In a world where comedy often feels like a tightly-knit club with unspoken rules and barriers, Shea Vassar is breaking the mold with Howdy Cat Comedy. Inspired by the glaring lack of diversity in comedy lineups across New York City, Shea launched Howdy Cat in the spring of 2023 with a mission to create an inclusive platform that truly represents the vibrant and varied voices of the city. Her journey through the comedy scene, marked by personal challenges and a renewed commitment to equity, has fueled her drive to build a space where underrepresented comedians can shine. Shea’s dedication to blending humor with social commentary, while fostering a supportive community, underscores her vision of a comedy world where everyone has a seat at the table.
- What inspired you to start Howdy Cat Comedy, and how did you identify the need for a more equitable comedy production company?
I started Howdy Cat Comedy the spring of 2023 after realizing that the majority of comedy scene lineups weren’t reflecting the diversity of performers all around New York City. It is common to see shows that feature just one comedian of color or queer performer that fills a sort of quota. And a majority of underrepresented performers are limited to spots on specific shows, like queer night or BIPOC only shows. - Can you share your personal journey in the comedy scene and what led you to take on a leadership role?
My move to New York in 2016 was to pursue comedy but once I started connecting with a few comedians based in Manhattan, I noticed that I didn’t feel safe in a majority of spaces. There was one spot that expected new performers to bark, or stand on the sidewalk and entice people walking by to come to a show. If I did this for a couple of hours, I would get 3-5 minutes of stage time. One night, a drunk man tried to kiss me. Then, another night someone tried to physically pick me up. I gave up comedy after that for a while because it just didn’t feel like it was worth the effort. A silver lining of the pandemic has been my return to comedy. This time, since I knew how to navigate New York at a much deeper level, I was able to utilize it to help others who might be like I was: ready to perform yet not willing to put themselves in harm’s way. - What challenges have you faced in creating a space that reflects the diversity and experiences of New Yorkers?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in creating a space that truly reflects the diversity and experiences of comedians in New York has been convincing other producers that intention is necessary. I’ve been told some version of “I just book people because they’re funny, not because of their looks or gender” which is very dismissive of creating equity in a community that still is pretty behind when it comes to understanding the systemic issues some comics face. Comedy is still very white, very male dominated. - How do you approach balancing the comedic and serious aspects of addressing social inequalities through your productions?
Laughing is my favorite coping mechanism. As a Native woman, it feels so necessary to find joy in even some of the most difficult times. In order to find the balance between serious aspects of social inequalities and comedy, you have to create space for both. Sometimes the messy and frustrating parts of being human are natural entries into writing jokes and I really try to lean into that reality. - What has been the most rewarding experience for you since launching Howdy Cat Comedy?
The most rewarding experience since launching Howdy Cat has been the community I’ve found. When I was thinking about making something more official, I knew I couldn’t be alone in what I was feeling. I was right. There are so many people that now I can lean on because we have such similar wants and needs as creatives. - How do you maintain your mental health and well-being while navigating the often challenging world of comedy?
Any creative knows that constant failure and rejection is draining but it has the potential to make you tough. Still, I prioritize my mental health and well-being by leaning on my community. I’m also in therapy and make sure to go on daily walks to clear my head. Because I started Howdy Cat with such a clear goal, I feel like it isn’t too difficult to keep my eye on what the larger picture is in the moments that don’t feel great. Every challenge is really just an opportunity for growth and learning. I’ve learned SO much since launching Howdy Cat and I look forward to continuing to grow in my own experience as a producer and a comedy writer. - Can you discuss a particular moment or performance that reinforced your commitment to Howdy Cat’s mission?
Earlier this year, I debuted a comedy/poetry hybrid concept show called ‘That’s Poetic’. Here’s how the show works: as stand up comedians perform, a poet uses the sets as inspiration to write poetry on the spot which is then read aloud. We sold out the first show which was something I wasn’t expecting. The audience really responded to the flow of comedy followed by poetry because it was different and really allowed all the performers involved to shine. ‘That’s Poetic’ has now completed seven shows in Brooklyn and each one is so different from the next, depending on who the poet and comedians are. Ultimately, I underestimated the crossover between the comedy and poetry scene but it makes sense: we both use our observations to create these little narratives that help make a little bit of sense of the complicated world around us. Blending these two artforms and communities together has really just expanded the potential for networking with like minded people and it has been so beautiful to see. - What advice would you give to other women or underrepresented individuals who want to break into the comedy industry?
My biggest advice to anyone wanting to break into the comedy world is to be kind to yourself, stay focused on what’s true to you, and find others who align with your vision. There will be tons of comedians that are just out for themselves and that’s okay, that’s their prerogative. It is a cutthroat industry. But some people use comedy writing and performing as an outlet. Others are just trying to work on jokes to put in their screenplays. I love knowing what each of my friend’s goals are so that way if I hear of an opportunity that is aligned with their wants, I can recommend it to them. Ultimately, comedy is an art form so there is no right or wrong way to go about it. - How do you see the comedy landscape changing, and what role do you hope Howdy Cat will play in that evolution?
While comedy in general is still reckoning with some of the same issues that other entertainment industries are going through, especially in this post-Me Too era, I truly believe there are some super cool and fun changes that are creating a more equal playing field. I hope that Howdy Cat can help bring in a new standard: where lineups that prioritize women and queer comedians or BIPOC performers are the norm instead of seen as some sort of DEI-type fad. If anything, I want it to become unusual to go to a comedy show and only see men or white comedians. - How do you handle the pressure of producing comedy that both entertains and challenges societal norms?
Honestly, the more I produce shows the more natural it becomes to challenge societal norms. I had one performer on a show say that I’m ‘reverse gatekeeping’ and I was so honored. There’s nothing wrong with adding a little bit more thought, care, and intentionality to who you as a producer give stage time to. - What has been the reaction of audiences and comedians to Howdy Cat’s approach to comedy?
The reaction from audiences and comedians to the various Howdy Cat shows has been so fun to see. I really try to bring together performers that can also connect and network with each other. I won’t lie, I get a thrill when I see someone who was on one of my shows book another comedian they saw perform on a Howdy Cat show. It reminds me of who I was back in 2016 when I decided to leave comedy for a while and how a similar young 21 year old hopefully won’t have to navigate the same risks that I did. It allows for community care to happen organically. - How do you stay inspired and motivated in a field that can be both creatively and emotionally demanding?
I’ll be honest, at least once a week I’m ready to give up. But each time, I choose to keep going because there is nothing better than making people laugh. We live in difficult times: the ongoing politics, expensive groceries, aftermath of the global pandemic and so much more. It is okay to put some of those sad realities away to laugh for a little bit. As individuals, we have to take care of ourselves in order to help others and I just want to keep creating spaces where people can leave their burdens at the door, come connect with some talented performers, and feel some community love before having to face the reality of the next day. - What impact do you hope Howdy Cat Comedy will have on the broader comedy scene in New York and beyond?
I’m originally from Oklahoma and plan on producing similar shows back in my home state in the next few months. I hope that Howdy Cat can help bring similar spaces to areas that have so many talented writers and people who would love to try out comedy but maybe don’t have quite the infrastructure as New York. I’m so grateful to have spent so much time in the city where comedy really thrives because I’ve learned so much. Now, I want to take the same intention and help spread this knowledge to others in areas that are just as in need of a curated space to create incredible comedy. - Can you share a story of a particular setback or struggle and how you overcame it in your journey with Howdy Cat?
The biggest setback for Howdy Cat is that right now: I do it all. I’m grateful for my sister who has more of a business brain and is helping me in that arena so that I can continue to grow as a production company. I think of myself as a creative mind which doesn’t always lend itself to filling out forms, taxes, and all that more technical stuff. - What are your future goals for Howdy Cat Comedy, and how do you envision its growth in the coming years?
My goal for Howdy Cat is to keep creating authentic and fun comedic experiences. Hopefully that means producing around the country, maybe even going international at some point. Right now, I really just keep my focus on doing the best I can day by day to challenge the ‘norm’ which still excludes so many people. I’m grateful to have the support I do from my community to keep going.
IG: @howdycatcomedy
