Strong family, love for admin work got Tennessee improv comic Laura Maynard to Amsterdam
It took a decade of grinding in Chicago’s comedy scene for Chattanooga native Laura Maynard to find her way to the canals of Amsterdam. She makes her living making people laugh at Boom Chicago, but her life philosophy is rooted in her grandfather’s serious lesson of "choosing to be kind" every single day. This grounding principle, combined with the unironic comfort she finds in a well-organized to-do list and the "clickety-clack" of her keyboard, was just what she needed to cross the Atlantic for her dream gig.
Maynard, now a full-time ensemble member at the renowned Boom Chicago theater, sat down with host Zack Newmark on the latest episode of the Dam Yankee podcast to discuss the winding road that led her from the American South to the Dutch capital. While the geography has changed, Maynard’s enthusiasm for her environment remains undimmed.
The interview took place during a rare Amsterdam snowstorm, a setting that the comedian embraced immediately after ten years of Midwest winters. "I have been living for this snowstorm right now," Maynard said, joking that the weather made her feel right at home.
That sense of home is a complex concept for Maynard, whose career has required her to be adaptable. Before landing in Amsterdam, she spent a decade cutting her teeth in Chicago, performing at legendary institutions like The Second City and iO Theater. However, as she revealed on the podcast, the foundation of her personality wasn't built on a stage, but in Chattanooga, Tennessee, under the guidance of her grandfather.
Maynard spoke extensively about the impact her grandfather had on her worldview, particularly regarding the nature of kindness. While many people viewed him as naturally gentle, Maynard saw the discipline behind the demeanor.
"I loved how he was so generous and he was an effortlessly sweet man to the untrained eye," Maynard said. "And then when you got to know him, you saw this just everyday effort of just being really caring and thoughtful."
For Maynard, this wasn't just about good manners; it was a deliberate life practice. She explained that she often sees a misconception in how people view "nice" individuals, assuming their temperament is automatic rather than achieved. Her grandfather taught her otherwise.
"There's an idea that kind of sweetness and kindness is really inherent to one's being," Maynard said. "And I think I learned so much from my grandfather about how every day you kind of renew that vow, you get to choose to be that person."
This philosophy of "choosing" one's path seems to permeate Maynard’s career choices as well. Moving to a new country to perform comedy requires a blend of bravery and resilience. In the high-energy, often chaotic world of improv comedy, where performers must make up entire scenes on the spot, Maynard finds stability in an unexpected place: administrative organization.
Perhaps uncharacteristic to other comedians, her love for "admin work" perfectly aligns with the discipline she learned from her family. It suggests that for Maynard, success isn't just about the spotlight; it's about the preparation and the "everyday effort" that goes on behind the scenes, whether that's organizing a show schedule or choosing to be kind to a stranger.
Now settled in Amsterdam, Maynard is busy teaching and performing, bringing her unique mix of Southern charm and Chicago grit to the stage in a country known more for its pragmatism. The transition seems to have been a smooth one. For a comedian who spent years navigating the "wonderful little theaters" of the Windy City, finding a new home at Boom Chicago seems to be the perfect next step.
As she continues to perform for Dutch and international audiences, Maynard stands firm. Whether are dealing with a snowstorm, an unexpected choice from a scene partner, or a to-do list, few things are more important than arriving with patience and warmth.
Listen to this entire episode of Dam Yankee on all major podcast platforms, or watch the full videos on YouTube. Maynard shares more information on her performances and schedule on her website and Instagram account.
