About Pretty Funny Women
Lisa Sundstedt has taught more than three thousand women how to brave their fears, get a laugh and master stand up comedy. But PFW hasn't always been a school. In the late 90s, it started out as the hottest showcase in Hollywood for up and coming stand-up comedians.
Lisa booked comics who she believed were going to be stars when they were just a couple years into stand up…. And before they were famous! The show was called "Pretty Funny Women" It ran at the Hollywood Improv for more ten years.
Some of the regulars were Sherri Shepherd, Chelsea Handler, Tig Notaro, Retta, Natasha Leggero, Maria Bamford, Sarah Tiana, Vicki Barbolak, and Heather McDonald. She even booked Tiffany Haddish and lliza! There were many nights when comics like Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho and Kathleen Madigan just dropped in, often times putting three or four of these women on the same bill.
The shows were always packed! And the industry heavy-hitters came out in droves to scout new talent. Many of the comics featured on PFW booked jobs and got representation just from being seen in these shows.
In 2006 Lisa started teaching stand up, and has been able to mentor thousands of women through her workshops, sometimes even helping to launch their careers. PFW is almost like a comedy sorority…… without the hazing or rushing. And all women are welcome into the fold.
Lisa Sundstedt is all about pushing her students to shine, and giving them as much stage time as possible. Pretty Funny Women shows have been seen in The Comedy Store main room, the Laugh Factory, Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, The Hollywood Improv, and dozens of other clubs and venues across the country.
Lisa is always so incredibly proud of her students who have stayed in the game and decided to go for it with everything they've got. There are way too many to mention by name but they have very impressive resumes. A lot of these same comediennes are now doing festivals, starring on TV shows, recording comedy albums, and have become social media influencers. And this is really why Lisa got into the business and loves it to this day; because there are no rules. If you work hard and really believe in yourself, you can do anything you want!
Not all the women who take PFW classes want to be stand-up comics. Some of them just want to gain confidence in their lives in a way that’s fun, safe, and in a creative space that allows them to express themselves. They end up getting so much more! Plus a great tape.
Many Pretty Funny Women end up with new best friends for life. And they all learn how to walk through this life "standing up" just a little bit taller.
