Ruby Karp, 19, is setting the stage for young female comedians
Up-and-coming comedian Ruby Karp, whose hilarious acts tackle issues like social media, romance and body positivity, is using humor to tell the plight of teenage girls everywhere.
The 19-years-old trailblazer got her start when she was just 11 years old, but says she didn’t realize comedy would shape up to be her career until she was about 16.
“When I’m on stage performing, I feel at home,” she told In The Know. “There is nothing else in the world I could see myself being as happy doing.”
“I just love connecting with other people,” she added. “That’s always what I’ve loved to do, and I feel like there’s no better way to connect with people other than through humor.”
A post shared by ruby karp (@rubykarp) on Feb 16, 2020 at 11:02am PST
Karp said she’s been writing comedy and engaging in feminist activism since she was a child, largely thanks to her mother, Marcelle Karp — a feminist writer, editor and television director and producer — who actually brought her daughter into the entertainment scene.
“My mom just happened to be friends with a bunch of comedians,” Karp explained. “She would just have me hang out with comedians because those were the people who (were available to) watch me.”
“I always say to my mom, if they made a biopic about my life, she would be the star of it — and not in like a stage mom way, like in the most genuine supportive way possible,” she added. “I found that my mom is the one person I can go to, who I’m never afraid will judge me and I’m not going to get mad at her if she says anything negative.”
name a Karp that isn’t a mf bad ass #internationalwomensday
A post shared by ruby karp (@rubykarp) on Mar 8, 2019 at 8:09am PST
When Karp was just 7 years old, a fateful interview with Amy Poehler for the actress’s web series, titled “Smart Girls at the Party,” helped further propel the youngster in her journey toward standup.
“After (the interview, Poehler) was like, ‘You’re ready to perform,” Karp recalled. “And I was like, ‘What are you talking about? I’ve been performing my whole life.’ And she was like, ‘No, you’re ready to, like, really perform.'”
A post shared by ruby karp (@rubykarp) on Dec 31, 2019 at 6:09am PST
Karp’s career continued to flourish, and, when she was 11, she began writing for Hello Giggles, a women’s positivity website that covers culture, female empowerment and style.
The outlet had a live show in L.A. at the time called “Hello Giggles Night” at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles and eventually decided to expand it to New York. Karp was tapped to host the east-coast show, which is now called, “We Hope You Have Fun,” and has been running it ever since.
“I now produce the show as well as host it, so in addition to obviously being on stage and introducing everyone, I’m in contact with all the comedians who do my show,” Karp said of her role. “When they get to the theater, I make sure they have everything they need. I really like it.”
A post shared by ruby karp (@rubykarp) on Jan 19, 2020 at 4:11am PST
Karp, who ultimately wants to be a producer, says she hopes her work in comedy can help pave the way for other women in the field, much like her heroes and role models did for her.
“I’ve been raised by a die-hard feminist, so I have no choice but to be a die-hard feminist,” she said. “I absolutely look to inspire other women in my work because I want them to know that looking on attractive or making fun of yourself or making a fool of yourself isn’t a bad thing.”
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