Deanna Fleysher is Big D
Deanna Fleysher aka Big D is an internationally-renowned drag clown, comedy artist, teacher and director. She has toured extensively with her hit show BUTT KAPINSKI, her new show CINEPRIXX and her popular performance workshops in drag king comedy and (don’t call it) clown. She directs/co-creates drag and clown shows and teaches audience connection, physical presence and joyous abandon to people of all ages and gender expressions.
What were you like as a teen?
High-achieving. Driven, really. Driven to go to a fancy college. Driven to be the lead in the play. Driven to beat Germany at the Model UN conference. I also locked my keys in the car the first day I got my license. So driven, but also, who was driving? I was clever but maybe not really funny yet.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
I was an English/Theater teacher at a prep school in New York City. It was my best clown training. It taught me how to engage with and lead an audience toward greater appreciation of the semi-colon, deep sexy love for The Scarlet Letter, stuff like that. It was the beginning.
What do you consider to be your biggest comedy achievement to date?
Clowning on TV was very cool. Getting to do bits of idiocy and call it drag.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
A single-minded, furious need to create and be received.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Coming up in comedy in NY in the early 00’s was so stupid in terms of misogyny, sexual harassment, grooming. All that garbage. I guess I put up with/participated in it sometimes, and sometimes I just got very mad and frustrated and felt invisible. Sometimes I learned things from those toxic people, got some insider knowledge/mentorship. Sometimes I did my own thing and felt better. I wouldn’t go back to those times! Yuck! Hopefully shit is better now.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
Make sure you journal a lot.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
“Practice falling before you go on stage.”
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
“Don’t be so sexual.”
How has being funny helped you in your life?
I don’t know about being funny per se, but I think looking for the joy in every moment–feeling like it’s my mission to find joy–has helped me tap into a sense of larger purpose.
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Get into the body. Develop and explore physical comedy: what that means to your body. The body has ways of working that the mind can’t access, but those lessons can help the mind shape material.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into the comedy world?
My mother is a clown who doesn’t know it. She’s a child of the 50s, the Silent Generation, and I’m a child of her. The humor from that mysterious, partially-repressed place really informs my comedy.
Do you have a writing routine?
I have a writing practice and a performing practice, but they are not strict. They’re just real and long term.
What is your go-to show?
Columbo
What word always cracks you up?
Columbo
Any last words?
Actually around my house we just call it ‘LUMBO.
