Comedian Jeff Allen –Proclaimed As The World’s Funniest Comedian… A Christian Review!
When it comes to stand-up comedy, timing is everything, and Jeff Allen is one of the best. Jeff has a persona and voice which takes charge, and demands attention. His quick wit and sense of humor captivates his audience, and keeps them laughing with a wide variety of relatable topics. Jeff Allen has something for everybody. His clean comedic style of storytelling is similar to the legendary Bill Cosby, and great for the Christian seeking clean family comedy. Jeff consistently surprises his audience with each unexpected punch line. You laugh hard, not wanting it to end.
I recently had the pleasure of getting Jeff to take time from his busy schedule and answer some questions.
How did Apostles of Comedy come about?
Apostles of Comedy was the brain child of my manager Lenny Sisselman and Director Mitchell Galin. It was their passion and drive that brought the product to fruition.
You have quite a decorated career: A two-time featured performer at the National Prayer Breakfast and a featured performer for George W. Bush’s inauguration. That is quite an honor. How do you handle performing at such prestigious events?
I assume they were careful in their selection process. They know their audience better than I do, and I figure if they did their job, I should fit in. Sometimes those booking a show are way off knowing what their audience will like, but that is rare. I had a blast at those events.
You have performed on a lot of great stages and on TV—Comedy Central, Showtime, VH-1, and on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Tours. Do you ever get nervous?
I do. You can’t perform your best unless you are. It becomes a positive thing to be nervous—all of your senses are heightened.
Who are some of your favorite comedians?
Brian Regan, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, and a slew of others… I love comedy!
If someone wanted to pursue stand-up comedy, what advice would you give them?
Read everything you can get your hands on, be as well read as you can, and work on your vocabulary. We have a wonderful language. You make your craft with words. Don’t limit yourself and learn to paint a picture with those words.
Is it harder to perform as a comedian telling clean jokes? Is it more of a challenge to deliver jokes without writing or performing suggestive material?
Shakespeare said “to thine own self be true.” When a comic finds his true voice, it is natural. When I worked dirty I did okay, but when I began to work clean, I found my true voice and it was easier for me. Someone else’s voice may be different.
How do you know when you have material that is appropriate to tell in a church environment?
Believe me, a church audience will immediately let you know if something is inappropriate. In fifteen years working churches, it has happened a couple of times.
What is your favorite Bible Passage?
James 1:12 – Never give up!
You can catch Jeff Allen on tour, or on the critically acclaimed Apostles of Comedy: Onwards and Upwards DVD.
