JR De Guzman, a graduate of 2012, has a unique talent that combines music and comedy. His shows are like a concert, with him walking onto the stage with his acoustic guitar and sharing a mix of stories and songs that are sure to bring big laughs. Since 2021, he has been on almost constant tour, bringing his blend of entertainment to audiences around the world. This year's "Working It Out" tour saw him write an original song for every city he visited. Last month, he launched an independently produced one-hour stand-up special, "I'm Your Son, Papa," filmed in Las Vegas and featuring more of his Filipino-American upbringing stories and cultural commentary. Unlock the Magic of JR De Guzman's Comedy and Music
Seeing a JR De Guzman Show
When you attend a JR De Guzman show, it's an experience like no other. Just like a concert, he walks onto the stage with his acoustic guitar, ready to share his stories and songs. But what sets him apart is that all his material is written with the sole purpose of making people laugh. His unique blend of music and comedy creates an atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Whether it's a light-hearted story or a catchy song, De Guzman has a way of connecting with his audience on a deep level.His shows are not just about entertainment; they are a celebration of his Filipino-American heritage. Through his stories and songs, he pays homage to his roots and shares his experiences with the world. It's this authenticity that has earned him a large and loyal fan base.
Learning the Art of Comedy
JR De Guzman was born in the Philippines and moved to Sacramento at a young age. He was a shy child who found solace in music, learning to play the guitar in high school. In college, he attended UC Davis and majored in psychology. It was during this time that he discovered his love for comedy.He took a comedy class from Brett Duggan, M.F.A. '10, where he learned the fundamentals of comedy. He also took DRA 122C, "What Is Comedy?" from Mindy Cooper Grenke, which had a profound impact on him. He studied different styles of comedy, including vaudeville, sketch comedy, and musical theater, and was assigned writing tasks in each area. This helped him develop his skills and realize that comedy is a craft that can be improved with practice.
Pursuing a Career in Comedy
After college, De Guzman became a music teacher, but comedy continued to call to him. He moved to Los Angeles and set out to become a full-time comedian. His debut comedy album, "Dual Citizen," came out in 2017, and he was a featured comic on the Netflix series "The Comedy Lineup" in 2018.When the pandemic hit, he returned to Sacramento and found a new audience online. With more than 400,000 followers on YouTube, he has been able to continue his career and reach people from all over the world. In 2021, he reached a new level of touring, thanks to his large base of Filipino fans who appreciate his tribute to their heritage. He opened for Jo Koy at Madison Square Garden in 2022, a career highlight that he will always remember.
Going forward, De Guzman has three career goals: comedy specials, music recordings, and acting roles. He is currently working with an acting coach to achieve his dreams and is learning meditation exercises and scene work from various genres. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that he will continue to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Sacramento audiences can catch him at Laughs Unlimited from December 6-7. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of JR De Guzman's comedy and music!