Meet Claire O’neil | Comedy Writer & Producer of Pillow Fight Comedy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire O’neil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
When I first moved to LA someone told me to “stay in my lane”, meaning choose just one kind of job to pursue within Hollywood. As an artist, it has been impossible for me to “stay in my line”. I am a comedy writer, standup comedian, actor, editor, and a painter—just to name a few! The creative process is very non-linear, and if you’re inspired by a new format, try it. You don’t want to miss out on creating your next masterpiece because you were trying to fit the mold. Plus, if you’re waiting until you’re successful within one lane before you try the others, you may be waiting around forever. Many people never feel as though they’ve “arrived” in their career so you may as well follow what inspires you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m the producer and host of Pillow Fight Comedy, a female-geared standup comedy show. We are unique in that we tap into fun themes each month. The themes usually cater to women and femme people (i.e. Twilight, Real Housewives, Halloween etc.) We curate an entire vibe based around the theme each month. Dressing up, doing trivia, and making jokes about the topic, etc. From there, we feature a lineup of some of the best (mostly female) comedians in the business. It’s a straight standup comedy show, but we try to make audiences feel like they’re at a slumber party in the early 2000s. We’ve had a monthly run at various venues in Los Angeles including the Elysian, the Lyric Hyperion and most recently Hotel Café in Hollywood. With this show I’ve tried to tap into what I see as a gap in the market: a comedy show by women, and for women. The show feels fun and intimate, like a slumber party with your best friends. Even if you’re not someone who normally goes to see standup shows you’re going to love it!

Apart from being a comedy writer and performer, most of my professional experience has been in film and television production. I was working full time as a production coordinator in film around the time of the writers’ strike last year, and the layoff gave me an excuse to focus on standup comedy full time. My experience in production, especially in indie film, gave me a do-it-yourself attitude that has served me well. Of course, there is also a huge sales and marketing aspect to this business if you’re trying to be successful. This goes hand in hand with marketing and curating a “brand”, which has been new to me since starting Pillow Fight.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I have friends or family in town they usually end up coming to all my standup shows with me! In addition to my monthly show, I also produce shows at Permanent Records Roadhouse, an iconic record store/bar/music venue. This is one my favorite spots to hang out. Also, of course to the Elysian where I preform, the Comedy Store, and the Hollywood Improv.

I also always end up taking people to hike at Griffith. You get a great view of the city, plus the observatory trail is a perfect hour long (round trip) trek up a pretty steep hill to get some good exercise.

For food, tacos! Definitely in Highland Park where I live.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my alma mater, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, for introducing me to friends and collaborators that I sill work with to this day. In the undergrad Film and Television program, I was able to hone my voice as a writer and develop the skills and confidence to pursue a career in entertainment.

I’d also like to thank my mother, Mary Alice LaPoint. She is a businesswoman and has always been a professional mentor to me (as well as a fantastic mom!) She used to own and run a digital marketing firm in the greater Boston area, with clients all around the world. I remember the struggle she endured to start her own business when I was a kid, it was definitely not an easy path. I think it instilled a entrepreneurial spirit in me, and I’ve tapped into it recently with starting my own comedy show.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theclaireoneil

Image Credits
Alex Chrysohoidis (main photo)
Ken Chan (Stage photo with glitter background with the brunette woman in all black)
Alex Chrysohoidis (headshot with sunny background)
Casey Skinner (still from July show, Pillow Fight sign in the background)
Sarah Rooney (photo with purple sparkly dress on stage)