Amanda Seales is a comedian, writer, actress and producer. She’s the creator and host of the comedy game show, “Smart, Funny and Black.” Seales also has a weekly podcast, “Small Doses” and wrote a scripted comedy, “Get Your Life.” She regularly appears on HBO’s “Insecure.” Seales will perform Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 at this year’s Bentzen Ball comedy festival.
The Lily chatted with Bentzen Ball comedians via text and phone calls ahead of the festival, which runs Oct. 25-28.
October 3, 2018, 2:08 p.m.
Amanda Seales
Hi this is Amanda
Nneka McGuire
Hi, Amanda. Thanks for taking the time to chat — well, text — today.
Amanda Seales
No problem!
Nneka McGuire
Have you ever done an entire interview via text before?
Amanda Seales
No, I haven’t.
Nneka McGuire
I’ll try to keep it interesting. To start us off, can you tell me how you got involved with Bentzen Ball?
Amanda Seales
Nothing really interesting there lol they reached out to my agent
Nneka McGuire
Haha, noted. Let’s talk about your live show, “Smart, Funny and Black.” How would you describe it to the uninitiated?
Amanda Seales
I always say it’s like taking black culture to church
It’s a live music and comedy game show
Nneka McGuire
I read that you dreamed up the idea in your living room one day. What inspired the idea?
Amanda Seales
Well I was doing it as a showcase in nyc
But when I moved to LA I decided I wanted to reimagine it
I was on the phone with my mom and we were brainstorming and I kept saying “it needs to be more. It needs to be more …”
And somehow a game show came to mind and it has developed from there
Originally I imagined it as a hangout in my crib but then it developed into its own world
That combines an HBCU/Ivy League/Hogwart’s
Nneka McGuire
Such a unique format — and it’s been a hit, constantly selling out. Were you anticipating such a strong response?
(Particularly from nonblack folks?)
Amanda Seales
I honestly didn’t care about nonblack folks liking it
It’s a safe space for black culture, comedy, and conversation and it was paramount that black folks felt that first and foremost
So I’m more relieved than surprised that folks feel like that, have that when they come to my show
Nneka McGuire
I hear that.
Amanda Seales
Because we NEED that
Nneka McGuire
What advice would you give women, especially women of color, who want a career in comedy?
Amanda Seales
-don’t f--- for stage time
-trust your voice
-build a sisterhood/tribe and big each other up
Nneka McGuire
Speaking of sisterhood, Tiffany, your character on “Insecure,” has a particularly fascinating storyline this season as she navigates pregnancy and how being a mom affects her friendships. How do you feel about her arc this season?
Amanda Seales
I think it was great that she got to show a range of emotion
Also, her story is so relatable to a lot of friend groups. I’m glad they showed how real that switch up of dynamics can be
And that it’s not so easy
Nneka McGuire
Just one more question for you (I know our time is up). Say you had to describe yourself in three emoji. What would they be?
Amanda Seales
Nneka McGuire
That’s a good trio. Thanks again for your time, Amanda. See you at Bentzen.
Amanda Seales
Thank you!
