1. Nichelle, your journey in the comedy scene started with BET’s “Comic View.” How did this experience shape your career in talent curation?
Nichelle:
My time working on Comic View show was an invaluable experience for my talent curation career.
It provided a front-row seat to a vast array of comedic styles, sharpening my eye for identifying exceptional talent and potential. Witnessing these diverse voices firsthand honed my ability to curate well-rounded talent pools for future projects.
Beyond talent identification, Comic View fostered valuable connections. Being part of the team exposed me to a network of talented comedians, producers, and industry professionals. These relationships not only expanded my talent pool but also continue to be a strong asset in my career.
2. “Crack’Em Up Comedy” has become iconic over the years. What inspired you to create this program?
Nichelle:
My passion has always been to cultivate a platform that launches talented comedians into the spotlight, both in television and film. This mission fuels my dedication to the comedy world – there’s a wealth of hilarious rising stars waiting to be showcased!
3. What advice would you give to aspiring comedians trying to break into the industry today?
Nichelle:
Write, write, write!! Stay true to yourself, make your personal experiences so funny and memorable that no one can ever steal your jokes. Read up on comedy, study and watch the GOATs. Remain patient. Just know that you will have some awful sets, but with consistency- the comedy gold is just around the corner. Create your lane and hop in it. Whatever you do, don’t stop. Shine on!
4. Our magazine is all about CEOs and their drink of choice. Do you have a favorite drink or cocktail that you enjoy?
Nichelle:
While I enjoy a glass of Prosecco or Rosé at my shows, my true cocktail love is a well-crafted French Martini. It’s a drink that can be tricky to get right, but I had a life-changing one (or maybe two!) while working in London. The fresh pineapple was unbelievably sweet and juicy, making it the best French Martini I’ve ever tasted.
5. Lastly, if you could share a drink with any comedian, past or present, who would it be and why?
Nichelle:
If I could share a drink (even a non-alcoholic one!) with any comedian, it would be Richard Pryor. Even though he was sober later in his life, I’d love to simply listen to him talk about his experiences in the comedy world. We’re both Sagittarians from Ohio, so I have a strong feeling we’d have a lot to connect over – and I’d be soaking up every word of wisdom he shared!
