By Brianna Vaca, Staff Reporter
The auditorium of the I&I building was packed on October 7 for the Women in Comedy panel. The event was a joint production of the Women’s Studies Program and Hollywood by the Horns.
Co-hosted by women’s studies professor Jenn Brandt and film, television, and media professor Toddy Eames, the purpose of the panel was two-fold: to highlight the contributions of women in comedy, and to encourage students to learn more about pursuing a degree in women’s studies. Students also learned more about Hollywood by the Horns, a Communication Department program that helps Toros connect with professionals working in the entertainment industry.
Panelists included actress and director Lake Bell (Harley Quinn, In a World…), screenwriter Janine Nabers (Swarm, Atlanta), comedians Erin Foley (That 90’s Show) and Michaela Watkins (Abbott Elementary), and writer and director Nicole Jefferson Asher (Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker). The panelists explored representations of gender and sexuality in comedy, film and TV, and they shared their own experiences navigating the industry.
Brandt told the Bulletin the panel is just a taste of what the women’s studies program has to offer interested students.
“There are a great variety of topics we cover and speakers we bring to campus, and so this was just an example again of really trying to bring some heart into humor to what we are doing in the classroom to everybody.”
Jefferson Asher echoed Brandt’s perspective, saying students should take advantage of any and all opportunities to interact with industry professionals whenever they visit campus.
“We are in the middle of the entertainment industry and that there are so many professionals who are around and available and would love to come to events like these and participate in events like these,” Jefferson Asher said.
Eames told the Bulletin told The Bulletin she wished events like the panel could happen every day at CSUDH , because they help to inspire and encourage students. She said such events bridge the gap between what’s taught in the classroom and what happens in the industry.
“I think a lot of time students are just trying to check the boxes and get out and get the degree,” Eames said. “But the value of saturating in the learning process, attending opportunities like this, learning from people who are doing it is fundamental to the college experience.”
