Today we’d like to introduce you to Leyla Ingalls
Leyla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started standup in 2023 in Austin, Texas. I did open mics in Texas, Ohio, Chicago & many other places! That quickly led to being booked on shows regularly and I have now been doing it for 2 years and have preformed in over 20 cities & towns. Time fly’s!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although I have been blessed with a positive trajectory so quickly in the standup game, it has not been entirely smooth at all times. The biggest struggle I have personally faced is many times being the only woman in a male dominated industry. A lot of sexism and double standards are apparent. For example, female comedians are more likely to be criticized for making jokes that are sexual or criticized for dressing a certain way on stage. I myself have experienced both of these. Another struggle of mine has been learning how to host a comedy show. Hosting is a whole different art form in of itself. You need to make the audience comfortable, introduce the show with grace, and shut down any heckling. With my shy and awkward nature that is a part of my personality & standup, I have found it particularly difficult to host the way I’d like to. I’m still learning how to host well with my style!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do standup comedy all around the country. 🙂 I’m most known for my appearance on the comedy podcast ‘Kill Tony’ in which clips of my standup have amassed to millions of views. I can also found on ‘LMAOFTV’ where I have a 10 minute “mini special” that was recorded at the Ice House Comedy Club in Los Angeles. I am most proud of my performance at the ‘independent comedy club’ in Detroit, Michigan where I had the best set of my career so far in front of one of my comedy Icons, comedian Sam Tallent. I believe what sets me apart from others is an interesting culmination of my deceivingly innocent demeanor paired with clever joke writing and absurdist stances. 🙂
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, I learned you can’t trust the news! hahaha, and self tapes at home are much better than in person auditions!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Leylaingallz_
- Facebook: Leylaingallz_
Image Credits
Bettersouls (photographer Instagram)
Libbyophotography (photographer Instagram)
