This week, we’re highlighting 24 talented writers and performers for Vulture’s annual list “The Comedians You Should and Will Know.†Our goal is to introduce a wider audience to the talent that has the comedy community and industry buzzing. (You can read more about our methodology at the link above.) We asked the comedians on the list to answer a series of questions about their work, performing, goals for the future, and more. Next up is Veronika Slowikowska.
Tell us a story from your childhood that you think might explain why you ended up becoming a comedian.
The first comedy show I ever produced and starred in was at the ripe age of 5 years old. My Polish dad gifted me the VeggieTales Christmas special soundtrack right before Christmas, and it sparked a creative scratch I needed to itch. I recruited my older cousin, who was only 8 years old at the time, and I turned into a bossy, passionate director. There was this song titled “The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas†(a family favorite), and I began miming the foods while lip-syncing, which led to getting my first laugh. Ever since then, I’ve been addicted to making people laugh through my own ideas.
If you were immortalized as a cartoon character, what would your outfit be?
Okay, so as much as I want to say my fashion has evolved since moving to New York, it really hasn’t. My love for a striped T-shirt is unmatched. A baggy striped T-shirt that’s maybe vintage; kind of cool, vintage light-washed Levis that are cut off at the end and frayed (because I’m short); and mary janes with white socks!
What’s your proudest moment/achievement of your comedy career so far?
My proudest moment is maybe this? This is so cool! Also selling out tour dates all over North America and now London and Dublin! Truly this whole year has been filled with such highs, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Which comedian’s career trajectory would you most like to follow?
Ouuuu, maybe Adam Sandler. Doing a bit of everything and doing it with your friends and family seems awesome to me! And Donald Glover’s! The funny shows, the serious ones, the music! Very cool.
Tell us everything about your worst show ever. (This can involve venue, audience, other acts on the lineup, anything!)
I was booked on a magic show — like, where magicians do magic and I’m the comedy act in-between. So I thought Okay, easy breezy, everyone needs a laugh amidst some magic. Turns out these magicians were (a) so amazing it was mind-blowing and (b) sooo funny? When it was my turn to do some alt comedy following amazing magicians who are hilarious, charming, and also hot? I ate it. So now I do magic in every one of my sets.
What have you learned about your own joke-writing process that you didn’t know when you started?
When an idea comes, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I write it down. You think you’ll remember it, but you won’t. Also, having stuff planned but still being able to riff and play. There’s a sweet spot between being prepared and following your gut.
What’s the biggest financial hurdle you’ve encountered since becoming a comedian?
My gum graft! Moving!!! Getting my visa to be here!!!! It’s always an investment.
At the end of the movie 8 Mile, Eminem’s character, B-Rabbit, starts his final battle rap by dissing himself so the person he’s battling has nothing left to attack. How would you roast yourself so the other person would have nothing to say?
God, I’m awkward, predictable, pathetic … shall I continue? I’m five-foot-two, and that’s short for a woman, I think?
When it comes to your comedy opinions — about material, performing, audience, trends you want to kill/revive, the industry, etc. — what hill will you die on?
I love meta stuff to a degree — stuff that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Also, I love seeing performers with joy and a spark in their eye! It’s all fun! I want to see that and think it should never die. Another thing that should never die is live comedy!!!
What is the best comedy advice, and then the worst comedy advice, you’ve ever received?
Best: The audience is as smart as you, so what would you want to see?
Worst: The audience is a baby, and you have to teach it everything.
More From This Series
- Eagle Witt Plans to Keep It Diabolical
- Emil Wakim’s Parents Finally Understand His Job Now
- Gianmarco Soresi Demands Inclusive Bullying in Comedy
- Rekha Shankar’s Life Mission? Laugh, Have Dumb Ideas.