep the show moving, knowing I will make the joke what I need it to be.

JL: Is there a comedy special, set, or specific traumatizing event that made you want to do stand-up?

AA: Thanks for realizing that most of this links back to traumatic events. [laughs]. I've always loved making my family laugh. I used to charge 50 cents to see my one woman show in the living room. I didn't pay rent (I was 12) but the show was a repeated success and I rarely changed the act. Part of why I leaned into being funny is to ease the stress of my family in difficult times and to get approval from kids at school, but I'm also very good at comedy and cherish it as my gift. I love that comedy is the way I give back to the world.

JL: Is there a moment at which you realized that you could do stand-up professionally?

AA: I never doubted that I could do comedy full time. My mom was always of the same mindset. Growing up, I knew I wanted to act/do comedy and she never asked, "What's your backup plan?" From a young age, she enrolled me in acting classes, did my hair for recitals, and took me to auditions. This allowed me to never have to consider, "What if it doesn't work out?"

Of course, in the beginning of my standup career, I wasn't making money. But I remember three years in, I got a show request and I thought, "I should be getting paid for this — I work hard." So I asked the booker how much he was paying for the gig. He seemed taken aback but he paid me and I never looked back. I always encourage artists to advocate for themselves in terms of payment. There's this strange mindset that Hollywood movie stars are the only artists who get paid, but it's not true. There's plenty of money to go around and your art is valuable. Know your worth.

JL: When heckled, do you: a) Eviscerate them; b) Breakdown / curl up into a ball; c) Just feel grateful someone showed up for your set?

AA: The proper way to handle a heckler depends on what kind of heckle we're dealing with. I am good at crowd work, so while I prefer no hecklers, if someone calls out I am able to have a conversation with them and control the room. However, if the person is so drunk they are incapable of having a conversation and they keep interrupting, I will subtly alert security that this person has to go.

If the heckler is just someone who thinks they are funny but are too scared to get on the mic themselves — I'm quick witted and I have the mic, so 10/10 times I'm going to come out on top. I love doing crowd work, so I love when audience members are willing to talk to me. Crowd work makes the show spontaneous and creates special moments for the people who came out to see a live show. However, I wish I could tell audiences, “You don't have to be funny with your answers. Being funny is my job, your job is to be honest!”

JL: What’s the best part about being on the road?

AA: The best part about being on the road is trying the local coffee and food spots. I am a sucker for a fancy cup of coffee and a fluffy ham and cheese croissant. Give me lunch at the local hole in the wall and a stroll through the art district. I love exploring a city I never would have gone to before and falling in love — like Columbus, Ohio. Did you know that place has banging coffee and an awesome art scene?

JL: Why should the people of Asheville catch your upcoming set?

AA: The people of Asheville should catch my upcoming set at Eulogy on April 4 because I will become your new favorite comedian. I am naturally funny, quick-witted, and I bring the energy. My favorite compliment I receive from people is that I remind them of their best friend back home, their sister, or favorite cousin. I love to laugh with people and am so excited to be in Asheville to do just that. Plus, ticket prices are only going to keep going up. One day, you'll see me on TV and be like, “Dang, I could have caught her April 4 at Eulogy for $20.”