Comedian Jessica Kirson: 'Long Islanders are honest and very raw'

Comedian Jessica Kirson can look at an audience, pick people out and spin it into material right on the spot. Comics call it "crowd work," but for Kirson it’s second nature.

Nassau County resident Kirson may not be starring in her own sitcom or headlining a box office hit, but she recently made waves with her Hulu comedy special, "I’m the Man." The 56-year-old stand-up delivered a killer set that might be her best yet after 27 years in the comedy game.

Newsday’s David J. Criblez recently spoke to Kirson, ahead of her Feb. 21 show at The Paramount in Huntington, about the impact of social media on stand-up comedy, the development of her characters and her upcoming female-driven podcast.

What has the transition been like from clubs to theaters?

It’s definitely a different kind of vibe. Being in a theater makes it more of a show. This is something that every comic wants to have happen and works hard for. You kind of don’t know if it is going to happen but social media is a big reason why. 

In your current set, what are you focusing on material-wise?

I do crowd work in the beginning because everyone wants to see that. Then I talk about my family as well as observations and do some characters.

Crowd work seems to come so naturally to you. How did that muscle develop?

When I started stand-up comedy, I served as the host of many shows. I got a lot more stage time that way and when you host, you talk to the crowd a lot. I always felt comfortable communicating like that. I don’t call it crowd work; I call it crowd conversations because I’m really talking to them. It’s not forced at all.

You have a friendly vibe about you on stage whereas many other comedians can be intimidating. Do you think people tend to open up to you more?

I can tell when people want me to tease them or bust on them. At most of my theater shows the entire front sells out before the other parts of the theater. People want to be up front and talk to me. But if I feel someone doesn’t want to talk, I’ll never pressure them.

How have you seen stand-up evolve over the past two decades?

Social media has caused stand-up to explode because you can post clips. People don’t have to just hear about you or see you on TV. Honestly, TV doesn’t matter at all anymore. If you have a big social media following, you’ll be fine. I also think there’s more stress these days and people need to laugh.

How would you characterize your crowd?

I love the diversity of my crowd, which is something I’ve worked hard on over the years. Why would I want just one group of people? My crowds are typically good humanitarians, but they are not too sensitive. They know what I’m saying is a joke and not coming from a nasty place. But I also make it very clear that I believe in freedom of speech. I don’t talk about politics because I don’t think it’s funny and I don’t talk about what’s going on in the world because a lot of people are depressed about that.

You do a variety of characters in your act where you change your face and voice. Where does that come from?

That’s my brain unfortunately. When I’m on stage, I can really express it. People love being entertained by characters. It seems to be what they want now because they don’t have an attention span to listen to long stories. They like to be led all over the place and not have to think too much.

Why have you made Long Island your home and how do you find Long Island crowds?

This is where my daughter lives and it’s similar to where I grew up in New Jersey plus it’s near the city. Long Islanders, in my opinion, are very honest and raw. They definitely don’t get easily offended and have great energy.

When you do a Jewish character and being Jewish yourself, do people think that’s fine because of your background or do they give you flak?

Ninety-nine percent of people say it’s fine and die laughing. Once in a while there’s the one Jewish person who calls me antisemitic and how dare I say these things. I just tell them to go to temple and pray about it.

What kind of impact did your Hulu special, "I’m the Man," have on your career?

It was an incredible experience. I got to do a lot of great press and be on billboards. I loved filming it, but the next special I do will most likely be on my YouTube channel. That’s what a lot of us are doing now. I have 1.17 million subscribers and it’s growing.

You’ve done some film, TV and podcasting. Do you want to do more of that or are you just focusing on stand-up?

I’m going to be doing a new podcast called, "The Jessica Kirson Show" where I’ll have mostly female comics as guests like Rachel Feinstein, Yamaneika Saunders and all my friends. We are so funny when we are together. There aren’t a ton of really funny female podcasts. I think there’s a big need for that right now. I’m excited about it.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.