Interview with Erin Jackson

Comedian Erin Jackson talks about her start in comedy, her first open mic experience, performing at comedy clubs in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., taping for Comedy Central, the semi-finals of Last Comic Standing, being a guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show, and her journey to full time comedian and leaving her full time day job. She explains the importance and specifics of the business side of being a comedian. Jackson talks about others' perception of the black female comedian, and the division line between black or urban comedy and mainstream comedy. She describes her comedic style: laid back, confrontational, and personal. Jackson talks about her favorite comedians, specifically Bill Cosby; the comedians who influence her style, which are different than her favorite comedians; how she prepares for a show, including her process right before she goes onto the stage; and stage fright. Jackson explains how living in Washington, D.C., particularly Ward 7, impacts her comedy; she tells stories of specific people. She talks about loving her job and the desire to be able to support herself doing what she loves. Jackson explains she has so much farther to go in her career, her interest in doing a show that involves sports and comedy, and her interest in writing for television and film.

Interview. Dated 20110302.