One of the most transformative experiences in my film career was trying stand-up comedy. Years ago, I took a course alongside Seth Rogen when he was just starting out. Shortly after, we were both invited to perform on the main stage that weekend.
Stand-up comedy changed my life—it pushed me, humbled me, and even led to some wild experiences (like having steak knives thrown at my head!). But it also brought me some of my most meaningful relationships, including my connection with the legendary Lara Rae.
Lara Rae is a true comedic hero. She chose to build a national career while based in Winnipeg and became the first trans comic in the world to perform both as a male and later as a female. Lara is also an incredible cook—she can make a mean duck! Her early comedic influences were Bob Newhart and Tommy Struthers. For 29 years, she was the heart and soul of our city’s comedy festival.
Now, Lara is not only a talent scout for New Faces and Yuk Yuk’s in Winnipeg, but she also teaches stand-up comedy at Onalee Ames Film Studio, helping others try their hand at being funny. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with this talented woman.
Q: How did it all start for you?
A: I was 18 and studying creative writing at York University. One of my classes was on the same night as Monday Amateur Night at YUK YUK’s, and I needed the class to continue into my second year. I made the choice to leave university.
Q: You left university to do amateur night at Yuk Yuk’s?
A: Yes, I left and never looked back. It’s been incredibly validating to teach now. I teach stand-up classes at your studio and at the University of Winnipeg. Everything I’ve learned has been self-taught, all on my own.
Q: One of the most unique things about you is that you’ve performed comedy in two genders. Can you talk about that?
A: I almost gave up stand-up after I transitioned because I thought it would be too difficult to start over. But then I realized it was a great way to tell my story and promote acceptance for trans people. I became more authentic as a person and on stage. I love stand-up so much.
Q: Who is your favourite philosopher and why?
A: Wittgenstein, followed by Schopenhauer. Wittgenstein is often seen as a philosopher with strong appeal to poets. Despite being analytical, he spoke about the limits of language, famously saying, “Of that which you cannot speak, remain silent.” I also admire Nietzsche because, as a trans person, I connect with his ideas that there is no universal morality—everything is culture and language. This fuels my love for words and communication.
Q: You’ve mentioned that you have ADD. How has this affected you?
A: My ADD has been life-limiting. It’s one of the more serious cognitive issues that people struggle with, often without seeking help. It’s closely tied to childhood insecurity, anxiety, and trauma, and isn’t always related to external factors. I’m a highly sensitive person, which has made life challenging, especially as a trans person. Humor has become my coping strategy—not in a negative way, but as a means to earn status and income. I’ve always wanted to make people laugh.
Q: What advice do you have for new stand-up students?
A: You have no idea how good or bad you are at something until you actually do it. Every time you start something, you’re likely to fail in some capacity. Even if you’re masterful, arrogance can trip you up.
Q: What is your favourite Bowie album?
A: Ziggy Stardust. I remember it coming out in the ’70s when I was a kid. It was a hit single with an incredible riff, and the album tells a story. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is an operatic journey. I’m really interested in applying that kind of structure to stand-up comedy.
Published in Style Manitoba Magazine • Spring 2023
