Rosebud Baker is a writer, actress, and comedian whose sharp wit and dark humor have earned her a devoted fan base. Her hilarious show this past summer at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center had the entire theater in stitches.
Since beginning her stand-up career in 2014, Baker has performed nationwide, drawing inspiration from her own life to craft her signature style of dark comedy. She has written for comedy shows, including That Damn Michael Che and Saturday Night Live, and has appeared in Roku Channel’s Will Smith–produced series This Joka as well as Hulu’s comedy-drama Life & Beth. You can catch her on the Rosebud Baker Live tour.
Rosebud sat down with Hamptons.com to talk about her writing process, stand-up, and the Hamptons.
How did the nickname “Rosebud” come about?
I’m not actually sure — several people in my family have taken credit for it, which makes them unreliable narrators. I can only assume that my parents wanted something unique but Southern-gothic enough that I’d either become a writer or haunt an old house. I think I’ve managed a little of both.
Not many can say they visited the White House as kids. Can you share your favorite memory there?
I remember standing in the hallway, staring at all the portraits of First Ladies and thinking, Wow. These women look like they could all ruin my life in very different ways. It was surreal — as a kid, you don’t fully get the weight of the place. I remember being unimpressed by the president living in a rental property.
When did you know you wanted to get into Stand-up comedy?
The first time I bombed trying to be funny at a party. It’s addictive — either you get the laugh or you die trying. Stand-up is my version of extreme sports: high risk, high reward, and a little unhinged.
Your second comedy special, “The Mother Lode,” was filmed in a unique way. Can you tell us what that was like and how it impacted the special?
We filmed it in a very small, intimate room, which meant the audience was right on top of me — like, way closer than you’d want a stranger to be when you’re talking about childbirth and family trauma. But it gave the special, this raw, unfiltered feel that I think really works. It was also filmed in two parts- the first when I was 8 months pregnant and the second when I was 11 months postpartum. I was someone who wasn’t sure if I wanted kids, and so I wanted to make a special that told the story of the before AND the after.
Can you walk us through your joke-writing process?
It’s a mix of chaos and discipline. I jot down anything that feels like it could be a joke — weird thoughts, overheard conversations, dark little observations — and then I test them on stage, night after night, until they turn into something funny enough to keep. My process is basically: struggle, write, edit, repeat.
Any backstage rituals before you go on stage?
I would love to say something artistic here ,but if I’m being honest, it’s a lot of pacing and ingesting dairy.
Thoughts on the Hamptons? Favorite spot?
I love the Hamptons — it’s like New York City’s chill, semi-apathetic, slightly drunk cousin. I feel cool whenever I’m invited. Give me a beach, a lobster roll, and a decent iced coffee, and I’m happy. As for my favorite spot? You KNOW I’m gonna say Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center… I hear they book the funniest people you’ve ever seen.
