Boston has long had one of the deepest and most talented homegrown stand-up comedy scenes in the country. From the days of the legendary Ding Ho to present-day A-List clubs like Laugh Boston, the wealth of hilarious voices this town has produced over decades is the envy of most comedy towns.
So with that kind of esteemed backdrop, how does an up-and-coming comic stand out from the pack in such a competitive city? Having a unique life story is a great way to start.
Cher Lynn matches that criteria to a T. I sat down with the talented performer to cover everything from her background in gymnastics, to harnessing her ADHD, to being one of the very few comics around to quit partying hard before they stepped on stage for the first time.
LP: You have an extensive background in gymnastics. A pressure packed environment like that must have unwittingly done wonders for your stage presence. How did performing in front of those crowds prepare you for live comedy audiences?
CL: The answer is twofold. Rigorous training and competitions helped me manage my time well. Early in life, the demands of gymnastics year-round led to a strong worth ethic and self-discipline. On the other side of the spectrum, harsh coaching methods and intense judges could trigger intense self-criticism.
I see many of these parallels in comedy, where at times you “feed your inner critic,” or compare yourself to others … but at least the self-awareness is there, and I try to drill this energy into writing and let it motivate me. While negative feedback can be hard to digest, it helps you build a “thick skin” when performing and writing.
How would you compare your average gymnastics crowd to a typical Saturday night comedy crowd?
Competitive gymnastics is a long-term investment, and families often have to be on board. Believe it or not, I have experienced some competitive parents heckling gymnasts, or outwardly criticizing judges and disputing scores. This could parallel an intense or rowdy comedy heckler. In competitive gymnastics, fractions of points can decide a winner, so crowds are often paying attention to tiny details. This could be similar to how some audience members critique each comedian or compare them. In both fields, some people approach you after you perform and forget you are a person with feelings when they give negative or unsolicited feedback. Sometimes these situations can be awkward, but I have leaned into this more as the years go by, and often can laugh it off or find a positive element to take from those encounters.
You’ve been open about dealing with ADHD. I’ve read that, at times, it can heighten spontaneity which can be helpful on stage. Has that been your experience or do you try to stick to your prepared material?
I am excited to lean into this “superpower” more in terms of being present on stage. A friend of mine who is an established comedian complimented my intellect recently, and adjusted my perspective. I now focus on the positive advantages, not just the moments where I struggle to sit down, focus, and allow myself a set time to write. In recent performances, I have appreciated being more present and having fun, without always feeling certain jokes and storylines have to be an “exact science” each time. I enjoy playing with the cadence, adding new tags, adjusting delivery, or new material that may not “hit” initially.
You mentioned having a writing coach in New York that you meet regularly via Zoom. Can you explain how a set writing schedule/routine helps you lock in?
Rick Crom who runs comedy classes in New York has been a positive influence. I have struggled on and off with confidence, writer’s block, and focus. He provides ideas and examples of joke structure and transitions, as well as questions to ask when coming up with new material around topics you are exploring. Oftentimes I can share my document over Zoom, and he helps edit the structure for “laugh lines,” tags, etc. Also, many times “talking it out” with him allows for new ideas in real-time, and I use the notes from the sessions to help. I try to meet with him fairly regularly to hold myself accountable for writing new material, and also to prepare for shows.
This new era of TikTok and quick clip comedy is seen as both good and bad. While it has ripped down many of the comedy barriers, making it easier to get your voice out to the public, it has made the market somewhat oversaturated as well. With your ability to do impressions do you see this as an outlet or do you prefer the traditional route?
I’m open to TikTok but prefer performing live and in person. I enjoy seeing faces and reading crowds in real time. There is a booker at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood who offers courses and training on how to post clips, gain followers, and promote shows. I’m open to this course, as I have limited experience with video editing and online engagement and promotion. Currently, expanding my online presence is beyond my comfort zone and feels natural for me, but you never know what can happen in the future.
You hail from North Attleboro. Home of The Emerald Square Mall. I’ve always dreamed of touring defunct malls. Can you describe what kind of show you would bring to the Emerald if given the chance?
This is an amazing idea. Emerald Square Mall was an amazing hotspot back in the day. I love the old celebrity promotions and autograph signings, fashion shows, and concerts they would do at malls, before social media took over. It would be fun to put a stage in the center of the mall and have a themed comedy showcase, maybe roasting some of the stores, brands, the food court. I’m also fascinated by abandoned amusement parks. It would be fun to do a show at one of those.
You partied hard before you entered the world of stand-up comedy. It’s usually the reverse. After becoming sober, how did that experience help you navigate the hectic and sometimes very addictive comedy club environment?
I started stand-up later in life. Previously I had done acting and some improv. Stand-up found me at the right time, when I was more clear-minded, and in a more stable place emotionally and mentally. Life obviously still has its ups and downs. I only know stand-up comedy sober. I believe the craft gave me purpose and has continued to be my north star. Even when times are challenging personally and professionally, stand-up has been a constant in my life for over a decade. You ride all types of waves. Stand-up builds tenacity, which helps in my personal life as well as my day jobs. Sobriety opened more opportunities for me to meet new people and pursue my dreams. I was also able to be more vulnerable and honest on stage, which was a result of therapy, yoga, and meditation.
Many emotions and thoughts I used to suppress or fail to communicate were able to be shared once I shifted my priorities. When partying was a focal point in my life, I became distracted and veered away from many of my goals. I also needed to make new friends, and have connected with some amazing sober comedians and bookers over the years. Comedy is a healthy outlet for me, and I enjoy sharing my sobriety journey for those interested. It means a lot to me when someone approaches me after a show to share that they are sober. I enjoy making someone laugh and smile through tough times, because that is what comedy has done for me.
This has been fun. It sounds like you’re settling into your comedy Jedi era. As we head into summer, what’s next for Cher?
I will be doing some theatre and casino shows throughout New England. I will also be performing at Chocolate Sundaes at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood this fall. The room has the best energy of anywhere I have ever performed, and I am excited for another opportunity on their stage.
Bonus question: If you had to, what Muppet would you fist fight?
I knew this the moment you asked … Unfortunately, Meeper. I would feel bad after. We would make up immediately.
Follow Cher at instagram.com/cherbearstagram
