Brice Johnson practically lives at the Skinny. He plays in Improv Sportz, is currently taking Level 4 improv and is also a great stand up comedian.
Where are you from and how did you end up in Springfield?
I’m hail from Rock Island, Illinois. In 1998, I moved to the Lake of the Ozarks with my Mother and Brother. After demolishing the high school curriculum, I drove to North Carolina and lived with my Father for about a year. Then 2005 rolled around and I decided to start my adult life in Springfield.
What brought you to The Skinny Improv?
The Skinny hosted The Deadpan Comedy Festival in ’06 and ’07, which were stand up competitions that helped collect pots and pans for less privileged Springfieldians. Needless to say, but the higher ups took a liking to little ol’ Bricy J.
When did you start doing improv?
I did competitive improv at a few acting tournaments in high school. The results were not impressive. I stayed away from it for around eight years until my buddy T-Snod told me about the open auditions being held at the Skinny. I practically live here now. I eat food from the mini fridge and sleep in the corner of the green room.
What do you like most about doing improv?
I love acquiring skills that you can transfer to your everyday life. Listening is undoubtedly the most important skill I have learned since joining the Skinny. I was pretty inept before coming here.
What do you think is most challenging about improv?
The Aggro Crag.
You also do stand-up. Where do you get your inspiration?
It’s steams from the desire to make my grandmother proud of me. I know she would be, but I always try and surpass her expectations and I think that helps set me apart.
What’s your favorite joke from your stand up set?
It’s great to tell a joke or story then get a response I didn’t expect. It’s always something different every night, but those are probably my favorites to tell.
Who are your influences or role models and why?
My Grandmother, Andy Kaufman & George Carlin to name a few. Carlin was the king with his words, Kaufman challenged the norm and my grandmother was simply the most bodacious woman I’ve ever met.
What is your favorite place in Springfield?
I enjoy spending time on the outskirts of town, someplace with flowing water & trees.
What can make you laugh out loud?
The television show Curb Your Enthusiasm. Professional wrestling. Terrible impersonations. And stereotypes, but not all of them…I mean I haven’t heard all of them yet.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cake Batter, but I’m pretty sure ingesting it gives you diabetes and cancer instantly.
If you could choose one song to describe yourself, what would it be?
The Friendship Song by Ween.
