Rising Stars: Meet Amber Autry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Autry.

Hi Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been performing since I came out of the womb. I use to charge my family a quarter to see my shows in their living room; quality shows of course with lots of variety. I went to school at The University of TN for acting all the while knowing I wanted to move to Chicago for comedy.

I moved to Chicago in 2015 and dove into Improv Comedy, completing the Second City Conservatory and performing on a few improv teams. However, I knew Improv wasn’t it for me. My mom had always encouraged me to do standup but I wasn’t sure how to start. I would take the train every day and one day I came across a fantastic musician playing at one of the stations.

I struck up a conversation with him, telling him how I’ve been wanting to try standup. He told me about an open mic he was having that week and that I should come. I went and immediately knew Standup was for me. Now I am a nationally touring Comedian with a Drybar special, meeting amazing people and living my dream.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. I have had rejections, self-doubt, and difficult sets, but on the whole, the wins outweigh the struggles by miles. I used to sit in front of the tv as a kid watching That’s So Raven thinking, “I wanna make people laugh like that one day.”

And I’m doing it! The difficult parts of this job have made me a better human. I struggled heavily with self-doubt growing up. Eventually, it began to affect my relationships and threatened my ability to continue performing so I sought therapy and focused on things that made me feel better like meditation and healthy self-talk which improved my life and my work.

If not for my love of comedy I don’t know if I would have focused so hard on creating a better relationship with myself. I am so grateful to have this as my calling and to spread joy for a living.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Girl, I do it all. I am a Standup Comedian, an Actor, a Producer, a Writer, and a Dancer, and that is on the creative end. In order to do those things professionally, I’ve also had to be a Web Designer, an Accountant, a Designer, you name it! I am most known for the energy I bring to a room and the stage.

I love making people laugh and it shows when I’m on stage. My comedy is upbeat and relatable. My favorite compliment I get after shows is an audience member saying “OMG you remind me of my best friend !” I am most proud of how I have grown.

I have always been funny, driven, and dedicated but ever since I decided to go full-time with Comedy I have realized just how much I have to offer. I still have plenty of room to grow and learn and am looking forward to the journey!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The comedy industry will always be growing and shifting.

What I love to see now is how many female Comedians there are absolutely KILLING it with all audiences. I also love to see how far people are going with self-production.

It is nice to have help and recognition from big names or companies but your art is important and if you love it, someone else will love it too. So make it! I’m all about supporting other people’s success because there truly is more than enough space for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amberautrycomedy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberautrycomedy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberAutryComedy/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaThatsGood
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/amberautrycomedy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@amberautrycomedy

Image Credits
Sarah Larson, Christopher Santiago, Phil Jamsri, and Suncat Studio