Jessica Kirson is a stand-up comedian who has been featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Last Call with Carson Daly, The View, and Celebrity Apprentice. She has recently released a movie co-starring alongside Nick Cannon and George Lopez. Her YouTube channel “The Jessy K Show” has over 2.5 million views. The Minaret recently talked to Kirson about her style onstage, uptight comedy-goers and advice for aspiring comedians.
The Minaret: Do you recall your first comedy show?
Jessica Kirson: Yes, I was a nervous wreck. I performed in NYC. I got laughs and it felt great. I knew I wanted to keep doing it.
M: Performing at clubs across the nation to crowds of sometimes rowdy drunks, has anyone ever tried to pick a fight with you while they were under the influence?
JK: Yes, many times. In the beginning that was very hard for me, but now I know how to deal with it.
M: You’ve said that it’s not your style to sit down and write jokes, but rather try them out while you’re on stage. Can you tell me about a time that you told a joke you thought was really funny, but the audience didn’t respond how you thought they would?
JK: That happens a lot to all comics. Sometimes, we think something is really funny, and no one else gets it. It’s actually funny when that happens. You have to learn how to redo the joke in a way that works.
M: How do you play it off?
JK: I address that it didn’t get a laugh. The most important thing is, to be honest, address it. It’s always more uncomfortable when there is an elephant in the room.
M: Are the faces you make on stage emulated from anyone in particular?
JK: I have been making faces my whole life. They are usually impersonations of people that make an impact on me.
M: Many comedians take a few minutes to warm up on stage, but as soon as you come out you have a powerful energy and confidence that gets the audience laughing seconds after you come on stage. Would you say this is more from your confidence or experience?
JK: Ha, definitely from my experience. I know how to fake it even if I am really nervous. I also definitely know that what I do onstage works, so that helps me to be more confident.
M: At one of the clubs I saw you perform at, you kept reminding the audience that it’s OK to laugh, and if they held it in too long, they would eventually sh*t themselves. What do these people look like from stage?
JK: They look ridiculous. I find it so funny to watch people that just can’t let go and have fun. It’s like they want to laugh but they can’t bring themselves to let it out.
M: Any advice for the uptight comedy-goers?
JK: Don’t go to a comedy club. Ha, really don’t take life so seriously. It is so hard to begin with. It’s important to laugh at it.
M: Is there anything that is off-limits for you to joke about?
JK: I don’t joke about politics, because I don’t find it funny. I am conscious about talking about tragedies in the news. Comics need to let a little time pass.
M: What is the worst joke you’ve ever been told?
JK: I can’t think of a specific joke but I have watched a lot of male comics talk about women, sex, their penis, and it’s not funny. I’m not against hearing about any of that of course, but I don’t like when someone’s material is just to shock people and not smart.
M: Trying to get a start in stand-up comedy can often be stressful and intimidating, what advice do you have for aspiring comedians?
JK: You have to take risks. You have to get on stage a lot. That is the one thing that really helps to make you good. Watch successful comics when you can and just keep at it no matter how much you are rejected.
Twitter: @JessicaKirson
Facebook: Facebook.com/JessicaKirson
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheJessyKShow
Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at brianna.kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu