Laughter is a taste of the eternal

Meet Jenn Jamsky.  She's the Administrative Assistant to the Pastoral Staff at Warehouse, but you might also recognize her as one of the hilarious, rapping and dancing cheerleaders from the women's retreat.  She's part of Improv Charlotte, the comedy troupe performing tomorrow night at En Route.  This week Jenn took the time to introduce us to Improv Charlotte and share a bit about her funny, creative, brilliant self.  

Tell us about the mission of Improv Charlotte, and how did you first get involved?

The mission of Improv Charlotte is to serve our community through comedy. We want to use our comedic gifts to make a real difference in the community, so to that effect, we give 100% of our proceeds to local charities. To date, we've raised over $8,000 for various charities around Charlotte, including Speak Up, A Child's Place, and Crisis Assistance. The troupe started in 2006, and I joined in 2008. I've been doing improv since I was a teenager, however.

How old were you when you first realized you were funny?  What was that like?

I honestly don't remember a specific moment where I realized I was funny. In the words of the great 21st century theologian Lady Gaga, I believe I was "born this way." I always remember making my classmates and family laugh. A couple of instances stick out: I would add written commentary to my Berestain Bears books to amuse whomever might read them next, and in second grade I told an improvised story (loosely based on the underwater sequence in Bedknobs & Broomsticks) to the class that lasted so long we missed recess. But all the kids were happy missing recess because they loved my story so much - that's probably one of my happiest and proudest childhood memories. 

Something you'd like to invent...

I'd like to invent a time machine, as long as inventing one wouldn't create a rip in the space-time continuum. I'm fascinated by history and would love to experience it firsthand, especially 1940s London, 1790s Paris, and 1970s NYC. But I'm sure I'd be disabused of any romantic notions of time travel as soon as I had to empty a chamberpot or got accused of witchcraft.

Something you'd like to ban...

This is a hard question, because there is SO MUCH I WOULD LIKE TO BAN. I'd make a great dictator. If I had to pick one thing for today, however, it would be car-horn-honking in songs. You know how sometimes in the background of songs, there will be a car horn beep? Really, it's a thing, I promise. Anyway, when I'm driving and a song like that comes on the radio, it always freaks me out because I think someone is honking at me. It is not cool. When my revolution comes, there will be no more honking in songs or radio ads.

Something you can't live without...

I feel like I should say love or something else really powerful, but honestly I freak out if I can't find my phone. How will I know the weather, or the time, or what's happening on Instagram without my phone?!?

Who are the individuals or comedy teams you count among your influences?

I'm blessed in that I've had so many influences over the years. My mom, grandmother, and great-grandfather are all really funny people. (I never met my great-grandfather, but I did get to know him through letters and little comics he would draw, and he was hilarious). The Kids in the Hall, a sketch group from Toronto, were hugely influential for me as a teen. Tina Fey is my hero - she's made so many great comedic strides for women and comedy in general. One of my dearest friends, Rasheeda, is also a huge influence on me. She's the funniest person I know and currently does comedy in Chicago. 

What comedic movies or television shows do you love?

Right now is a great time for TV comedies. I adore 30 Rock and also really enjoy Community, Parks & Rec, and Modern Family. I love older comedic movies, the kind with more dialogue and character development instead of gags, like Tootsie or Bringing Up Baby. My favorite film is The Royal Tenenbaums, which is darkly funny, and I find something new to laugh about every time I watch it.

What does comedy reveal about God's character?

God wants us to be joyful and free, and genuine laughter is about as joyful and free as one can get. I think God has an amazing sense of humor (you've seen the platypus, right?) and He wants us to experience that on earth - there is something healing and redemptive about looking at things through the lens of humor. It lifts a weight off of us that we were never meant to carry. Laughter is a taste of the eternal.

This is a theme we are examining all year long.  Are there any rhythms or practices that help you connect with Jesus?

I am so, so, so bad at spiritual disciplines. The idea of "being still" is incredibly foreign to me. I've been relaxed exactly one time in my life - when I was on a cruise for my 30th birthday and had a massage at ship's spa. So I'm just about the worst person to ask this question, but I'll try. I connect with Jesus through journaling, and deep breathing, and being present. I feel most present when I'm being creative. I think we each have something in our lives that make us feel present, without worrying about past or future, and to tap into that is a great gift.

------

EN ROUTE WOMEN’S GATHERING / Wednesday July 17th / 7:00pm / Coffee Room
Jenn Jamsky and the ladies of Improv Charlotte are going to be performing for us, followed by time for games, laughter, and conversation.  We hope you will join us for an evening filled with rich laughter, and invite a friend who needs a good laugh, too. The more the merrier.

THE DETAILS
Wednesday evening, July 17th in the coffee room.
Doors open at 6:30.  Event begins at 7pm.
Childcare available upon request.  Email women@warehouse242.org to inquire.

written by: Libba Armenta