Born in Cleveland, Ohio but raised in Atlanta Georgia with the ability to entertain the masses with comedy, Kiana Dancie has also been the life of the party. As a proud Georgia Southern University graduate in Marketing, Kiana is the first female celebrity guest ringmaster for the Universoul Circus and the only female house MC for the upscale Atlanta Comedy Theater. As a multi-talented powerhouse comedian, speaker, media personality, actress, and entrepreneur, both on and off stage, she has worked with some of the best in the business. She has been hand-picked by Kevin Hart to perform on his LOL Stage at the Montreal Comedy Festival. After delivering a fantastic set, she was promptly cast in two movies: “SEXTUPLETS,” with Marlon Wayans for Netflix, and “One Crazy Christmas,” a BET & SHOWTIME feature, along with working with Kountry Wayne on his comedy tour.
Kiana had a conversation with FEMI Magazine about her career, here’s what she had to say.
How would you say you got your start in comedy?
After being pushed by my dear friend Demetria to do an open mic, I did it and fell in love with it. A few years later I got laid off from my job and decided to move to LA to pursue my dreams. It was the most rewarding and therapeutic thing I’ve ever done.
What was the transition like from Stand-up to TV and film?
There was NO transition. I’ve always had one foot on the stage and the other in front of the camera. There have been some differences like Stand-up is mostly late nights, where my TV experiences have been early mornings but every time it’s been one step closer to my dream of having my own show!
What made you decide to do Sister Circle Live?
Doing SCL was a no-brainer! It’s every comic or entertainer’s dream to evolve to the next level in their career. Doing that show represented leveling up!
What challenges have you faced along the way in showbiz and how did you overcome them?
There were so many challenges. Every day there’s something to try to conquer! Rather than be me trying to get more bookings or trying to find my comedic voice! Showbiz is just like any other industry. It’s cliquish. It can be tough or very rewarding! Either way, it’s full of challenges but rewards can be amazing!
How is it being a part of the Kountry Wayne & Friends Comedy Tour?
It’s amazing! It’s actually an amazing experience! Wayne is a powerhouse and a pleasure to work with! I’ve learned a lot from him and I’m grateful for the opportunity!
You talk about therapy coming from transparency, how important is mental health to you, and talking about it.
I subscribe to the PCP belief. People of color tend to steer away from talking to mental health professionals. We oftentimes just rely solely on prayer. I believe PRAYER is the 1st step, but prayer without work is dead! So, I say PRAY! Get on a COUCH and possibly get a PRESCRIPTION. The best way to unpack your baggage is to 1st acknowledge them. Get to the root of the problem and find solutions.
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