As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian JC Sibala. The Kansas City, MO native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how he always owns the laughs.
Name: JC Sibala
Hometown: Kansas City/St. Louis, MO
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @jcsibala
Years in Comedy: 13
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Comic Invasion TV
Comedic Influences: Chad Daniels, Dave Chappelle, Russell Peters, George Carlin, & Louis CK
Favorite Comedy Album: Kyle Kinane “Death of the Party”
Favorite Comedy Special: Dave Chappelle “Killin’ Them Softly”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Beverly Hills Cop
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Community
Favorite Comedic Character: Axel Foley
Favorite City to Perform In: Kansas City
Favorite Topics to Joke About: I like to joke about things I’ve actually experienced.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: I like a diverse audience of people that come from different backgrounds.
Favorite Comedy Club: Y’all trying to get me to hurt somebody’s feelings? I’ve been fortunate to enjoy all the clubs I’ve worked at.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
When I was little, we moved to KC to help take care of my grandfather when he was ill, I remember making him laugh during what was otherwise a somber time for the entire family. I wanted to be able to do that all the time.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Silence (Laughs)
How would you describe your comedic style:
Storytelling grounded in life experience.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Inspiration for jokes usually hit me at a relatively inconvenient time. I usually text myself the bullet points of the premise, and as soon as I have a moment to flesh it out, I’ll write it out a few times, strip it back down to bullet points, test it on stage, review the tape, rewrite it, test it on stage, review the tape, rewrite…….
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
If you can get laughs in the Show Me State, everywhere else is easy.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Success to me is earning a living doing something I’d do for free.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Right now, Tina Dybal & Libbie Higgins have been doing some pretty cool stuff. It’s awesome to see all the success their having.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I was headlining a show during a storm, and the power went out. I had to perform for about 15 minutes of my set with no microphone and emergency lights in a full room. The show ended up being great.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
There’s always another show to do.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
“Here’s something maybe you can use on stage…” Bless your heart.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Be likeable off stage and kill on stage, the work will take care of itself.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Some people get famous from something besides stand-up, and they start booking at clubs because of the following they’ve developed. It keeps the lights on for comedy clubs. I’d like to see more of those people make an effort to get good at stand-up.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Know the difference between the audience not laughing and the audience not listening.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Vanillapino” (set to be released on October 17th)
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
When I was opening for Orlando Jones in 2012, my mind went blank during his intro. Luckily he’s a super cool dude.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
On a trolley.
A JC Sibala Fun Fact:
I was in a commercial that was on the Tonight Show “Bad Ads” segment
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I just want to make enough money from telling jokes to take care of my family.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Be authentic; audiences know if you’re fake.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Attention spans are shrinking, so sets are getting shorter, and everything is moving online, the ones that can adapt will have the most success
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Frasier. A catering service mistakenly delivers a large order of tossed salads and scrambled eggs to Dr. Crane’s Seattle apartment, and he doesn’t know what to do.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store with Joe Rogan & Carlos Mencia. I don’t need a third, I just want to see Mencia and Rogan fight.
What’s next for you:
My special (Vanillapino) releases on 10/17 on Four by Three Comedy’s Youtube channel.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because people who can’t laugh are usually pieces of shit.
Follow JC Sibala’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: JC Sibala
Youtube: JC Sibala
Personal Website: JC Sibala
