Welcome to Episode #12 of My First Joke.
Welcome to My First Joke with host Karim Kanji. Today’s guest is comedian, Freddy Jan.
This episode centered on Freddy Jan’s journey into stand-up comedy, beginning with his early interest sparked by a classmate’s suggestion in kindergarten. Freddy recounted his first performance at an amateur night organized by Yuk Yuks, where he delivered a joke about his messy university living situation. Despite initial nerves and witnessing challenging performances from others, he connected with the audience, which boosted his confidence. Over the past five to six years, Freddy has honed his skills, particularly in delivering darker material, while navigating the complexities of audience preferences.
Freddy shared his evolving aspirations in comedy, from securing his first booked show to aiming for headlining opportunities. A notable experience was his performance in Japan, where he successfully engaged a diverse audience, highlighting the importance of connections made in Toronto. As he looks to the future, Freddy expressed excitement and uncertainty about performing in major U.S. cities. The conversation concluded with Freddy reflecting on the importance of enjoying the journey in comedy, emphasizing that the experiences along the way can be more fulfilling than the successes themselves.
Freddy Jan’s Journey to Stand-Up Comedy
Freddy Jan recounts how a casual comment from a classmate in kindergarten sparked his interest in comedy, although he didn’t pursue it seriously until later. After sending an email to Yuk Yuks, he received a last-minute opportunity to perform, despite having minimal knowledge of stand-up. His first joke about messy university living resonated with the audience, particularly a group of drunk moms.
Freddy Jan’s Stand-Up Comedy Experience
Freddy Jan recounted his experience at an amateur comedy night, highlighting the presence of both new and experienced comedians. He described how the host, recently fired from the Space Channel, bombed his performance, which contributed to the overall tough atmosphere. Freddy felt anxious as he prepared to perform but ultimately succeeded with his material, leading him to believe he had a talent for stand-up. However, he acknowledged that success in comedy can be unpredictable, as he later bombed during his second set.
Reflections on Comedy Journey
Freddy Jan shares insights about his comedy journey, noting that while his style has remained consistent, his execution has improved over the years. He emphasizes the importance of balancing dark humor with audience preferences, particularly when performing for families.
Reflections on Comedy Goals and Achievements
Freddy Jan reflected on his comedy career, noting how his goals have shifted over time, starting from wanting to perform at his first booked show to aiming for headlining opportunities. He recounted a significant moment from two years ago when he performed in Tokyo and Osaka, feeling proud of his achievements and the connections he made in Toronto. Freddy expressed that his next goal is to perform in the United States, although he acknowledges the challenges that come with it.
Visit Freddy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddyjan17/
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This episode is sponsored by WELCOME TO TRAVEL.
