As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Vanja Renee. The Washington D.C. native shares with us some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she owns the laughs.
Name: Vanja Renee
Hometown: Washington, DC/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @vanjarenee
Years in Comedy: 10
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I was a contestant on The People Puzzler Game Show that aired on February 26, 2021. I also have an IG series called Comedians in Condos with Cats Doing Comedy.
Comedic Influences: So many to name.
Favorite Comedy Album: Steve Martin “A Wild & Crazy Guy”
Favorite Comedy Special: Chris Rock “Bigger & Blacker”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Back to the Future. I mean…that qualifies. It was hilarious.
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Family Ties
Favorite Comedic Character: Michael J. Fox in anything.
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles…so far.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Growing up in a religious family, bad relationships, being Blasian (Black and Asian).
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Drunk
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Watching comedians on “Star Search” in the 80s. Then, my parents let me watch Sinbad’s Comedy Special and I was hooked. I wanted to do that.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember how super supportive the other comedians were afterward. My set was a blur to me though.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Misdirection, absurdity, faux arrogance, self-deprecating sarcasm, story-telling.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I keep a notepad on me to jot down funny thoughts and ideas as they come to me. Later, I take them to an open mic and just continue to hone it until it becomes something that gets great laughs.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Thriving
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Constantly crushing on stage. Maximum laughs. It’s all about the laughs and how the audience responds emotionally. If they have a terrific time…that is a success.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Oh my God, so many! I love watching the careers of my friends, Willie Macc and Craig Conant right now. I’ve booked them on shows that I’ve produced and they have such a rapport with the audience. They are not just masters of the crafts, they are terrific human beings. I love Sarah Taylor. Her jokes are hilarious and tight. She’s a superstar and a lovely person!
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
That one time I thought it’d be fun to eat an edible before a show. Then, I got on stage and couldn’t remember my set, but the audience was also high and thought I was hilarious.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Get up, keep going, and don’t do whatever I did that failed again! (Laughs)
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They always want you to be the center of attention, make them laugh, or tell a joke. I think it’s great, but they’d be surprised at how introverted a lot of comics are, including myself.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s a journey. Filled with the highest highs and lowest lows. But, I love absolutely every moment of it. This journey is fantastic. I love honing jokes. Meeting other comedians and becoming fans of theirs. I just absolutely love comedy. So there is nothing better than this.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More women, please.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Keep going and “Don’t sleep with that guy”.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Comedian Caught in the Corporate World.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Well, I bumped into Bob Dole in an elevator when he was running for President and I was so starstruck (I’m from Washington DC) that I started shaking his hand profusely. You know he has a bad arm right? Yeah, I was shaking the hand on that arm. He was nice about it.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
The backyard of my boss’ sprawling house. The President of our Fortune 500 company was there from New York and I was telling jokes for interns in shorts next to a pool. And the interns didn’t know if they were allowed to laugh.
A Vanja Renee Fun Fact:
I am a Back to the Future SUPERFAN! I have posters, toys, cars, photos, dolls, books, and memorabilia all from the movie.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
A comedy special(s) and a sitcom role.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be funny, humble, and meet people. On stage economy is the movement and words, so always say it like you mean it!
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I see a wonderful future. So many different types of comedians are coming up. So much talent and it’s a very supportive community right now. I absolutely love it.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
It would have to be Family Ties. Michael J. Fox’s character, Alex P. Keaton meets a fantastic comedian…Oh I don’t know, named Vanja Renee and he falls for her, but realizes that before the show she eats edible and he teaches her about the dangers of drugs. She stops eating edibles pre-show and has her best set yet. They marry at the end, of course.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Dimitri Martin, John Mulaney, & Chris Rock…at The Comedy Chateau and it would be fantastic!
What’s next for you:
I’ll be performing at the Hollywood Comedy, The Comedy Chateau and in Monterey Park in just the next few days. I’m also in a summer playwrights festival. Our piece airs online July 31st. I’m also headlining in Tucson, Arizona in September.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life goes fast! Enjoy it while you’re here. Put away worry and rumination…and even fitting it. Just enjoy all the good times and all the mistakes. Before ya know it, it’s gone. So laugh every f*cking day.
Watch Vanja Renee at Venice Comedy Compound:
Follow Vanja Renee’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @vanjarenee
Personal Website: Vanja Renee.com
Youtube: Vanja Renee
