Conversations with Cara Connors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Connors.

Hi Cara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago, the youngest of four and determined to make the people around me laugh no matter the cost. I didn’t come from a very “artsy family” or much money, so I’ve always had to be pretty scrappy and find my own opportunities. I remember once a year my local mall would have a talent search where supposed “real Hollywood agents “would turn up on a Tuesday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM and try to sign kids to a pyramid scheme-like talent agency. I’d show up in my best Old Navy fleece and usually choose to perform an entirely age-inappropriate Britney Spears cover, but the world wasn’t ready for me just yet. As I grew up, my plans changed and I convinced myself I should do something practical instead, like be a teacher and marry a straight man. It was after a truly miserable first year of grad school I realized I needed to do something to reconnect with myself and what makes me happy so I decided to take a class at Second City in Toronto. A place I always was fascinated by because of its history and an older cousin who was in the company when I was in high school. I took the class and something clicked. THIS is what I’m meant to do and where I’m meant to be. I threw myself into the comedy scene and never looked back. Shortly after I left my marriage, things started taking off and I made the jump to LA where I landed my first big gig as a regular on Dating #Nofilter which felt so incredibly lucky and like a message from the universe. “Keep going…”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ABSOLUTELY NOT. Soon after landing the gig, I broke up with girlfriend, got hit by a Tesla on a bird scooter, dropped from a show the night before I was supposed to start and then COVID came for us all. There have been times that it’s been so incredibly hard, demoralizing and genuinely terrifying that if it weren’t for food stamps, PUA payments, and my many very generous friends who have held me down I don’t know what I would have done. Even still, I count myself as lucky because I have never questioned that this is what I’m supposed to be doing and where I’m meant to be. I have great people who love me and believe in me and that’s really all I need.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m primarily a stand-up comedian and also love character and sketch and anything where I can perform live. I’ve worked a lot with the Groundlings and lots of amazing indie comedy venues and theatres across the world. I run a weekly LGBTQ-friendly stand-up show every Tuesday at The Glendale Room called Straight for Pay and have started headlining and touring in the past few years. I also self-released my debut stand-up album, Straight for Pay, on Bandcamp this year. I’m most proud of creating opportunities for myself and staying authentic in the type of work I create. Trusting that if I stay vulnerable and true to myself the right people will find me when the time is right.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Might be a cliche, but listen to your gut. If something doesn’t feel right or someone doesn’t make you feel good, always trust that. Nothing and no one is worth your peace of mind. Money doesn’t really matter all that much and cherish the people you love because you never know how long you’ll have with them. (Should I start writing for Chicken Soup for the soul, yes or no?)

Contact Info:

• Website: Caraconnors.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/caraconnscomedy

Image Credits
Sela Shiloni Andrew Max Levy