3 minute read
PONCEREPRODUCTIONS CHANGING LIVES THROUGH LAUGHTER
PONCERE is a sought-after comedienne & actress. Her sophisticated yet frank comedic style leaves audiences laughing, thinking, learning and wanting more.
Poncere has opened for well-known artists to include Marvin Sapp, Bishop Paul Morton, George Wallace and J Anthony Brown. Poncere was also the winner of Season One of Columbia’s Got Talent at the Comedy House in Columbia, SC.
Advertisement
In 2009, Poncere started Poncere Productions where she specializes in providing clean comedic entertainment. Her ability to reach audiences of diverse backgrounds and age groups has garnered her engagements at women’s conferences, single’s events, comedy shows, teen programs, community programs, church events, and private celebrations. Her mission is to change lives one LAUGH at a time, and she is passionate about sharing her witty personality and comedic gifts with the world.
Poncere holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Paine College and a Master’s Degree from the University of South Carolina in Clinical Psychology. Poncere serves as a mentor in the community, and she is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over ten years of experience in the field of Mental Health delivering services to children, adolescents, and adults.
UPW: What do you find is the most common misconception that many people have about comedians?
PONCERE: A common misconception about comedians is that they are extroverts; outgoing and always happy people. Interestingly, research has found that most comedians are introverts, and some of the most notable comedians have struggled with major depressive disorders.
UPW: What would you say was your biggest misconception about the field of comedic entertainment before you actually became an experienced performer?
PONCERE: My biggest misconception about the field of comedic entertainment is that you had to use profanity during your comedic set to be really funny. That is a MYTH!
UPW: When did you first realize that you enjoyed entertaining people and what led to your decision to present yourself professionally as a comedic performer?
PONCERE: I first realized that I enjoyed entertaining people while serving in the drama ministry at my church, Restoration Ministries International. While on stage at church, acting out various comedic skits, the stage felt like “home.” I can’t explain the feeling, but you light up inwardly when you’re in your element and you’re doing what you’re called to do.
UPW: You were the winner of Season One of Columbia’s Got Talent at the Comedy House. What was your thinking before entering the competition and what was the impact once you secured that victory?
PONCERE: I can’t recall what I was thinking in that moment, but I can assure you I was nervous. The venue was packed that night and the other contestants were great. What I do remember is that I was uninhibited and having fun. In all honesty, I was shocked when I won because there were so many other amazing talents competing.
UPW: How does your training as a mental health professional impact the tone, direction or intent of your monologues?
PONCERE: I would say there are some parallels between comedians and mental health professionals in that both professions study the human behavior, observe and analyze experiences, and give their impressions about situations. As a comedian, I function very similarly. I talk about what I have observed or experienced and tell the audience what I think about the situations while highlighting the funny in it. It’s just that simple to me – truth in LAUGHTER!
UPW: Your storytelling is primarily from a woman’s point of view. Why is that important for men as well as women?
PONCERE: I believe to be a great comedian you have to be vulnerable about your experiences. When I tell a story from my perspective, it can give you a glimpse into how other women may think, process situations, or experience life –good, bad, or indifferent. Like others, I often say what you were thinking.
UPW: What, if any, life experiences informed your decision to provide clean comedic entertainment?
PONCERE: I believe that God has given me the gift to make people laugh and that I can perform comedy in a way that aligns with faith, values, and convictions.
UPW: Tell us about everything that is offered under the umbrella of Poncere Productions.
PONCERE: I provide clean entertainment services to include stand-up comedy, event hosting, as well as acting. In addition, I launched The Poncere Talk Show in June 2022. I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROJECT. The Poncere Talk Show merges arts and entertainment with transformative dialogue that promotes mental health, health and wellness, and empowerment. Since the launch of The Poncere Talk Show, our shows have SOLD OUT and received rave reviews. The next show is Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the Grover C. Maxwell Theatre, Augusta, Georgia. The special guests include singer Avery * Sunshine, Comedian Nikita B, and dynamic guest panel talking about “Betting on You!” You can purchase tickets on Eventbrite or visit www.theponcereshow.com
UPW: How can our readers contact you?
PONCERE: You can follow me on Facebook @ponceredaniels or @theponcereshow, and on Instagram @ponceredaniels. You can also visit my website www.poncere.biz to find out more information about upcoming events.