It’s no secret that the Los Angeles comedy scene can be brutal and unforgiving. But for these older women, comedy offered an outlet for self-discovery at an age where they say women can become invisible. The pay off — of drafting jokes, reworking material and performing at open mics and shows — is the thrill of the applause, yes, but even more so, the emotional freedom it affords them.
Karla Marie Sanford, an Atlanta native, is a reporting fellow at the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she worked as a breaking news reporter at the Washington Post.
Brenda Elizondo is an audience engagement fellow at the Los Angeles Times. She was previously a video content creator and reporter for L.A. Times Food and De Los, the Latinidad section. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton.
