I’ve been a fan of Cole since I first saw him in the well known youtube videos that eventually led to him and his creative parter, Jeffery Self’s, T.V. show, Jeffery & Cole Casserole. While I loved those videos, and the show, I didn’t really fall for Cole until I saw him perform live. He’s totally fearless and really gives up everything he’s got when he’s on stage. And while he’s always hilarious, his performances also have a bit of sadness and sweetness mixed in that really won me over.

Cole and his friend, Erin Markey, recently wrote a new show together called Night Mother. I spent the day with Cole, Erin and Kenny Mellman as the three rehearsed and refined the show on the day of it’s opening at Dixon Place in NYC.

Cole is performing a new show on September 15, 2011 at the Afterglow Festival in Provincetown MA.

What’s your process for creating a show?

When I have an idea for a show, I like to book a date somewhere and then scramble to make it happen in time. I need a deadline. I didn’t have a dad growing up. I’m also dedicated to fun.

What do you find are the advantages and/or disadvantages of collaborating with another performer, versus working alone?

I love collaborating. Maybe more than writing solo. It’s much more fun to try and make somebody else laugh while you’re writing. And the best work comes out of the most fun, I think. Again though, I didn’t have a dad.

Who inspires your female characters?

Every lady I grew up with. My mom, my grandma, Sally (who gave me rides to and from church), Ms. V (my seventh-grade science teacher). I like to play every lady I see. Men are usually pretty boring for me to play. It’s like, “Okay, I have a penis, who cares?” You know what I mean?

How do you feel right before you go on stage?

I feel like I’m going to throw up.

How do you feel after the show?

Like I just killed someone.

How do you want your audience to feel after the show?

Like they want to be my friend (daddy issues).

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