Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Keener.
Hi Derrick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The very beginning was after my father’s sermons on Sunday afternoon. That’s where I first honed my skills. After that it was on the campus of Prairie View A&M University under the tutelage of Mr. C. Lee Turner. He told me that I was going to be a comedian and I believed him. He allowed me to perform a stand up routine during the New Faces show for the Theater program. I shined bright that night. That led me to dropping out of college to pursue comedy full time!!! It went from open mics to opening for Ali Siddiq and now to writing a movie with some of my childhood heroes!!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has most certainly not been a smooth road. The biggest struggle has been realizing that the word “Business” is bigger than the word “Show!” Growing up in church has me wanting to see the best in people. The problem with that is people are usually wolves. They are usually looking to take advantage of nice guys like myself. Once I turned into the wolf things began to get better. During his acceptance speech for the Mark Twain award Dave Chappelle said his mom told him that sometimes he has to be a lion so he can be the lamb he really is. That’s me. I’m only lion so I can be the lamb that I really am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional stand up comedian. I’m also an actor and a writer. I’m most known for telling jokes, but my specialty is understanding the moment!!! People in my industry call me when they want to know how to complete a thought and turn it into an extremely dope joke. I’m extremely proud of how versatile I am. My versatility sets me apart from most others in my industry. I’ve written for comics who have specials on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I’ve stood in front of crowds filled with nothing but teachers, and I’ve stood in front of crowds with nothing but Asians, African Americans, and all White. I’ve performed for as many as 7,000 people at once and as few as 7. I can be blue or as clean as I need to be. What sets me apart is my ability to be able to do all of that and not compromise who I am in the process.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The biggest deal is following me on social media. That’s how you collaborate with and support me. Everything is my name Derrick Keener.
