KolorGirlz Bio Page: Sheila Jackson
KolorGirlz is a feature-length documentary about seven woman comedians of color. Meet one of the seven members of our cast. For photos of the comedians, click here.
Sheila Jackson is originally from Harlem, New York. Sheila's family left Harlem while she was in elementary school, then moved several times in the borough of Queens: Jamaica, Cambria heights and Far Rockaway.
"We moved a lot because people were following us."
Ms. Jackson first became interested in comedy a couple of years ago. A friend wanted to hang out more, so she recommended doing a class together two times a week at the Comedy Connection in Portland, Maine, where Tim Ferril taught standup.
"I was never interested in comedy. It just sorta happened. It always made me uncomfortable. Even now, I get sick beforehand. And then I get sick afterwards. Before I go out there, I'm wanting to turn around and run away."
Sheila's performances include standup work at the Comedy Connection, in Portland, Maine; the Comedy Connection in Boston, Massachusetts; Jimmy Tingle's Off-Broadway Theater in Somerville, Massachusetts; the Black Repertory Theater in Providence, Rhode Island, Union Blues in Worcester, Massachusetts. and The Comedy Barn in Sanford, Maine.
Ms. Jackson also performs regularly as a member of Maine's "The Escapists" Sketch comedy/improv troupe.
"I like working in a comedy troupe because I like being on stage with other people. I don't like being on stage alone."
The Escapists performances in Portland, Maine have included Guerilla Theater shows at Casco Bay Books; in front of the window at The Blue Spoon Restaurant; at St. Lawrence Theater; and at A Company of Girls Theater Space. The Escapists troupe has been accepted into the renowned Fringe Festival in Washington, DC in July, 2006.
Prior to launching her comedic career, Ms. Jackson started kickboxing and grappling to boost her self-confidence. Ms. Jackson was a member of Choi's School of Self Defense in Portland Maine. During that time, Sheila won the New England Golden Gloves competition in Boxing. She also won a grappling competition. Prior to that, she didn't sleep at night.
Ms. Jackson is a United States Army veteran. She did basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was stationed overseas at the army base in Heilbronn, Germany.
When she is not doing comedy, Ms. Jackson works full time for the United States Postal service. Sheila also enjoys listening to the voices in her head and cleaning her guns.
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