Sat June 07 - 12:00 PM
Defining Success in Comedy
Free Talks
| 60 MINUTES
Comedy is one of our oldest but ever-changing storytelling mediums. With different forms of social media, podcasts, shifts in television and stand-up changing, defining success can be complicated. This panel will feauture some of the funniest people in the business as they unpack what success looks like for them.
Panelists
Sydnee Washington
Sydnee Washington is a comedian, actor, and writer. In 2022, Sydnee became an Emmy Nominee for “Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series” for her role as ‘Judith’ in Grindr’s first original series, BRIDESMAN. She received a WGA Award for her writing contributions to season five of INSIDE AMY SCHUMER for Paramount+. In 2021, Sydnee was a Just For Laugh’s New Face for her stand-up work. She has toured with comedians Chelsea Handler, Matteo Lane, Janelle James, and others; as well as her own sold-out, powerful comedic hour, “HOW TO START A FIRE” which blends memoir, storytelling and standup into an unforgettable experience about her childhood. Sydnee is a podcast staple: she’s been the host of “The Unofficial Expert” with Marie Faustin and Headgum’s “Hobby Hunter”— and a guest on many popular formats. On social media, she has hosted SYD CAN COOK, for Instagram Live, a first-of-it’s-kind comedy cooking show with celebrity guests. Sydnee’s work has been profiled in W MAGAZINE, VULTURE, VANITY FAIR, and THE NEW YORK TIMES. In 2024, Sydnee made her late night debut on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS. Sydnee's acting credits include ABC's ABBOTT ELEMENTARY and recurring on Julio Torres' HBO Series, FANTASMAS. She currently co-hosts the podcast “MESS” with Marie Faustin for Big Money Players Network and IHeartPodcasts.
Jaboukie Young-White
Jaboukie Young-White is a comedian, writer, filmmaker, and musician from Chicago who was a correspondent on THE DAILY SHOW WITH TREVOR NOAH. Named one of Variety's 10 Comics to Watch at the 2018 Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, Jaboukie has performed stand up twice on THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON and debuted his half-hour comedy special on COMEDY CENTRAL STAND-UP PRESENTS. Jaboukie’s writing credits include Netflix’s AMERICAN VANDAL and BIG MOUTH. He can be seen in the last season of HBO’s CRASHING, recurring in the Hulu series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, recurring in the HBO Max series RAP SH!T, produced by Issa Rae, and as a guest star of Netflix’s BLACK MIRROR. On the feature side, you can see him in the A24 produced Mike Mills feature C'MON, C'MON opposite Joaquin Phoenix, Sony’s ROUGH NIGHT directed by Lucia Aniello, Netflix’s SET IT UP directed by Claire Scanlon, SOMEONE GREAT directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, and as the lead in the film DATING & NEW YORK, released by IFC Films. Jaboukie also voices the lead roles of "Truman" in the animated series FAIRFAX on Amazon, and the role of “Ethan” in Disney’s STRANGE WORLD. Most recently, Jaboukie can be seen in THE THREESOME, directed by Chad Hartigan, which just premiered at SXSW 2025 and the Warner Brothers feature film, COMPANION, directed by Drew Hancock, now streaming. Jaboukie’s musical debut, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel, was released through Interscope records in 2023.
Asha Ward
Asha Ward is a comedian and writer based in NYC. She joined the staff of SNL as a writer in its Emmy-nominated 48th season. She was named a 2023 New Face at the Just For Laughs festival. Asha hails from The Windy City where she is a recent grad of Columbia College Chicago’s Comedy Writing and Performance Major. Asha got her start in comedy 5 years ago through school and quickly became a novel performer in the Chicago comedy scene, known for her unique delivery and stoic nature. You can catch her showcasing her dry wit and eccentric point of view at local clubs and venues around New York including Stand Up NY, Union Hall, The Bell House, and more.
* Rush Tickets will be offered at venues when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available (EXCLUDES: Beacon Theatre and United Palace).
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
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