Chaunte Wayans’ “New World Disorder” comedy tour has kept her packed and occupied. I had the pleasure of speaking with the actress and comedian about the tour and her previous experiences in the entertainment industry.

“It was like I finally have a voice,” Wayans said, recalling the first time she went on stage and received favorable comments from the audience. It was just what she needed because she had felt like she “hadn’t been heard in a long time.” Others had created false barriers and expectations for her as she embarked on her own adventure in entertainment. It was something she didn’t enjoy or request since, despite the fact that her surname is well-known and people identify it with comedy, she wanted to establish a name for herself and not rely on her family.

She added, “People made it feel like I should be better than what I was when I first started.” This didn’t leave opportunity for error and progress, which is essential when starting something new. People treated her as if she’d be “okay” in this field just because. Those preconceived beliefs and attitudes made her journey more difficult. You know how when we see someone with skill and think to ourselves, “That person is going to be great.” That’s the kind of help she really needed.

Even after achieving success on platforms other than comedy, such as television, cinema, and Broadway, she still battled with individuals who told her who and how she should be in the profession. She was open about an encounter she had following her Broadway performance. Everyone praised her performance and showered her with flowers. Her former agent, on the other hand, tried to persuade her that in order to advance in her career, she needed to modify the way she “presents herself.” She remarked, “And during the conversation with him, people were passing by, gesturing good job and giving me praise for my performance.” That was the final time she had that person on her side.

“I want to shout out Jessica Pilot,” Chaunte Wayans exclaimed joyfully. Jessica’s presence in her life was welcome after her performance in the Netflix special. She described how many people came into her life to “take, take, take,” and how it was a blessing to have someone come in to simply pour back into her. Jessica, on the other hand, doesn’t just pour into her; she steers Chaunte in the correct path.

Chaunte, who is now traveling to numerous locations, informed me that it all starts the moment she lands in the place. I was curious as to what her secret was for connecting with an audience in locations she’d never been before. “I get off the plan, and I explore the city and take notice of the people,” Wayans went on to say. This is how she produces an honest and natural set to which people can empathize and feel connected.

I asked her to tell me more about her “New World Disorder” comedy tour before we finished our chat. “It’s a comedic take on this unique new world we’re in,” Wayans explained. It’s about how we’re all navigating this new normal following the pandemic. It’s about knowing how we all, individually and collectively, try to cope with daily life and navigate it in order to achieve our goals.

“The goal isn’t to make everyone laugh. Connecting with people through comedy has been an amazing experience.  As audience members have told me it’s helped them through their tough times it’s also helped me heal,” Wayans said.

Comedy tour dates and locations below because you still have time to catch before it’s over.

Nov 17
Seattle, Washington
Here-After Comedy Club
7pm & 9pm

Nov 22
Tampa, Florida
Improv
7:30pm

Dec 2 & 3
Honolulu, Hi
Blue Note
9pm