Meet Jen Lewis | Comedian & Upside Down Comedy Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Upside Down Comedy is a sanctuary for Christian comedians and comedic actors, facilitated by the Hollywood Prayer Network and in collaboration with seasoned jesters, actors, and writers. It is where humor and faith collide, welcoming stand-up comedians, improv enthusiasts, sketch comedy savants, and social media content creators. Our aim: to hone comedic skills and foster a faith community.

Beyond laughter, we prioritize meaningful connections, genuine relationships, and art that resonates with the soul. At Upside Down Comedy, we navigate life together, blending humor and holiness in our growth as individual artists. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new talent, you’re invited to join us in flipping comedy on its head and brightening the world one laugh at a time.

At the Middle Terrace Theatre of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, our weekly meetings delve into diverse comedic expressions, fostering our community’s varied comedic talents. Recently, we launched a writer’s room on select Saturdays, where creativity ignites. Here, we collaborate to craft comedic masterpieces set to come to life on both screen and stage through video and live performances.

In a world full of cringe-worthy punchlines, we pride ourselves on offering fresh “CLEAN” comedy shows that bring joy without guilt. Since our inception in October of 2021, Upside Down Comedy has consistently delivered laughter-inducing shows, with our next event scheduled for May 4, 2024. (Follow us on Instagram for details)

Beyond entertainment, we actively seek opportunities to use comedy for good, from charity fundraisers to community engagements. After all, what’s funnier than making the world a better place.

So, there you have it! At Upside Down Comedy, we believe in the healing power of laughter, but our mission extends beyond jokes. We’re here to uplift spirits, strengthen faith and remind everyone that even in the darkest times, there’s always a reason to smile.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I want the world to know about the Upside Down Comedy brand is that it is not just about laughter; it’s about infusing humor with purpose. We believe in using laughter as a tool for connection, inspiration and personal growth. Through our performances, we aim to spread joy, foster resilience, and encourage others to navigate life’s challenges with courage, humor and unwavering faith. Ultimately, we strive to make a positive impact on individuals and communities one laugh at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Last Bookstore: Located in downtown Los Angeles, is a massive bookstore in a historic bank building. It is a great place to browse for books and has intriguing art installations throughout the store. It is a definite must see!

The Bradbury Building: A historic landmark in downtown LA, has amazing architecture and it has been in so many movies. I love great architecture!

Griffith Observatory/Park: The views of the city are spectacular, and the observatory is surrounded by a park with great hiking trails and beautiful gardens. Inside the observatory there are telescopes that bring the moon, planets, and stars right to you. It is stunning!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It is an absolute delight to celebrate the story of Upside Comedy, where clean comedy reigns supreme and laughter knows no bounds. Karen Covell, the visionary behind the Hollywood Prayer Network, ignited the spark that led to the creation of this haven for comedians, generously sharing her vision and allowing my imagination to paint the vibrant tapestry of what this sanctuary would become. Karen, the mastermind extraordinaire, deserves an immense shoutout for planting the seed that blossomed into this comedic oasis. Her steadfast support and boundless enthusiasm have been as reliable as the punchlines in our shows, always ready to back our zany endeavors.

And let’s not overlook the remarkable lineup of individuals who have generously lent their talents and time to nurture our merry band of comics: Robert G. Lee (Stand-up Comedy Genius), Suzanna Brown (Stand-up/Sketch), Emilio Martinez (Improv), Marcus Evans (Improv), Eryn McBride (Stand-up), David DeMena (Writer’s Room), and Joel McCrary (Writer’s Room-Veteran). Their comedic prowess and generous spirits have been the secret sauce in our recipe for success.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for graciously providing space on their campus, allowing us to bring our comedic dreams to life. We are truly grateful for their support and partnership in creating a space where laughter and faith intersect.

Instagram: upsidedowncomedy

Facebook: Upside Down Comedy

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Image Credits
Stephanie Michelle Yates is the professional photographer responsible for my headshot. All other photos were taken by random audience members or myself.