It’s been nearly two months since the SAG-AFTRA strike ended and actors returned to work.

Among those returning were Lisa Ann Walter, who plays Melissa Schemmenti on “Abbott Elementary.”

Walter is set to appear in Rosemont later this month for a series of comedy shows. Ahead of her visit to the Chicago area, she spoke with WTTW News about what it’s been like since getting back to work with her comedic cast, and what’s in store for her upcoming comedy set.

For Walter, returning to the set of the hit ABC comedy was an easy transition.

“It’s like jumping right back into a roomful of your cousins,” she said. “You haven’t seen each other for a year, but when you all get together again, it’s like you know who everybody is and you’re making the same kinds of jokes and you understand each other.”

Walter is effusive when describing her castmates.

“When we say this is the best ensemble I’ve ever worked with, everyone knows that we’re not exaggerating … not a bum in the lot,” Walter said.

For Walter, stand-up comedy has always been part of her career.

“I started stand-up pretty soon after I moved to New York to be an actress,” she said.
“Six months after I started the first time on stage ever, I was doing featured guest spots on like ‘Showtime at the Apollo.’ And I had no fear.”

As much as Walter enjoys the experience of acting on a show, stand-up has its own special draw.

“There’s nothing like going into a room and all you have is your ideas, and what you think is funny, and their face is right in front of you and seeing the laughs and the joy that you bring,” she said.

Walters’ shows run from Dec. 29-31 in Rosemont at Zanies Comedy Club. Visit the club’s website for more information.