Hannah Gansen is a strikingly original comedy performer who combines an absurd appreciation for life's weird little moments with strong musical talent to create uniquely delightful comedy. She left small town Iowa for a slightly less small Iowa college town, and then ditched what we now know is the Hawkeye state (thank you, Google!) to delve into Chicago's comedy opportunities. She has let loose with her Yamaha keyboard onstage at Lincoln Lodge, Chicago Underground Comedy, and Spitfire shows, writes and performs with A Demon Who Never Appeared, and can be seen in Rooftop Comedy clips here.

How did you get started in comedy, and what brought you to Chicago?

During school, I’d always play comic roles. However, I first started doing stand up when I gave a presentation during college. I can’t recall what the presentation was about but I can recall that I didn’t give a rat’s or any other vermin’s ass about it. Fortunately for my GPA, the instructor found my mockery amusing and told me I should try stand up. I was like “yeah right,” so he told another instructor who runs a theatre that has a occasionally holds a comedy showcase. She booked me without my consent. It was as scary as a Halloween without a costume, but it was awesome. I’ve been hooked on the stuff ever since. I came to Chicago for more performance opportunities and possibilities.

You majored in psychology and theater. Does this leave you well suited to treat your own craziness related to being a performer?

No, but it helps.

How are things with the Demon Who Never Appeared show? What's it like working with that group, and what's your favorite part?

A Demon Who Never Appeared is a fantastic show. I love doing it because of its originality and the opportunity to work with Jared Logan, Andy Ross, Kumail Nanjiani, and Josh Cheney. These guys have incredible ideas and senses of humor. I love writing the music for the show. I’ve been a musician most of my life and it’s great to have any musical outlet.

We've seen you do some amazing things with that electric keyboard of yours at Spitfire shows. Are you going to give it an affectionate nickname, like B.B. King did with Lucille?

I had that lil’ puppy since Christmas 1989. I haven’t named it yet, so I probably never will.

What's the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

A friend gave me a ride from work. On the way home, we almost got in an accident. I started saying angry things about the person in the other vehicle, and she said: “Oh, it’s ok, I’m really not that great of a driver.” I was just kind of like, uh, ok. Then I laughed. I laughed till I stopped. No kidding.

You've played a part in some of the Blerds short comedy films. What's it like shooting those?

It’s kind of like standing and talking and having someone videotape you.

Like us, you're from a small town in the Midwest. We're tired of being chatted up on public transportation. Any suggestions for counteracting that "be friendly and accomodating" impulse that gets us into so much trouble?

I still will smile and talk to people on the bus and train. But first I tell them I’m carrying pepper spray.

Any advice for wacky kids out there who are considering standup comedy?

Do it. Then do it again.

How's your attempt at vegetarianism going? Still laying off the meat (pardon the awkward turn of phrase)?

I will not eat a fast food burger. However, I would consider eating a deer my dad shot. I know what happened before it ended up on my plate.

What are your ambitions for yourself and your comedy over the next few years?

I just wanna keep creating, doing, moving forward, and be open to possibilities. Sorry if I sound like I’m sitting cross-legged on the floor passing one around. I’m actually sitting at a table on my laptop, but you can’t see that.

First photo courtesy of Hannah Gansen. Second photo by Fuzzy Gerdes. Third photo by Katie Moore.

- Elizabeth McQuern