Find Your Summer: Jake Cornell

Sean & Val recently sat down with Brooklyn-based comedian, actor, writer, and gay guy, Jake Cornell before his Gramercy Theatre show this Wednesday.

 

Sean & Val: Tell us about yourself.

Jake Cornell: I'm a comedian, actor, writer and gay guy in Brooklyn. I'm really good at going to restaurants and gay bars. The root of all of my passions is people. I love seeing people, getting to know them, connecting with them. That's what I'm trying to do when I'm on stage or in the club.

 

Sean & Val: How did you first get into comedy, and how has your work evolved since then?

Jake Cornell: I started out by doing a LOT of improv. I basically lived at New York improv theaters from 2014-2020. When I started focusing on my own writing, acting and standup more I was able to find a voice and point of view that felt specific and my own. Now I get to do shows where I'm able to really specifically broadcast what's happening in my head. Improv is heaven because it's all about collaboration, it can't really exist without at least two people. It's intimate and connected. Standup for me has been about figuring out how to find the intimacy I used to find between myself and a scene partner, between me and the audience.

 

 

Sean & Val: Where do you usually find inspiration and what’s been exciting you lately?

Jake Cornell: Whenever I feel stuck I go on a walk. I need to take in the world and culture to get an idea, I get some of my best ideas out partying, or at dinner. New York is really an endless source in that sense. What's been really exciting recently is all the places I've been able to perform. I just wrapped my first tour with a leg across England and now I get to do The Gramercy Theatre this Wednesday (feel free to stop reading this and go buy tickets.) 

 

Sean & Val: Who do you surround yourself with and how does that community help bring out your best work?

Jake Cornell: I love all of my comedian friends so much, but I think it's important that I have a huge friend group outside of the comedy world. I still have my besties from high school and college and a huge group of friends from my days working in restaurants. When I was obsessed with improv and only doing that, my humor became really insular and I found myself creatively spinning in circles. You need to stay connected to the people you want to consume your work if you want to connect with them... at least I do.

 

 

Sean & Val: How do you “Find Your Summer” and keep that warmth all year long?

Jake Cornell: Host. A. Party. Get people in your apartment or get them together at a good bar. Seasonal depression feels like a mountain to climb but once you're all in the same room, it sorta evaporates. Also, having a sunny vacation planned for February/March can really be that light at the end of the tunnel that keeps you going.

 

Sean & Val: What’s next for you and where should we look for you next?

Jake Cornell: Well obviously you can come see me at the Gramercy on Wednesday. You can also follow me on socials at @jakewcornell. If you're in New York and you see me around, say hi! Also I'll be going back out on the road for another tour next year!