Comedy is no laughing matter
COMIC Jackie Loeb is determined to break into the tough American comedy market.
The Sydney performer, who has been working in the comedy business in Australia for 21 years, has spent much of the past two years in Los Angeles working to achieve her dream of forging a career in the United States, but admits it is a tough task.
Loeb, 41, has just returned home after 10 months in the United States to perform in a series of comedy shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
“I come home to work and see my family as I get terribly homesick. And I do enough resting in the US waiting for jobs,” she says with a laugh.
“People I speak to say that I have to give myself at least four years to break into the business properly. Next year I hope will be more fruitful.”
Loeb has a visa that permits her to work in the entertainment industry.
“It is very exciting. I have had great opportunities to work with some amazing people on major network TV shows.”
She has performed in the Hollywood Fringe Festival for the past two years.
“I was nominated for best comedy at the festival in my first year, but I don’t know why I did not get nominated this year, as it was a better show!”
Loeb enjoys working in the United States. “In Los Angeles there is a such an understanding of Jewish culture that I use a lot of it in my shows.”
She says there are many Australians living and working in Los Angeles.
“There’s a real sense of camaraderie among Australians. There are a lot of actors and quite a few Aussie comics working there.”
One of her most enjoyable gigs was at a fundraising event for a local synagogue, Kol Ami, where she joined four other Jewish comics on stage.
“That was really good fun. There were a lot of young people in the audience who liked my humour.”
Now Loeb is looking forward to performing for her Australians fans.
Jackie Loeb performs at the Comedy Club at the Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne on November 30 and December 1, 7 and 8 (www.thecomedyclub.com.au), The Comedy Store, Sydney on December 12 (www.comedystore.com.au) and Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club on December 29 (www.chprsl.com.au).
REPORT by Danny Gocs
PHOTO of Jackie Loeb
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