Meet Rayna Cahill | Stand Up Comedian

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

Hi Rayna, why did you pursue a creative career?
My first open mic wasn’t my idea. A really good friend believed in me and she insisted that I give stand-up comedy a try. I’ve had several passions in my lifetime, and they have all gravitated toward building relationships with people. I worked in property management for 5 years and loved helping people find homes. I spent 8 years in the National Guard and jumped out of airplanes with my brothers and sisters in arms, and I still believe there is no greater rush than making an audience laugh. Like too many others, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. I lost my father at 8 years old, and something he always said was “You’ll enjoy life a lot more if you can laugh at yourself.” I took that to heart. My father’s motto has helped me face bullying in grade school, my first heartbreaks, and even internal battles with my own self-worth. Since I started comedy, I’ve become more confident and opinionated, and my mental health has drastically improved. Telling jokes on a stage to a room full of strangers can seem shallow to some, but I feel like I’m able to pass on some of that wisdom or at least spread a little happiness to someone having a bad day.

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.
My comedy is based on the fact that I’m a pansexual woman living in society, so I’d describe my style as vivacious and occasionally morbid. I began making light of dark situations at a young age as a way to cope with my trauma, so much of my material comes from a place of honesty. Some of my jokes are about my perfectly-imperfect body, or about being an honorary member of the dead dad club. I also cohost a sex-positive podcast with comedian Scott Eason called Going All The Way with Scott and Rayna. We interview guests about their personal lives in a lighthearted way, and we learn something new every episode.

Being a woman in stand-up can be daunting. Comedy is a male-dominated profession, and women have to work harder to impress an audience. However, I wouldn’t say that being a queer woman is what sets me apart.
I’m proud of my ability to riff with an audience. I like breaking down the barrier between the audience and the stage. Being able to come up with jokes on the spot is a difficult skill to grasp, but being able to improvise and read the audience is an important technique for any comedian to learn.
I grind. My friends say I am one of the hardest-working comedians in Huntsville. I frequent local and out-of-town open mics, and I’m always networking. Making connections has gotten me where I am now. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people and comedy allows me to do that in a way I never dreamed of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Huntsville is thriving! Of course my favorite spots are comedy open mics .
On Monday nights I cohost an open mic at Maggie Meyers Irish Pub with Nico Paris! (Make some noise!) They have my favorite vibe in Huntsville because they are so welcoming. We love the Reuben Pizza, and if it’s a party I’m having an Irish Trash Can!

Tuesday nights I’ll either be at Salty Nut Brewery or Old Town Beer Exchange having a Mean Bean Pastry Stout or a Guava Mango Sour.

Wednesdays are for The Bar at 805. Yes, that’s the name! Not “A” bar, but “The Bar.” If you blink you could miss it, except for the droves of people pouring onto the patio.

Thursday night, we’re headed to Shenanigans Comedy Theatre. A nonprofit theatre dedicated to creating a space for comedy and performance art in Huntsville. This organization is fueled by blood, sweat, and volun-tears! Founded by some dear friends of the scene, Stand up comedian Kimberly Wilson, and her lovely-weird wife Jessica Cotton, They have created a safe place for LGBTQ+. And for sustenance I’d like a Bloody Mary and maybe some cheese sticks.

Friday night already? Let’s go to Lowe Mill, a former textile mill transformed into an arts facility. We’ll take a stroll through the halls with a Piper Leaf Tea and shop for some funky art. At 8pm we’re going to The Studio Theatre for Epic Comedy Hour.

Saturday I want to be at Stand Up Live seeing my favorite comedians, Chad Daniels, Taylor Tomlinson, Dan Cummins, or maybe Bob The Drag Queen! They have fantastic food and drinks and the best manager and comedian in the business, Tom Hand.

On Sundays I want to be at Madison Station. I’ll be enjoying a mixed drink or a pitcher of beer and a burger.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where do I even begin? My father, Larry Cahill, who taught me that you’d enjoy life a lot more if you can laugh at yourself. My mother, Michelle Cahill, who showed me what an independent woman looks like. My brother Logan and my sister-in-law, Lara Cahill, who have supported me in more than just comedy and watch my dogs when I have to be on the road. My friend Paige, believed in me and got me on stage for my first open mic. My friend Ari, who has never told me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear. And to my local comedy scene. We’ve laughed together, bombed together, exchanged tags, and some of us have taken long road trips together. I couldn’t do it without you.

Instagram: @rayna.cahill

Twitter: @rayna_cahill

Facebook: Rayna Cahill

Youtube: Rayna Cahill

Other: raynacahill.comedy@gmail.com

Image Credits
Nathan Jingst