Julia Jackson is a comedienne and solo artist known for her biting social commentary, as well as actually biting audience members from time to time. This rising comedy star has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was a Semi-Finalist in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. Her solo performance piece “I Didn’t Sign Up For This” was selected for the 2009 San Francisco Theatre Festival. Julia appeared in the film “Some Prefer Cake”, and has worked with Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, and Paul Mooney.
Recovery Comedy: What were you like as a kid?
Julia Jackson: Same as now – big mouth, love cracking people up, doing impressions.
Recovery Comedy: What made you decide to become a stand-up comedian and how long have you been performing?
Julia Jackson: I took a scene study class in LA a million years ago, and one day they asked people to do 2 minutes of stand-up as a way to improve their timing for acting. 20 people in the class and only 2 of us would do it. All the actors were completely mortified at the prospect, I’m talking paralytic-type fear, and I was like “2 minutes? That’s all? I can do that!” I killed, and my teacher said “You need to go to an Open Mic.” I’ve doing it for about 18 years. (Yikes, did I just write that?)
Recovery Comedy: Were you performing stand-up comedy before you got into recovery?
Julia Jackson: Yes, and somehow managed to perform buzzed only once.
Recovery Comedy: How has your comedy changed since you got into recovery?
Julia Jackson: Where to start? The biggest change is actually being “present” with an audience. It’s kind of like a quarterback being able to stay in the pocket during a pass rush. I can sit with what is happening without immediately scrambling or running out of bounds. Still get sacked a shitload.
Recovery Comedy: Does your comedy have a message and if so what is it?
Julia Jackson: I am very leery of messages. If I can make people laugh by making fun of myself AND some kind of message is carried, then so be it. Bottom line, your ass better be funny.
Recovery Comedy: Who are your comedy idols?
Julia Jackson: Richard Pryor, Moms Mabley, Robin Harris, The Diceman, Dave Chappelle
Recovery Comedy: What is the difference between a recovery show and a normie show?
Julia Jackson: I seem to get way more pumped for recovery shows. I guess I know they get it and can laugh at waking up in your own puke. Normie audiences can’t help but laugh at you, where recovery folk are laughing with you. I love the possibility of a newcomer getting perspective on their situation through laughter – seeing that “we are not a glum lot”.
Recovery Comedy: What was your worst experience performing comedy?
Julia Jackson: Sidelines in Modesto. 9 pm show on a Friday night. There had been an NBA playoff doubleheader, so dudes had been drinking after work for about 4 hours already. There was a loud ass arcade without a door that allowed in minors until 11 pm (thanks management – they’re on my 4th step), and the kitchen was essentially open to the bar. So you had to compete with video games and sizzling burgers. Basically this table of 4 wasted guys told me, I think the essence of it was ‘Bitch you suck! You suck, get the f*ck of the stage!” I shared their love right back, and somehow managed to do my 30 minutes. Then I got to watch Dan Gabriel do his 45 with poise. I found out later that that place was known as a comedy rite of passage, and that some comics had actually cried.
Recovery Comedy: What was your best experience performing comedy?
Julia Jackson: Sidelines in Modesto, see above.
Recovery Comedy: What is your comedy dream?
Julia Jackson: To absolutely, 100% tell my truth through humor, and not care what people think of me when I’m up there.
Recovery Comedy: Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions Julia. We wish you much success in the future!
To find out more information about Julia Jackson or to book her for your next Recovery Event just click here!
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would like to see some live recovery comedy, we are hosting a show at the Historic Purple Onion with the Comedy Addiction Tour on May 31st!
The show will feature Kurtis Matthews, Ken Townsend, the incredible Mark Lundholm and the surreal Will Franken. Don’t miss your chance to see these talented comedians. There are two shows one at 7pm and one at 8:30pm. To get your tickets, please click on the link below.
Also, if you have actually read this far ; ) you can also get a discount, by entering either the code “Clean” or the code “Sober” for an additional $5 off your ticket price.
Click here to get your Tickets for The Comedy Addiciton Tour at the Purple Onion
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