Atlanta-based comedian Angel Contreras finds humor in work-life balance struggles

On the “City Lights” series “Speaking of Comedy,” Atlanta’s funniest locals share insights on the perks and perils of their profession. This edition features Angel Contreras, who has been a fan of stand-up comedy for as long as she can remember, growing up watching late-night comedy shows with her father. Once in her 20s, a friend wanted to try standup for a work competition. She went with her friend to practice as moral support and ended up loving it. During this time, she had just graduated from law school and being able to make jokes about her life balanced out her need to express fun and creativity… when she wasn’t in court. 

Aside from challenges as a woman in the field, the biggest challenge for Contreras is trying to find career balance. “A lot of comics are able to spend their days writing their jokes and honing their craft and perfecting it and then going out and performing those jokes at night. Whereas when I wake up, I have to focus first thing on my cases and on my clients… at 5 pm, I switch my brain from work mode into comedy mode,” says Contreras.

You can occasionally find Contreras on stage at Star Community Bar in Little Five Points on Monday Comedy nights. You can follow her on Instagram here.