Jared Munson’s comedy career has come a long way in a short time.
Just four short years ago, the Auburn native took to the stage for the first time at an Auburn Mountainview High School talent show.
“It was while I was a junior,” he said. “I was part of the original ASB, and we wanted to be different. So we did a lot more talent shows and things involving students. We were an act short, so I decided to go up and try some jokes that I’d written down.”
Munson, 20, said his first performance was a resounding success. Armed with the knowledge that he could make people laugh, he set out to hone his skills in standup, while also attending Eastern Washington University.
On March 19-20, Munson will take another step in his comedic career at the Seattle Giggles Comedy Club Laff Off competition.
“It really was the feeling that people actually laughed at my jokes,” Munson said. “My parents are white and adopted me. Even though I consider myself white, I’m actually an Asian in a white community. Most of my jokes are about that.”
Since then, Munson has taken his cue from comedians such as Buzz Sutherland and others who typically work clean and ply the college circuit.
“I opened for Buzz Sutherland,” Munson said. “His whole niche is ‘100 percent clean, 200 percent funny.’ He told me that most of the comedians who are making money are the ones you’ve never heard of. They’re touring clubs and colleges all over the country, you just don’t see them on TV.
“I’m a lot more clean than what you would see on Comedy Central,” he continued. “I think everybody can go to one of my shows … well, maybe not a 3-year-old.”
Munson is well aware of the uphill battle most comedians face as they try to make a living at their craft. And that’s why he decided to try and make a name for himself while still in college.
“I never thought my parents would be supportive of this,” he said. “But my dad told me, ‘As long as you finish college with a degree to fall back on, do it.’ So I figured at this point the struggling wouldn’t be that hard, compared to trying to do it while working a job and making a living.”
Munson said he jumped at the chance to perform during the Laff Off competition.
“This is the last one the current owner is doing,” he said. “It’s the big finale. I figured this would be my big homecoming. I’m really excited to come home for this event I’ve always wanted to come back and do comedy in that area. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
Munson will perform at Giggles, located at 5220 Roosevelt Way NE in Seattle, at 8 and 10 p.m., on March 19-20. The 8 p.m. show is for all ages, with the 10 p.m. show is intended for a 21-and-over audience.
