With a sense of humor that knows no boundaries, when you see her name light up the marquee, you can’t help but buy a ticket and enjoy the show. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Ksenia. The Nakhodka, Russia native, shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Ksenia
Hometown: Nakhodka, Russia/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @iamksenia/@iamkseniamusic/@iamksenia
Years in Comedy: 7
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: MTV Spanking New
Comedic Influences: Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, & Amy Schumer
Favorite Comedy Album: Bo Burnham “Inside”
Favorite Comedy Special: Ali Wong “Baby Cobra”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Borat
Favorite Comedy TV Show: The Office
Favorite Comedic Character: Borat
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Myself
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A fun and enthusiastic audience.
Favorite Comedy Club: Laugh Factory
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was always a class clown and the life of the party. I believe I got my sense of humor from my grandma.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember feeling very uncomfortable, especially because no one was laughing; I just kept talking and could not wait for the light that they always shine at you to tell you your time is up.
How would you describe your comedic style:
My comedic style is super silly but also self-deprecating and dark.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I take notes all day on my phone, and if I think of something funny or if I see something funny, then I make a note. I’ll punch it later – that way, I won’t forget about the idea. (Smiles)
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
The LA comedy scene is very competitive and somewhat toxic. But it’s manageable. I think it’s important to keep a healthy distance with some folks!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
If you have real fans who buy tickets to come to see you and you sell out big venues, that’s a success.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I think one of the greatest female comics is Kira Soltanovich, I’ve never laughed so much. She deserves many, many Netflix specials.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Seeing my name on the marquee of the Laugh Factory. I was like, can I just have it up there for good?
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Watch out for predatory male comedians.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
People think I’m brave, and that’s pretty cool!
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s a lot of work, specifically, a lot of unpaid work. It’s a lot of writing, trial, and error, and improving your craft over time. It’s also about networking and supporting other comedians, plus, producing your own shows and doing it over and over again.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
If the venue is getting paid, the comedians should be getting paid! ALL THE TIME!
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Never give up.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Foreign”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was taking a picture with Post Malone, and we kept shocking each other (literally) because of static electricity. I think it’s because my dad is an electrician.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In someone’s apartment, sitting on their couch!
A Ksenia Fun Fact:
I notice everything, and I’m honest. If your breath stinks, I’ll tell you.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
A Netflix special and a world tour!
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
You just need funny material, and you have to deliver it well. If you do that, you’ll get laughs.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
The world needs comedy, everyone needs a good laugh! So, to me, the future of comedy is guaranteed to be full of opportunities.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
I’d do the Laugh Factory with Yakov Smirnoff, Kira Soltanovich, and Brian Kiley.
What’s next for you:
I am working on my musical comedy hour, “Ready for Hollywood,” and I’m planning to take it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because people should always laugh at themselves.
Follow Ksenia’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Ksenia
Youtube: Ksenia
Personal Website: Ksenia
* Ksenia’s new birthday song “My Birthday” can be streamed on Spotify HERE
