You’ve seen her as Janet, Rob Lowe’s right hand on ABC’s Brothers & Sisters, you’ve seen her share the stage with well known comedians including Chris Rock, Marc Curry, and Sammy Shore, and soon you will be able to buy her first comedy album from New Wave Entertainment. Along with the comedy album, actress and comedienne, Gayla Johnson has an upcoming yet-to-be-titled Comedy Central project in the works and to find out more about her experiences, keep reading after the photo!
What was the audition process like for Brothers & Sisters?
At the time, I didn’t know what role I was auditioning for, it was a general audition, in a Casting Director’s workshop. The casting director made notes, thanked everyone and left. A year later, they called me!
What did you learn from the cast and crew while being on set of Brothers & Sisters?
I saw how organized and comfortable everyone was with everyone else. It really is a family, including the crew, makeup and wardrobe. They are professionals committed to the success of the show, rewarding relationships play a vital part. They joke, play around, make fun of themselves, and cater the table reads; i.e. Sushi, Chinese food, Indian food, etc. But when it’s time to work, without friction, everyone knows his or her place.
You have shared the stage with many well known comedians, what has been your favorite experience so far?
I was set to go up following Chris Rock at the Comedy Store in London. Chris walks in to the green room and everything changes — he’s now going up next — he’s pacing, thinking of what to say. I tell him, “Just be Chris. It hasn’t failed you yet!” He performs to a standing ovation and then leaves the club. They introduce me. My opening line is, “Hi, I’m Chris Rock… in drag.”
What’s your advice for minorities who want to become stand-up comedians?
Do not fear the white man’s world. Because deep down inside, he fears yours, because he doesn’t understand it. If a person would truly reveal and share their heritage, it would not only open people’s minds and educate, but empower members of that culture.
When doing stand up, are there any topics that you find audiences react better to and not the best to?
Anything goes in Stand-up, it’s all in how well it’s executed. For me, I keep in mind 2 techniques I’ve learned from my husband, Greg Dean… “The most important thing about stand-up comedy, is the relationship with the audience.” When the audience can tell you care about their reaction and you’re willing to adjust your show to suit them, they relax, start to trust the comic and are then, free to respond. If you ignore their reaction and they don’t dig your jokes, they stop laughing, lock-up, get defensive and you loose them. I simply just DROP the material if it’s get a negative response and move into something else. Also, “mind the hurt line.” That is to say, when the comic says/does something and someone appears to be truly hurt by it, the show quickly turns into drama. The audience will stop laughing and become concerned for the hurt individual, the attention gets divided. Generally, regardless of my material, as long as I read my audience, take care of them and stay in a positive relationship, I can be successful.
Where is your favorite place to perform in Los Angeles and why?
Ontario Improv… I like the stage, the layout, the space, the history. Without meaning to endorse concepts of ‘Feng Shui,’ I think it’s got balance and positive energy. I’ve always had amazing performances there and feel most at home.
What are your upcoming projects?
I’m producing a comedy album with New Wave Entertainment for National and International Distribution. It’s due out next year. I am also preparing for “A Gayla Event: A One Woman Comedy Special,” scheduled for February 2010.
Can you tell us what your favorite holiday traditions are?
Listening to holiday songs, decorating the house, the tree and me, pulling all my holiday sweaters out of the basement, Kris Kringle, shopping, watching holiday specials, getting/sending cards, family gatherings, friendly get-togethers! Anything Pumpkin!