The Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy pre-show Q-and-A series give you 10 questions of insight into your favorite comedians’ minds.
Best known for her roles in American Reunion (2012), Grudge Match (2013), Paranoia (2013) and television show “The Mindy Project,” Jen Kober has appeared on the national stage with an original blend of storytelling, stand up, and rock-n-roll inspired comedy. Hailing from Lake Charles, La., Kober’s hard hitting hour of comedy will leave you in tears — happy tears. Check out Kober February 11 through 15 at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy in Phoenix. Ticket prices range between $15 and $20.
When was the moment you realized you wanted to be a comedian?
I realized I wanted to be a comedian really young. I mean as a small child I loved being in front of people, and if there was a camera, I was posing like it was my job. As I grew up, I started doing stand-up when I was 16 after a friend unbeknownst to me signed me up for an open mic at a bar in New Orleans. I told a story about hearing my mom and dad having sex through the a/c vents in our house and it got huge laughs. I was hooked.
What was your best (or most embarrassing) moment on stage?
My best moment on stage was when a woman laughed so hard her teeth fell out and she had to tell me to stop telling jokes so she could stop laughing long enough to put her teeth back in.
What’s one thing you want people to know about doing stand-up that nobody has ever asked you?
I guess that I appreciate you wanting to share jokes with me, but don’t be upset that I didn’t tell the one you told me before the show on stage. I think people confuse street jokes with the art of stand-up. It’s sweet though that they want to make me laugh.
Who is your comedic inspiration?
My comedic inspiration is my life. I am meeting so many weird people on the road and so many of my crazy friends make it into my act as well. If I know you, you are fair game to make it into one of my stories!
What’s one thing you wished someone had told you about stand-up?
I wish someone had explained to me how much work it is – not just the writing – ’cause this is truly a writer’s medium – but the promoting and travel and social media stuff – it’s a lot to do for a job you really only perform for an hour.
What’s one item you never hit the road without?
I never hit the road without my headphones – as long as I can listen to my music and keep myself preoccupied while I travel I feel less spun out from my comfort zone. And of course bringing my blankie helps, too.
What is your favorite city to perform in and why?
I love performing wherever the people want to see me! Honestly, I want a packed house. I don’t care where! I love being in the South and on the West Coast, but there’s rocking rooms in Michigan and Indiana and Minneapolis, too. I just want people to fill the seats and feel what I’m saying!
Describe yourself in three words:
Fat. Funny. Fearless.
If you had one day left to live, how would you spend it?
Eating and making love. Fo sho.
What did you do the last time you were in Phoenix?
I sought out bookstores and ate amazing Mexican food with a pretty girl. Delicious.
