Jeffrey Jena started comedy in … 1978! Were you even born? Ha. I was just 10 years old eating fruit loops in my jammies when Jeffrey Jena first hit the stage. Thirteen years later I worked with him for the first time. And now, some 18 years later, we catch up. Jeffrey is still performing at a high level. Today he reflects back on his run and some the things he’s learned. In the hey-day of comedy he appeared on over 40, yes 40 – tv shows. So there are many lessons indeed.
We talk about:
- When you have to put your foot down with bookers
- A story about staying in a garage with Daniel Tosh
- How he approaches teaching comedy
- Why desire and drive trump talent nearly every time
- How Steve Prefontaine and great comedians are alike
- A quote by George Burns that you will flat out love
- Frustration with other comedians having similar bits
- Why his 5 year stint as a house emcee was a great experience even 20 years in to the business
- How he takes time off to enjoy being a father
- The dangers of alcohol and drugs
- How golf and comedy is alike
- His biggest pet peeve in comedy
- Intros and Bios and how people get them mixed up
- Performing at a “going away party” for a terminally ill person – by mistake
- And the importance of leaving early enough when headed to a gig
And much, much more!
Jeffrey Jena provides a number of tips and you owe it to yourself to listen in to almost 40 years of comedy experience.
At a time when a lot of guys his age are winding down their careers Jeff’s is finding its second wind. Over the last ten years he has established himself as one of the top corporate and cruise entertainers in the country. “My audience,” Jeff says, “has moved from smokey clubs to sleek cruise ships and private events, I just followed them.”
They have responded! At recent events he has received high praise and standing ovations for his blend of one liners, storytelling and touching personal tales. His act is focused on family and coming to fatherhood later in life.
Check Jeffrey out online at his web site: JeffreyJena.com or on FACEBOOK
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