Interview: Tiffany Burke Anderson
Providing the people of Asheville with the opportunity to laugh their asses off, the Asheville Comedy Festival returns for its 14th year, Wednesday, Aug. 10-Saturday, Aug. 13. Showcasing dozens of rising stand-ups and improvisers, this year’s festival will be held at Highland Brewing Co. (Aug. 10) and Diana Wortham Theatre (Aug. 11-13).
Asheville Stages reached out to a few of the featured performers to see what makes them tick. When not busy running a management consulting business in Atlanta, Tiffany Burke Anderson can be found on stages telling jokes or honing her skills as an improviser.
Jonny Leather: Which showcase will you be performing at during the Asheville Comedy Festival?
Tiffany Burke Anderson: I will be performing opening night at the Highland Event Center.
JL: Was there a point in your life during which you realized that you’re actually funny?
TA: I was a slam poet in college briefly, and for a moment I thought I was pretty funny because a lot of my material was political satire against the Bush Administration — which, let’s be honest, was humorous within itself when you look back at that lineup of people. But I believe my real moment was when I began to lean into improv and live a true Yes, And life.
JL: How long have you been doing improv?
TA: I’ve been performing improv now for 13 years.
JL: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another comedian?
TA: Figure out who you are and tell your truth — the humor lies in that. Accept sometimes that you aren’t for everybody, and that’s OK. Your people will know you and find you.
JL: It’s impossible not to bomb when getting into this business. How’d you overcome that reality?
TA: I live in the motto, “Let your failures lead to your success.” I take bombing as a necessary step to grow as a comedian. You have to be able to look at where you messed up, review, fix it, and try again. I really feel like this applies to everything in life, though.
IF YOU GO
What: Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase 1: featuring Carl Sonnefeld, Drew Harmon, Liv Carter, Marlene Thompson, Matt Taylor, Nik Cartwright, Sasha von Didkovsky, Tiffany Burke Anderson, Tyler Wood
When: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m.
Where: Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway, ashevillecomedyfestival.com
Tickets: $25
(Photo by Lola Scott)
