it has recently named veteran funny lady Felicia Madison as its new director of talent. In this role, she will be responsible for scheduling nightly lineups and overseeing shows.

A real-life embodiment of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—the fictional 1950s New York housewife-turned comedienne character on the smash Amazon TV period series—Felicia is no stranger to the NYC stand-up scene. In 2015, the happily married wife and mother of three first began honing her comedic chops at a time when most comedy careers are well underway.

Her hilarious, self-deprecating schtick about topics ranging from sex, marriage and child rearing is no act either. Based on her own real-life as a stay-at-home mom in one of the most affluent parts of the world, Felicia's humor resonates with audiences of all ages from across the globe.

A pre-med graduate of the University of Pennsylvania who once harbored dreams of becoming a Broadway dancer, she is also the creator of the monthly luncheon series Laughing Affairs. One of Laughing Affairs' highlights is its signature Laughtercise shows, which are billed "as having the same benefits as exercise, so skip the gym and come to the next Laughtercise lunch." Currently held at West Side Comedy Club and featuring female comedians performing for an all-female audience, Madison eventually hopes to bring Laughing Affairs to other cities.

In addition to Laughtercise, Laughing Affairs produces Comedy for a Cause, which raises funds for various social issues and people in need, and Funny Business, a panel discussion for female comedians to learn the tricks of the trade from female executives. Her first two panels were hosted at the world-renowned New York Friars Club and she plans to produce four panels a year. She is also currently writing a sitcom about her life. "This is what happens when you don't support your kids' dreams," Felicia quips. "They turn 50 and they become comedians."

Commenting on their decision to hire her, West Side Comedy club co-founder Eugene Ashe said, "We are delighted to have Felicia on board as our new director of talent. Not only will her seasoned experience as a comedian be an asset when it comes to selecting the acts that perform here, her success after becoming a comedian at such a relatively late age will serve as an inspiration to everyone who performs on our stage regardless of what stage they're in in their career."

feliciamadison.com