LeClerc Andre- Shifting the Comedic Focus

On February 15, comedian LeClerc Andre performed in the Pepsi forum at JWU. Although he faced a small and sheepish crowd, Andre was able to connect with every audience member and have everyone laughing until he stepped behind the curtain at the end of his hour-long set. Using crowd-work and dry humor, this New York based father of 2 made every second count in his routine. After the show, I was able to ask Andre a few questions about his up-and coming career. 

Previous appearances for Andre include The Tonight Show (2018) and NBC’s “Bring the Funny” (2019),  as well as experience in podcasts, screenwriting, and festival work. These past few years have brought him ample exposure, including his new EP filmed live at New York Comedy Club: “With All Due Respect”. I asked Andre if he found himself changing anything about that show prior to filming. “It wasn’t so different from most of my shows. I think what made that recording unique is the time and preparation that went into it versus what I put into a regular show.” He prepared for that live show for one year before recording, but faced a different type of obstacle for this project. “There’s pressure every time I get onstage, but there’s also pressure to capture lightning in a bottle for this recording so that the album is a good representation of your standup”. 

Having already accomplished so many milestones, I asked what future goals for his career he has planned. “For me, the goal has always been to get funnier and funnier. But now I can’t continue to look at comedy as just art, I have to start focusing on the business side… making sure that all the work I’ve put in is being appreciated by as many people as I can get it out to.” Andre’s main focus is expanding his comedy into a bigger audience, which is something he continuously works towards with shows across the country at colleges and bars. 

He previously stated that the age group he performs for is creating a detachment with age, yet makes him a better permer. I asked if this is something he will continue in his career. “As a comic, we’re unique as performers in that if we’re not dialed in to our audience, we will lose that audience”. Andre believes that touchy subjects can be a tricky game in comedy. “That goal post is always moving because people’s temperament and issues are always changing and evolving as well”. Luckily, change is something Andre is not adverse to, ““I know that I am always changing… hopefully my audience will move with me in that regard, but if they don’t, hopefully I'm not saying things that would alienate them if they do decide to come to a show”.  His goal is not to polarize his audience, but to have everyone who hears him enjoy it. 

Social media, specifically TikTok, has been booming lately with clips of comedians doing standup and receiving millions of views. I asked Andre what comedic strategies he uses on his page to keep pace, to which he cleared up his priorities. “I don’t regularly post stand-up on my social media. It’s not because I don’t see the value in it- I definitely see the value in it- at the moment I'm putting most of my energy into my stagecraft”. He sees a large difference in social media-based comedians versus live shows. “I have to write out material and perform it in front of live audiences, and that’s where I get my confirmation and gratification”. 

Andre was able to leave his 9 to 5 and make comedy his full-time career. I asked if he had any advice for JWU students who are pursuing big dreams such as his. “Do your research. Be consistent. Make sure it’s something that you would enjoy doing for free. Because realistically, you probably will work for free for many years before you start getting paid”. LeClerc Andre’s new EP can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music, which I recommend if you’re looking for some down-to-earth laughs!