By Emma Driban, Editor
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If you’ve ever wondered what might happen when a former teenage reality-show hopeful turns the cringe of adolescence into comedy, Emily Wilson has an answer—and plenty of jokes to go with it. The New York City-based comedian blends sharp stand-up with original songs, bringing an energetic, candid, and unfiltered perspective to the stage.
Wilson’s comedy draws heavily from her own experiences, including her time on The X Factor at age 15, which became the subject of her comedy special, Fixed: How I Got Rejected by Reality TV. The special earned recognition from The New York Times and a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, helping establish Wilson as a rising voice in the comedy world.
But there’s more to Wilson than stories about reality television and teenage embarrassment. She’s also a host, performer, and prolific creator, regularly touring the country while testing out new material at her weekly New York City comedy show. Her website describes her approach simply: stand-up, funny songs, and—perhaps most importantly—a willingness to make fun of herself along the way.
Later this year, Wilson will bring that unique blend of storytelling, music, and humor to Delaware for a performance at Arden Gild Hall. Before she takes the stage, we caught up with Wilson to learn more about her comedic influences, her Jewish identity, the stories behind her material, and what audiences can expect when she comes to town.
- Your first foray into the spotlight came at 15, when you were rejected on the X Factor as part of a duet. How has that experience shaped your comedic styling and informed how you come up with bits?
I think it taught me that nothing in life is that serious. And, also, that denim vests simply don’t work, and never will, no matter what decade we’re in. In terms of my writing, talking about that experience made me realize that it’s often the stuff you’re most afraid to talk about that winds up being the funniest.
- What led you to comedy? Were there any comedians growing up who made you feel like, “Yes, this is something I could do.”?
Just like most comedians, I watched a lot of Saturday Night Live and Sandler movies growing up, and also randomly this one standup DVD from 2003 called Catskills on Broadway that I used to watch over and over and quote the jokes around my house. I just never knew that comedy was a career field—field? Do people call it that?—until I got to NYU and saw my now-husband and our social circle all doing improv and sketch comedy. I was like, that’s an option? So, I took a class that summer called “Sketch Comedy and Sitcom Writing,” and met this girl in the class, Claire Parker, who did standup and who I thought was so cool and funny. I’m still friends with her, and she is still very cool and funny. I asked her how I can try standup, and she told me about all the good open mics in the city. So, I tried one, and I can’t remember a single thing I said, but I remember feeling like “oh, I’m gonna do this for the rest of my life. This is awesome.”
- How has your Jewish identity shaped your comedy?
It gave me the lack of shame necessary to do comedy! Kidding. Kind of.
- What’s your writing process like? Do you wait for inspiration or treat it like a daily practice?
To quote Somerset Maugham via Stephen Pressfield’s book The War of Art, “I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately, it strikes every morning at 9 o’clock.” For me it’s more like 10:30, and like three times a week. But still!
- If you could invite three Jewish thinkers/comedians (alive or dead) to a comedy show, who would they be—and who would laugh the hardest?
Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, and Jesus Christ. A lot of people think Jesus is a savior, but I think he’s also kind of like a thinker/comedian. Turning water into wine? That’s a great gag. I wish I thought of that first.
- This will be your first time headlining at the historic Arden Gild Hall. What drew you to this gig—and what can audiences expect at your show in December?
I’m so excited to perform in such an historic venue. I’m also a Jersey girl which really just means I’m a northeast coast girl at heart, so I can’t wait to bring my show there. Audiences can expect jokes, songs, and a potential appearance by my miniature dachshund, Stella, at the end of the show. Maybe if we sell it out?
Don’t miss the chance to see Emily Wilson live at Arden Gild Hall on December 5!
Purchase your tickets at ArdenConcerts.com and come enjoy an evening of stand-up, music, and plenty of laughs.
