She’s funny, passionate, and has the flair on stage that many critics believe will take her all the way to the top, but that rise is coming faster than anyone could ever imagine. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Lorena Gómez. The Huntington Beach, CA native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Lorena Gómez
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @lorenafrompuertorico
Years in Comedy: 2
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Not yet, but the sky’s the limit.
Comedic Influences: Ali Wong, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Album: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes “Not Fancy”
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “The Dreamer”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Your Highness
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)
Favorite City to Perform In: Anywhere in Los Angeles
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My upbringing in Puerto Rico
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A crowd that is ready to laugh, drink, and have fun with the comics and audience members.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Ice House Comedy Club (Pasadena, CA)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve always been passionate about making people laugh but never pursued it professionally. I decided to take it to the next level when I started making comedy skits on social media and had a lot of fun doing it. The girl I was making comedy skits said she was taking improv classes, and that caught my attention, and I was like, why not give it a try? Maybe I can expand my creativity and figure out new ways I can make people laugh. I tried Improv 101 and wasn’t a fan. Improv wasn’t a platform where I could tell my stories and make fun of myself while making people laugh. After that class, I started doing research about standup classes, and it wasn’t until I went to Jeremiah Watkins and Joel Jimenez’s standup show in OC that catapulted me to get into it. Then the pandemic hit. LIFE was over, but I still had this innate desire to still pursue standup. When things started picking back up, I joined my first comedy class with Pretty Funny Women. Two weeks after the class started I found out I was pregnant, this felt like my life was over. I didn’t know what to do. I was like I’m pregnant, my life is over, I can do stand-up comedy.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My first time performing stand-up comedy was at the Kill Tony podcast. I thought I knew what I was doing but clearly had no idea. My minute sucked! There was a girl comic in the interview panel, and she didn’t talk for the entire panel, but when I went, she went off on me. She got my PuertoRican wrath. The crowd was hysterical, so I killed my interview. From that moment, I knew I had to work on my skills and had to take classes. My first “official” standup showcase was at Flappers with Pretty Funny Women was unforgettable. I was pregnant, and for whatever reason, that gave me raging confidence. I walked onto the stage, took my shoes off, and went off.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I like to be authentic, vulnerable, and relatable to the audience. I like to tell my story and use my POV on life with a comedic twist. I know there’s a lot of stereotypes for Latina, but as a PuertoRican woman I know there are opportunities to educate the audience by making fun of my upbringing and how my culture has influenced who I am.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I’m an observer. I’m always observing people’s behaviors, situations, and environments. Whenever a random situation happens to me, I have my notes on my phone ready to go, and I immediately type what happened to use that material later. Ideally, I prefer writing on pen and paper because that’s really where the magic happens, but realistically, the notebook is too big, and at times, it doesn’t fit in my purse. Observing and being in the present is crucial for my writing because life happens right in front of you, and if you are not paying close attention, life will happen for you, and you will not be the main character.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Even though I live in Orange County as of right now, I only perform in Los Angeles. There’s something about performing in Los Angeles that makes it magical. The diversity in people, venues, and vibes is immaculate. One of my short-term goals is to start booking shows in Orange County.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Success in the world of comedy is truly being yourself in front of hundreds of strangers. To understand that every crowd is different and learn how to grow a thick skin and keep going whenever you bomb, or you don’t have a great show. It is having the resilience to keep going and hustle hard, and don’t let anybody make you feel inferior to them because comedy, like anything in entertainment, is a rat race. Don’t get caught up in the mix, do you, be yourself, really showcase your personality, and let the magic happen. Recently, I watched the newest Dave Chapelle special on Netflix, and I love what he said, something along the lines of “I have booked venues with thousands of people, and as long as he hears 2-3 people laugh, that’s enough for him.” I mean, if Dave Chapelle, one of the most successful comedians in the world, acknowledges that there will be material that doesn’t hit, but as long as he hears a laugh, that’s good for him… I mean, that’s super inspiring.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Lin Sun, Genesis Sol, & Nacya Marreiro
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Doing my first show postpartum. I was SUPER excited to haven’t been on stage for 6 months, and I was ready. I was feening for comedy. I came up with new material and just went for it. I had zero expectations, and for the first time, the excitement surpassed the pre-show anxiety and the nerves.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Nothing you do when performing stand-up comedy to me is considered a failure, because I realized that getting on stage on its own it’s enough I made it. When a set doesn’t go well, I take time to reflect, journal, and continue to find new material I can work on that truly represents my personality.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They are typically shocked, after seeing my show, I’ve had friends tell me: “Lorena you’re a comedian,” and even though it feels surreal to me still, it’s the biggest compliment I can GET.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE. I’m sure there are multiple ways you can start. But here’s a couple of recommendations based on my experience and what I’ve heard from other people. It honestly can range from free to pricey. The sky’s the limit in this community. You just got to hustle.
Option 1: If you think you are funny and have material that you think it’s funny go to open mics and test your material out. Record yourself, and after you perform, listen to your set and find the bits of material where the people laughed and keep those or build on them.
Option 2: If you have money to invest, take standup comedy classes. I’ve been fortunate to live in Los Angeles because there are a couple of well-known comedy classes and teachers to choose from. Classes can add up quickly, but listen, the coolest part of taking classes is that you will get to meet other awesome, like-minded people in class and you will get to build your own community in the space.
Option 3: If you are a baller, like a random influencer all of the sudden wanting to be a comedian (not hating, but I’ve seen it happen, and good for you if you are that person), they hire writers to write their material, and then network, network, and network to be booked and seen by other bookers.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Some people and their egos. Just because you are funny doesn’t make you better than everyone else. As comedians, we are all hustling, and you should lead with kindness. I would like to change how male-dominated the stand-up world is and give opportunities to women and other voices to be heard and tell their stories. Like Hollywood is all about who you know and how much you hustle but having space where you can be seen for how unique and different you are would be a lot easier to pursue this dream. Also it is very challenging to be booked in shows where you have to bring a lot of people because often times up-and-coming transplants that come from out of state and other countries don’t really know anybody. If you can make people laugh and are easy to work with, that should be the primary reason you should be booked for a show.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Comedy lies in the eyes of the beholder. Honestly, we are living in very difficult times and comedy should be the instrument to keep you going and if you can make fun of how crappy life can be at times, nothing can’t stop you. Don’t give it keep going. I heard that it takes over 5 years to be successful in standup comedy from professionals, it seems like a very long time, but life goes fast when you are having fun and when you’re passionate about what you are doing.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“The life of a PuertoRican living in Huntington Beach.” Something like that, I may have to work a little bit more on that but I think it’s funny that I don’t know any other PuertoRican that lives out here.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was on Kevin Hart’s hidden camera show “Lyft Legend” where he was Donald Mac, a Lyft driver. I’m a huge fan of Kevin Hart and he was talking to me as a the Lyft driver and slightly turned around and I was like, “Are you Kevin Hart?” OMG!!!! It was hilarious, he wasn’t too happy I found out it was him. But I was starstruck and tried to calm down the situation. I wish I had kept in contact with his people, and I would love to collaborate with him, especially now that I’m a comedian.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Dive bar in Orange County during a comedy stand-up night; it was full of random local drunks, and I was pretty sure I was the only Latina in that bar. I BOMBED! I’m pretty sure no one understands me there with my accent.
A Lorena Gómez Fun Fact:
I’m really good at reading people, like literally (no joke) I can see right through them. Blessing and a curse. Helps with comedy. Never try to BS me cause I will know, and now I have the maturity to keep my mouth shut and let you believe I fell for whatever crap you are attempting to feed me.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I want to get into Hollywood and do comedy worldwide. This seems surreal to me, but that is something my heart really desires, and I’ll be lying to myself if I say otherwise.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be yourself; there’s no one in this world like you. Own who you are, hone in on your point of view, and commit to it.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I see comedy becoming more diverse, intentional, and educational, coming from different points of view. Many content creators are using humor in their videos, and that has led them to pursue standup comedy. I really hope this doesn’t hinder opportunities for other talented people who don’t have a following. Just because you have a following on social media and a loyal following doesn’t necessarily mean that you know joke structure and comedic timing. Also, I say this with love and compassion. (Laughs)
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
“The PuertoRican temp” in The Office show, right when Ryan goes to jail for embezzling money, Oscar’s cousin Victoria, moves with him after breaking up with her boyfriend in New York cause she caught him cheating on her. She comes into The Office as a temp and creates chaos, drama, and fun.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I would like to perform in the Laugh Factory with Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Kevin Hart, Adam Ray and have an up and coming rookie debut.
What’s next for you:
I’m continuing to write new material because all my major material was from when I was pregnant. I have a big show called the Renegade Show produced by Lin Sun on my birthday, March 9 at The Ice House in Pasadena, come celebrate with me. And continue to hustle, be seen, be a mom, a wife, an employee, but most importantly, pursue my comedy dream.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because otherwise, life will laugh at you.
Follow Lorena Gómez’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Lorena Gómez
Personal Website: Lorena Gómez
