We had the good fortune of connecting with Donna Maine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It’s my passion! Since I was a child, I’ve always been involved in creative pursuits usually centered around comedy and music. When raising my kids working as a nurse, I always also had to be involved in artistic endeavors; it’s in my soul, that’s how I survived. Humor is my #1 coping mechanism. It keeps me going!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got to where I am today by being determined. As a divorced, working mom no, it was never easy. I had major struggles and will always have challenges, of course, but I also have great stories. Standup comedy was my dream and I wish I had started younger, to be honest, but I had to prioritize my family. I made it through some very difficult periods in my life and, somehow, I also raised two terrific kids! I think what sets me apart from others is my unique life experiences. As a nurse, I tried to make the world a better place and now I do that with laughter! I’m proud that I’m always evolving, learning, writing new material, expanding with characters/impersonations, and growing in comedy.

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?
If a friend was visiting, of course I would want them to come to one of my shows at one of the local comedy clubs or one of the other variety of venues where I perform. As a former resident of Pasadena, some of the fantastic restaurants in Old Town and nearby are special to me. I would take them to some of my favorite places where I am also fortunate enough to do comedy; the Palm Springs area/Coachella Valley, Idyllwild, and some coastal towns.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I thank some of the great comedians that I’ve worked with who have encouraged me and given me opportunities to perform. Also, shoutout to so many comics who inspired me, including the female trailblazers like Lucille Ball, Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, the list goes on.

Website: www.DonnaMaineComedy.com

Instagram: @donna.maine

Facebook: Donna Maine

Image Credits
# 8 Joe Moran

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