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Elise Czajkowski

Freelance Journalist

Brooklyn, New York

Elise Czajkowski

I write about comedy and other things that tickle my fancy.

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The Funny Pictures

In the past few years, as comedy has once again boomed, a new generation of fans has begun viewing the craft as more than just entertainment. With more websites devoted to coverage, more critical engagement with the craft, and more artistic interest in the forms of stand-up, sketch and improv, the craft of comedy is being seen as something seriously artful. Around the United States, comedy photographers are snapping evocative and distinctive pictures of comedians. Each approaches it differently—a few are documenting the live scene, while others are crafting portraits in studios or on location. Some photos are destined for promotional material, some will adorn comedy club walls, some are just for fun. But the sum total is a visual representation of a booming comedy scene that views comedians as a highly unique and fascinating group of artists.
Paste Magazine Link to Story
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Talking to Colin Quinn About His New One-Man Show, 'Tough Crowd', and Being the King of Twitter

There have been many chapters in Colin Quinn's career since he first appeared on MTV's Remote Control in 1987. The former SNL castmember went on to host the short-lived but brilliant Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn on Comedy Central; more recently, his unique Twitter persona caught the eye of the New York Times. Following on the success of his Broadway one-man show Colin Quinn: Long Story Short, his "history of the world in 75 minutes," Colin Quinn's new show, Unconstitutional, aims to tackle "226 years of American Constitutional calamities." I caught up with after a preview performance of his show to talk about constitutional conventions, comedy nerds, and how sincerity infuriates people.
Splitsider Link to Story
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Bo Burnham on His New MTV Show, Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous, and His YouTube Years

Bo Burnham first made his name on YouTube at the tender age of 16, but in only a few years, he moved on from “Internet sensation” to become one of the most inventive and imaginative comedians working today. Now 22, he’s back with his own MTV show, Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous, which follows an 18-year-old who hires a film crew to make a reality show about his life. The show, which premieres Thursday at 10:30, documents Stone’s various attempts at fame — including, of course, a sex tape. Vulture spoke to Burnham about reality shows, getting confused for his character, and what the Internet thinks of Zach Stone.
Vulture Link to Story
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Does Doing Standup on a Late Night Show Still Matter?

Late night shows have always been more than just variety programs. There were cultural touchstones, broad shared places for topical comedy and entertainment, and they served as key launching pads for several generations of comedians. A few decades ago, doing standup on a late night show was seen as a crucial, potentially game changing event in a young comic's career. The well-known story about Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show has been told from over and over, by everyone from Steven Wright to Ellen DeGeneres to Drew Carey. Do one great set on Carson, they story went, get invited over to the couch, and the next day, you will be a superstar. For most of the country, Carson’s approval was good enough.
Splitsider Link to Story
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"Silly, Funny Stories About Really Serious Things": A Chat With Writer Jon Ronson

Bestselling British author and documentary filmmaker Jon Ronson has found his way into the weirdest corners of society. His first book, Them: Adventures with Extremists, found him searching for the secret elite group that many extremists believe rule the world.
The Awl Link to Story
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Inside Britain's Growing Comedy Crisis

For the past few years, America has been experiencing a spectacularly creative comedy boom that continues to grow. But in the UK, the comedy scene may be heading in the other direction. For the past decade, live and televised comedy have been big business in Britain.
Splitsider Link to Story
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Lewis Black brings his righteous political rage to Broadway with Running on Empty

Lewis Black was angry before it was cool. Before tea partyers, Occupiers and screaming pundits filled TV screens, Black was expressing his fury at the world in his stand-up and in his "Back in Black" segments on The Daily Show.
Time Out New York Link to Story
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Talking to Michael Che About Touring the World and Making Standup Glamorous

There are high expectations for Michael Che. In the past year, the New York standup has worked on Best Week Ever and SNL, and been hailed as one to watch by th.
Splitsider Link to Story

About

Elise Czajkowski

I take comedy very seriously and read The Economist for fun. I'm a Contributing Editor at Splitsider, and a regular contributor to The Spit Take. My work as also appeared in Time Out New York, Paste Magazine, Vulture, and The Awl.

I have a degree from New York University in Broadcast Journalism and International Politics. Along with doing real jobs, I have written questions for a British game show, read the news on New Zealand radio, and audio described plays for blind audiences.

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