In this interview, we spoke to Dena Jackson, a Calgary local and Toronto-based comedian who opens up about her unique storytelling style, which she attributes to her family of storytellers and writers. Jackson describes her comedy as long-form, weaving multiple jokes into relatable narratives. Inspired by comedians like Beth Stelling and Nate Bargatze, and motivational speakers such as Brene Brown, Jackson has crafted a distinctive voice in the comedy world.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I would best describe my style as a long-form comedy or storytelling style. I like to take scenarios that happen in my life and give the audience a chance to relate or at least be a fly on the wall. I also like to tell more than one joke within one story. I come from a family of storytellers and writers and this is what I grew up experiencing.
Who are some of your influences?
Beth Stelling, Nate Bargatze and I really like Neil Brennan’s one-man shows. I’m also a motivational speaker and I find myself inspired by speakers like Brene Brown and Gabrielle Bernstein.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Lucille Balle, she wasn’t a stand-up, but she mastered the art of physical comedy in her performance and I try to embody that when I’m doing characters in my act.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Nate Bargatze. He is a brilliant writer and I love his delivery. He has a way of coming across like he is your buddy at a BBQ just telling you a story about his day and it’s hilarious. Anytime he puts something new out, I get very excited. He’s also completely clean in his act, which is not an easy thing to do and yet he does it masterfully.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I always do some meditation and breath work. In my meditation, I visualize the room filling up with warm, bright energy so it’s nice for both myself and the audience. And breath work has been a lifesaver before a big show or even when I travel over the border to perform abroad. I recommend it for nervous travellers.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Las Vegas at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club and at my home club, Absolute Comedy in Toronto. Las Vegas because it was such a fun city to perform comedy and the club treats performers so well. And Absolute Comedy because it’s a really great experience to feel yourself improving your craft over the years in the club you started in. This club in particular, was where I first went to watch comedy in Toronto before I even started doing it and to now be headlining that club is a true full-circle moment.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourite bit is called Chill, Cool, Casual. It’s all about being very chill, cool and casual when you’re dating someone when I’m anything but that. I obsess and overanalyze text messages while sending 48 replies and yet this behaviour is compared to a gentle breeze in that joke. I’m proud of it because it only happens sometimes, but when I can embody the energy of the total frantic and irrational version of myself that I was when I wrote it, the joke can shine. If not, it will run flat and that joke either bombs or kills, nothing in between. I like that about comedy, it makes the great moments even more special that way.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
My favourite place will always be live shows, nothing compares to that experience and I love when a comedian I haven’t seen before surprises the audience and I find myself gut laughing. Social media is another good place to find new performers too as you’ll find a lot more that way. Whenever I find a new comic I like online, I’ll go and try to find one of their comedy albums afterwards as I really like hearing the audio of a joke.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I will always represent my hometown of Scarborough where you can get a tooth pulled illegally in the back of a convenience store. My dad did this regularly and bragged about it. Who needs a dental plan when you’ve got $100 (cash) he’d say. And honestly, he had a point.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Yes (thank you!) my sophomore comedy album, “Disenchanted” is available with Comedy Records and on Sirius XM.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | TikTok | LinkTree | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Bria Hiebert, she’s so funny and has a relaxed yet hilarious style that I love.
