Today we’d like to introduce you to KeLanna Spiller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us KeLanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started performing standup comedy a couple of days before my 28th birthday (December 20, 2013). A friend of mine asked me if I had anything planned for my birthday, like a dinner or outing with friends. I told her I didn’t have anything planned, and that I wasn’t too big on celebrations.
She suggested I do something that I’ve always wanted to do as a gift to myself. Standup comedy has always been a dream of mine, but stage fright kept me from pursuing that dream. I let her talk me into signing up for open mic night at the Arlington Improv. I performed my first comedy routine on December 18, 2013, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
I love making people laugh so much, that I didn’t give any thought on where comedy would take me. I’ve had a chance to perform at the Women in Comedy Festival in Boston. I’m a paid regular at the Addison and Arlington Improvs, and I recently got my first tv credit on Comedy Central as I was featured on Kevin Hart Presents Hart of the City. Not to mention, I got a chance to meet and speak with Kevin Hart himself! The only thing left to say is, Thank God!
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Life, in general, isn’t smooth so there are definitely challenges in comedy. There were times when I drove 20+ minutes to open mics, and there wasn’t a single audience member in sight; just comedians.
When you’re a newbie, some promoters will try to take advantage of you. So, trying to figure out who to trust was a challenge for me in the beginning. But I thank God for growth because I’m not as gullible as I was in the beginning. Lol. I’m calling every comic I know like, “hey, do you know this person? They’re trying to book me but he seems fishy as hell!” Lol.
Another challenge is writer’s block. There are moments when I just don’t feel funny, but that’s when I’ve learned to step away from the pad, live, and take a second to enjoy other hobbies.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a standup comedian. However, I recently ventured off into opening/owning an entertainment company, KeLanna Spiller Entertainment. I see my company producing high-quality skits and sketches while producing comedy shows.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the support local comedy is starting to get. When I first started, it was hard to get people out on a weekday. However, I’ve seen an increase in the last couple of years.
As far as dislikes, I really hate the traffic and how long it takes to get somewhere. lol. I’m from Pine Bluff, AR where everything is a 5-10 minute drive. Here is Dallas, you need to pack for a road trip when you’re just going up the street.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kelannaspiller.com
- Email: bookings@kelannaspiller.com
- Instagram: @kelanna_spiller
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeLannaSpiller/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeLannaSpiller
Image Credit:
Angie Akers (All black photo on stage)
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