REBECCA KOHLER

ON GETTING THE GREEN LIGHT.

“There are only two real [TV] networks in Canada,” says Rebecca Kohler, a stand-up comedian in her 30s who moved to Los Angeles in November. Kohler earned her green card—in a special category for people with exceptional talent—thanks to a resumé that includes crosscountry gigs, from Yuk Yuk’s to CBC Radio. But she felt like her goals were limited in Canada. “Comedians in Canada don’t talk much about having meetings, and if they do, they’re often rolling their eyes about it.” Newly arrived Kohler is struggling on the stand-up scene. “I don’t have any credits—other than the Just for Laughs festival—that are recognizable,” she says. Still, Kohler has a stack of new material, all untested. And she’s committed to sticking it out. “It’s humbling and discouraging, but I’m happiest when I’m performing jokes and making people laugh.”