As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Jon Schabl. The Kitchener, ON, CN native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Jon Schabl
Hometown: Kitchener, ON/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @jschabl
Years in Comedy: 11
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: TruTV, Nerdist Network, & Siriius XM
Comedic Influences: All
Favorite Comedy Album: David Cross “Shut You F**king Baby”
Favorite Comedy Special: Adam Sandler 100% Fresh
Favorite Comedy Movie: Old School
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Veep/I Think You Should Leave
Favorite Comedic Character: Lucy Ricardo
Favorite City to Perform In: San Francisco, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Family/Personal
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Some
Favorite Comedy Club: Whichever one will hire me.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
My best friend moved away and made a good friend who was a stand-up. He told me how funny he was and that we would be good buddies. I said “fuck that! I’m funnier than that guy” and started doing shows the next week.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
It was packed, not because of comedy but because it was 50 cent wing night. I had a killer set and as I got off stage a guy said “pretty good” and handed me his last wing.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Embarrassing at the expense of others?
Describe your process for comedic writing:
(Laughs) The process would assume there is some sort of method to this madness. If I think about it and I laugh at it I write it down.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
I live in a suburb so non-existent.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
$$$ If you’re rich then you MUST be funny.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
A lot of killers came down from Canada around the same time as myself. Steph Tolev, Debra D, Matt O’Brien, Julia Hladkowicz, Ryan Belleville. There are lots more and they’re incredible.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
When my Mom came to her first show and said “I don’t really care for it”
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
How to continue to have failures throughout your “career”
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I think they expect more from you. But they really should expect less. Most comedians as much less funny off-stage.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
You suck for a long time. So long. Just embrace being terrible until you eventually get better at it. Then one day you might even get good at it.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I’d be on top baby!
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Have a famous parent.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Seinfeld!
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I locked eyes with Jon Hamm in a restaurant once. I looked around confused as if to say “does anyone know it’s you?”. He shook his head slightly. I nodded my head slightly and we carried on with our days.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
I taught a comedy class in an old summer camp that had been rented out for orphans.
A Jon Schabl Fun Fact:
I don’t want to see pictures of your pet.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d really like to be asked if I’m that guy from that thing someday.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
You have to set the laughs free and if they come back to you then you can own them.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
We’re all going to eat each other.
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:
Simpsons. But this time Homer and Marge get divorced for real.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
This one is too hard.
What’s next for you:
I’m just going to keep trying to get better.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Life is ridiculous. We’re babies and then we die eventually? That’s the best joke ever written.
Watch Jon Schabl @ Punch Line SF:
Follow Jon Schabl’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @jschabl
Personal Website: www.jonschabl.com
