Meet Aurora Theater’s New Funny Fridays Host

Debra Cole was never much of a class clown, but was known for her side-splitting one-liners and colorful storytelling skills for years.  After performing in comedy clubs around the nation, she is now host to Aurora Theater’s semi-monthly show Funny Fridays. 

Lawrenceville Patch: What part of Georgia are you from?

Cole:  I’m originally from Waycross, south Georgia, but I have lived in Atlanta for a long time, ITP [inside the perimeter].    

Lawrenceville Patch: What is your background, as far as comedy and performing?

Cole:  I’ve been performing as a comedian seriously since 2006.  I have always been a performer, and am a musician.  I’m a flutist and studied music in school. 

I was just always a storyteller and always had something smart to say.  I wasn’t really a class clown type but a one-liner type person.  I always had stories with punchlines.  I was a school teacher for a number of years and never fit in, because it was way too conventional for me. 

I started doing comedy and really loved doing it.  It takes a while to become a good comic, and I was still teaching at first.  I’ve done really well considering how long I have done comedy.  I work hard at it. 

Lawrenceville Patch: How did you get involved with Aurora Theater?

Cole:  They started doing their Funny Fridays show a couple of years ago when I was performing with the Mixed Nuts group of comics [a female group of traveling comedians].  I’ve known the marketing director [Al Stilo] personally for years.  When he booked the Mixed Nuts for Aurora, he didn’t know it was me until afterward.  I performed with them and without them.  

Lawrenceville Patch: What has been your favorite place to perform?

Cole:  Aurora has been the best place to perform.  Buford Variety Theater was also great, but they’re not open anymore.  I had my own show for a long time in Midtown at the Ansley Park playhouse monthly, for a year, and that was great, too. 

Lawrenceville Patch: You’re the mother to a little girl.  How do you balance performing and mothering?

Cole:  Anyone who is pursuing anything that is in entertaining or that’s unconventional has to work on her balancing act.  Being a mother has its own particular challenges.  I come from a fairly conservative background and so there is certainly a little bit of pressure to live more of a conventional conservative lifestyle.  Sometimes, as a mother, there can be even more pressure to be that way.  Make sure you are around people who believe in what you’re doing and find support. 

Cole’s first night as host will be on January 20 with comedians Gilbert Lawand and Lavar Walker.  For more information on Cole, visit her website.