Today we’d like to introduce you to Carli Robe. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Carli Robe is from Cleveland, Ohio. Starting as a host of various shows and performing as a Christian comic while attending The Ohio State University which she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in African American and African Studies; she was the first person to ever obtain that minor at The Ohio State University. She has grown into a quick-witted, no holds barred comic over the last eight years. Believing that laughter can bring people together no matter how far apart they may start, her diverse background helps her relate to any crowd. She worked in healthcare for fifteen years, all while pursuing her comedy dreams; even going back to school to obtain an Associate degree in Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant Technology. Her diverse educational experience allows her to discuss a plethora of topics from race relations to homosexuality to gender roles. Carli Robe aka Comedian GAY-Z has opened for such acts as Gary Owen, Rodney Perry, Alex Thomas, Damon Williams, David A. Arnold, Kelly Kellz, Just Nesh, Bernita Ward and Rob Allen. If anyone can take away one thing from her life’s experiences it is to never give up no matter what people tell you. You can do anything and be anyone you want as long as you remember to be a good person and try to make a difference in the world!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not! Comedy is one of the toughest professions to get into. Not many people will “make it”. This profession requires late nights and early mornings type of work ethic so it’s very tiring to be a comedian. Long hours and many days of struggling. I have been homeless at times sleeping on friends’ couches in different cities, just trying to perform at open mics to get my name out there. It has not been an easy road and I’m still climbing the ladder to success. The key to anything in life is believing in God, yourself and NEVER GIVE UP!!!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a comedian of eight years. I am an all-around type of comedian that will sing or dance depending on the day. I’m quick on my toes so be careful when trying to heckle me because I’ve been known to have a smart mouth from time to time. I’ve had the privilege to perform with some of the best comedians in the country. I’ve performed with Gary Owen, Rodney Perry, Damon Williams, Alex Thomas and the late great David A. Arnold, just to name a few! I’m most proud of being a comedian in general; as a child, I grew up having severe social anxiety and stage fright and till this day my mother always tells me “she shocked to see me performing in front of such big crowds due to the fact that I was so scared of people growing up!” The one thing that sets me apart from others in the entertainment industry is I have studied comedy since I was a child. I used TV shows like Comicview and Def Comedy Jam to perfect my craft.
Honestly, I’ve been performing with my comedy idols and that’s been my biggest accomplishment in all of this. I grew up watching everyone I performed with and I’m so blessed to be finally living my dreams. People die every day and NEVER get a chance to live their dreams and I’m so blessed to be in a position to do so. I’m going to be one of the next big comedians and I’m not stopping until this world knows my name because I truly believe God sent me here to change this world through comedy!!!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you are an upcoming comedian, my only advice is to keep going to open mics. Keep working on your jokes. Start out with a few jokes maybe five and perfect those five jokes until you can build a 30-minute set off those jokes. Then once you do that, keep writing. Also, speak to other comedians who have been working in the business before you. Go to comedy workshops. Be a sponge. Be kind and continue to heal this world through comedy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlirobe.com/
- Instagram: @comediangayz
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/COMEDIANGAYZ?t=YBNjDh6yTdG3HEADri_PDw&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC81Ylp62oJqNN9plrAjcp7w
Image Credits
Celena Elise Ajoni Moore
