Grace White keeps eye on prize, feet on stage

Aside from an active personal life, Grace White, creator and promoter of the successful Women Who Kick Comedy Butt series at Vino Piazza in Lockeford, has a booming professional life. She recently took a moment from her busy schedule to share what makes her so darn funny.

Grace White

When did you get into the business of comedy?

I started performing comedy at the age of 49. At the onset of my middle ages.

What got you into it?

I decided to start performing stand-up, which was scary for me. I went into it with the thought that fear is just one of those self-limiting beliefs.

What are your latest projects?

WWKCB is touring in different cities, and all over California. There's lots of Grace White dates and a lot of Hollywood for Grace White in the near future. I am in the running for "America's Funniest Mom" on Nickelodeon and in the semi-finals for "Comedy Idol."

If you win America's Funniest Mom, what will you get?

On Dec. 22, the people from "Funniest Mom" will call 12 finalists. If you don't answer, they'll go to the next person. Once the final 12 are selected, we'll live together in the same house and compete for the $50,000 grand prize. They held the audition at the Laugh Factory on Nov. 6. I believe my set was one of the best.

When do you write your material?

I write every day. I take a notebook with me. The most prolific time is an hour before I go on stage. It's the anticipation of the show. It sparks all the new stuff. My main material comes from my daughter, 'cause she's so hilarious.

Who do you try your new material on?

Because I'm a working comic, I work all the time, so I try it right on stage. I sometimes try it out on my mother, but she doesn't like my material.

First published: Wednesday, November 15, 2006