by Trisha Bleau Smith
T4JYM: How did your ministry form? What led you to become a Christian Comedian?
DD: It kind of evolved. I started out in radio, did the clubs and worked at Chicago’s Second City (the improve school) and before you knew it, God started taking care of my bookings.
T4JYM: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? The future?
DD: Anywhere but America’s Most Wanted TV show. Maybe the new host of TRL?
T4JYM: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change you?
DD: I haven’t had a problem with it the last 14 years so I don’t foresee any changes. You just constantly remind yourself “it’s all about Jesus.”
T4JYM: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?
DD: I love to interact with the crowd… during the show and off stage. I make a point to always respond to mail and e-mail.
T4JYM: If you could meet any one person, past, present or future, who would you meet? Why would you choose them? What would you ask them?
DD: Would it sound like sunday school to say Jesus? Honestly, I don’t get star stuck with the idea of breaking bread with somebody famous.
T4JYM: Who, or what, are you biggest influences?
DD: As far as comedy, my Dad can still put me on the floor. Some of the stunts my parents have pulled are legendary.
T4JYM: What is the message you are trying to get across with your comedy? Do you purposely try to share Jesus in every venue or are you there to make them laugh first and foremost?
DD: First, I don’t see comedy as brain surgery. It’s only a tool. A platform. I’m a nobody trying to tell somebody that Jesus laughed. A life in Christ is a fun life, not a life of suppression.
T4JYM: Were you a class clown as a kid?
DD: I wasn’t the type that needed the spotlight or attention but for the longest time, I thought school was a great place to try out material.
T4JYM: What is the biggest thing you have learned from performing and ministering through comedy?
DD: If you live for the praise you’ll die with the criticism.
T4JYM: Do you ever get criticized for your job?
DD: No, just a lot of blank stares.
T4JYM: Do you write your comedy before you perform or do you wing it on stage?
DD: A little of both. When you start winging it and the crowd isn’t with you, you better deliver the stuff that pays the bills.
T4JYM: Who are some of the people you have performed with and what did you think of them?
DD: God is using a ton of talented people out there. It’s really cool to see. But to quote Bill Hybell “There is only thing worse than no drama… that’s bad drama.” Same with comedy.
T4JYM: Are you involved in your home church? What role do you have there? Are you involved in any other ministries?
DD: I bake cookies with our swingin’ seniors and also volunteer with our local Youth For Christ chapter.
T4JYM: What kind of support do you get from your family? From your church? From your community as a whole?
DD: I’m very lucky in that someone from my family usually travels along with me. That’s very comforting.
T4JYM: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of our world?
DD: You are making a major difference in your culture. Even if nobody converts, you’re still doing what God wants you to do.
T4JYM: Was it hard getting started as a Christian Comedian? Can you outline the process it takes to start performing?
DD: I wish I had the magic formula. I’d be a wealthy man. All I know is never turn down a chance to get in front of the crowd. Always try new stuff and polish the old stuff. And when the crowd laughs really hard at something… keep it and continue to use it. When the crowd is quiet, maybe the mic isn’t on.
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