Our new stand up teacher, Nicole Yates, has years of stand up and teaching experience in Philadelphia, but finally decided to make the leap to LA. Now she’s an LA Transplant! Today we talk to her about being new in town. So if you see her around, let her know the best taco truck (Taco Zone duh), and welcome her to the amazing Ruby LA community!

Have you found a good place in the city to go when you need to focus and write?

I tend to write in my bedroom but when I need to get out, I actually like going to the library. It’s quiet, I don’t have to buy anything and usually the parking isn’t terrible. Plus the people watching at times can be pretty fantastic. And finally, who doesn’t love a newspaper on a stick? Can’t get that at a Starbucks!

What is something that has been a completely unexpected discovery about L.A.?

I wasn’t expecting so many amazing little burger places all over town! I knew the Mexican food was on point but I love a good burger and this place doesn’t disappoint. There is a place called Beeps by my house that is fantastic!

Breakfast options. L.A. or Philly?

In Philly we have diners everywhere, pork roll rains upon the world like love, and Wawa has fantastic breakfast sandwiches. In LA, you have got some good eggs, I found an amazing waffle place and hot sauce is everywhere.

Philly wins the breakfast battle by a bit, but luckily I am very lazy and rarely ever venture out before noon on the weekends and during the week I like to keep it simple with yogurt or something. I am also one of those weirdos who does not drink coffee, so that’s no issue. I guess what I am saying is that you guys keep it kinda healthy and I come from a place where diabetes is a challenge, so I am getting used to not covering everything with cheese (aka love)…..slowly.

I’m a new transplant and I want to get involved in the standup scene. What’s your advice?

Get to the Comedy Bureau website and check out their open mic list. Comics in LA are super friendly and if you can’t find a mic that can fit into your schedule, you aren’t trying. Prepare to sit for awhile because aloooot of mics are lottery, but it gives you time to meet people. If you find a fun room that might support a mic or a show, go for it! You know that old adage “if you find a room and set up a mic/show, promote the hell out of it, have fun comics and decent beer specials, they might come”? It true! Just be yourself, get out there and have fun!