You can’t rely on the same act, you have to evolve and change things up a bit. You have to find your voice, be thought provoking to some extent and you have to be comfortable in your own skin. If you’re not, the audience will feel it instantly and it creates uneasiness. Your energy is so completely important. I also realize that it’s not just about talent. I mean, you can be talented, but you better know your business, too. You have to have a business head. Without the “ying and the yang” that is “talent and business,” you’re f*cked. You have to know your brand, how you can best market yourself, know what you want and go after it. Do you find that “what you want” changes? Or that your plan changes after a while?
Of course, yeah, as you grow and evolve, your focus shifts and your vision changes. Just like in life. You grow up, your palate changes. When you’re little, all you like is macaroni & cheese, you know? As you grow up, in your twenties, you may not like wine. Later, you find you like it. Change is a part of growing up, growing in general. I mean, I love stand up, but I still want to do a one-woman show, I’d love to do a movie and those things are still art. [You’re still] speaking to the public and wanting to be heard, just in a different format. I want to be a motivational speaker, too. Listen, if the desire is in your heart to create something, then you should just go with it, create it. Do it.
Listen, you cannot be in this business and be with someone who’s weak-minded, you have to be with someone who’s stable and secure. You can’t be out there on the road worrying about if you’re partner is cheating. What’s really important is that I can be away and still stay grounded. [I don’t] have to worry about what’s happening at home because I know my partner and trust my partner and she trusts me. We have a really great relationship. Every relationship takes work and it’s always evolving, but I’m so grateful and thankful for her. I think the reason I am able to balance it is because of her faith in me. I mean, she’s leaves me notes in my suitcase, I leave notes on the mirror if I’m up and out early. This is a very narcissistic career. I know I can be narcissistic, so I try really hard to make sure she knows how important she is to me. I know I wouldn’t be able to have what I have without someone as strong as her by my side. Are there ever moments on stage when you still mentally crap your pants?
Of course! I mean, not many. I’ve been blessed. But it’s funny, I love connecting with the audience and every once in a while, something unplanned and funny will happen, and from that another joke comes out that I didn’t write or plan, and then I’m all like, “Oh my God, where was I? How do I get back?” and
What’s been your greatest accomplishment so far in the world of comedy?
Oooh, that’s tough. Doing ABC’s “Fat March” was a big deal to me. It was a reality show that aired in 2007. I won $40,000 and I had to walk 545 miles. I was one of six people who won. That’s a huge accomplishment. 545 miles and I did it, I finished! Oh, and The Groundlings. I’m so proud to be in The Groundlings. Also, I did “My Fabulous Vegas Weekend with Lady Gaga” at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. Oh, wow, there’s a few things, huh? 118 degrees in Vegas, co-hosting with Lady Gaga. There’s a lot I’m proud of right now, but I feel like my best is yet to come, you know?
I end up riffing my way somehow. But yeah, every once in a while, it happens, I mean, of course, I’m human. Who makes you laugh?
A lot of people come to mind, but I have to say Wanda Sykes. She makes me piss myself, she’s so funny. Is it easier as an out comedian to work for a gay audience than when you’re working in a mainstream comedy club?
Easier? No, I don’t think so. It’s all the same. Funny is funny, regardless. I’m just me, I don’t really think about it. I don’t think it really matters that I’m gay. I don’t really market myself as a “lesbian” comedian. I’m a comedian. I mean, I like that I’ve been mentioned in She, Curve, and The Advocate and I’m proud to be out, and I love all my fans, but listen, the bottom line, I knew I was funny before I knew I was gay. You’ve worked all over the map, West coast to East coast—where are you most comfortable?
Oh, honestly, I’m fine anywhere—well obviously, the weather is better here in California, but I don’t really have a preference as long as I’m out there and I’m working, making people laugh. What’s the best part of this career?
The fans. The audiences, making them laugh, I just love it. I really do. There is nothing better than absolutely killing it on stage and having someone come up to me after the show and say, “Oh my God, you were so funny!” It’s an incredible feeling, making people laugh. I love that the fans just want to know you, and be around you, and oh my God, it’s the best. It’s just better than money. The adoration. I love making people laugh. That’s really the thing, the connection. It’s like I’m on stage, saying these thoughts and the audience—they get me and I get them and it’s like, “okay, let’s laugh at this f*cking crazy sh*t!” Your first WomenFest is coming up this September! How ya feelin’ about that? What can we expect?
Expect me to be 20 lbs thinner! Let’s hope! (laughs) I’m excited about WomenFest! I’ve always heard so many good things about it and I’m finally doing it, so like anything I do, I’m going to bring it and we’re going to have a blast! I think it’s going to be a great time with great people and I’m really looking forward to it.
You’re a comedian, a partner – how do you find the balance? Is it the on-stage therapy of stand up?
Oh, of course, the on stage therapy, yes. But it’s funny—when you asked what my greatest accomplishment was a second ago, the first thing that jumped into my mind wasn’t anything career wise, it was Lisa, my partner, my relationship. She’s been one of the best things in my life. We’ve been together nine years.
>> Don’t miss seeing Chantal shine at Womenfest 2012. You’ll be laughing all the way to the pool! For more info, visit www.chantalcarrere.com SHE - 22 - 07/12
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