“That’s What She Said” at ASU Breaks Barriers in Comedy

Tempe, AZ – Arizona State University’s sketch comedy show, “That’s What She Said,” returned to the ASU Prism Theatre on March 7, 2026, for its second year. The show, unique for being written, directed, and performed by an all-woman and gender minority cast, aims to uplift student comedians and challenge gender barriers within the comedy scene.

Origins and Mission

Founded in 2025 by Madison Meyers, a junior studying film and media production and French, and Shea Riley, a junior studying theater, “That’s What She Said” emerged from a perceived lack of representation for women in ASU’s comedy landscape. Meyers observed that many talented female comedians weren’t receiving the opportunities they deserved. “There were so many amazing, funny women that just didn’t get the space that they deserved in order to be amazing and funny,” Meyers said.

A Diverse and Empowering Production

This year’s production featured 13 sketches incorporating physical comedy, dry humor, and audience participation. The cast drew from various ASU groups, including Farce Side Comedy Hour and TBA Comedy, as well as students new to organized comedy, fostering a diverse range of comedic styles.

Creating a supportive environment was a priority for Meyers, who has experienced unsupportive writers’ rooms in the past. She noted instances of male comedians being overly critical of her “femme-focused humor.” Kaycee Aldaz, a junior studying theater design and production, highlighted how the show’s positive atmosphere encouraged her to share sketch ideas she had previously hesitated to present. “I felt empowered because other women and gender non-conforming people laughed along with my sketch,” Aldaz said.

Sketch Content and Broader Impact

The sketches covered a wide range of topics, from a sign language-interpreted birth to commentaries on toxic masculinity. Beyond eliciting laughter, Meyers hopes the show inspires audiences to evaluate comedians based on their talent rather than gender identity. “It’d be great to define (the show) as a sketch comedy show that happens to be all women,” she said.

Molly Riley, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, acknowledged the challenges female comedians often face in gaining audience acceptance, but believes shows like “That’s What She Said” are helping to dismantle those biases. “It’s so deeply ingrained in some people,” Riley said. “I feel having spaces like (‘That’s What She Said’) maybe takes away from that, makes it more equal.”

Supporting a Cause

This year, all proceeds from “That’s What She Said” were donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

The Future of Women in Comedy

Meyers believes comedy serves as a powerful tool for initiating important conversations. She emphasizes the importance of providing women with platforms to express their voices and explore their comedic potential, regardless of whether their sketches carry a specific message. “You aim for a bunch of people to be able to explore different stories,” Meyers said. “It’s the same thing with comedy, of giving women the space to just do what they want.”