Sitcom star Janelle James brings humor and honesty to Chapman

Photo Courtesy of Matt Harbicht

It was no surprise that on Aug. 20, Chapman’s Folino Theater erupted in laughter throughout the first masterclass of the year, as four-time Emmy-nominated actress Janelle James worked the room like one of her comedy sets.

Known for her role as Ava Coleman on “Abbott Elementary,” James spoke about her life leading up to her debut on the show with Scott Feinberg, host of the Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts’ first Master Class of the school year.

James said her stand-up comedy career in the Midwest is one of the pivotal experiences that prepared her for the hit mockumentary series.

“I've done shows (in front of) a full hundred-person room of stone-faced people, you know, and then by the end I get a couple of chunkles and that's a win,” said James.

Before acting, James wore many hats. Her resume ranged from fashion styling to being a personal chef. When she began her career doing stand-up comedy, it was still a niche form of entertainment. She often performed for audiences who had likely never seen a Black female comedian before.

“I started touring in Illinois first, which I think was very formative for me because I don't know if you've ever been to Illinois — especially in the deep corn Midwest, it's very homogeneous,” said James. “It's all white people, it really is. And so that's how I started in front of all-white crowds.”

On TV, James plays the outlandish, selfish but ultimately beloved Ava Coleman, an entrepreneur and the principal at the titular Abbott Elementary, an underfunded school in Philadelphia. She told the audience that she always saw Ava as a representation of the school she is in, understanding its struggles because her character likely went through them too.

The show has been wildly successful since its premiere in 2021, and James said she knew it would be a hit from the moment she read the script. She shared that creator and star Quinta Brunson fought for James to get the role of Ava Coleman.

“I was like, even if I'm not on it, this show is going to go. This pilot is so good and clear and hilarious,” said James.

Since then, “Abbott Elementary” has won four Emmy Awards and been nominated for countless more. James spoke on the differences between performing stand-up comedy and acting in the series, where she still delivers plenty of one-liners. 

“Ten years of comedy has taught me timing. So I know when a joke is supposed to land,” said James. 

The final section of the Master Class allowed students in the audience to ask James questions. The Panther spoke to some of the attendees who felt impacted by her insight. 

Remi Edwards, a sophomore creative producing major, had the chance to ask James how she navigates falling into stereotypes as a Black woman in comedy. 

“I loved her response to my question,” said Edwards. “I liked how she said that the 'loud, funny' stereotype of Black women isn't necessarily bad but overdone and one of the only representations of Black women in media.”

James responded to each question with candor and humor, informing the audience about the true experiences of navigating the industry as a Black woman. Jada Wilder, a senior film production major, said that she appreciated the input James gave on the intersectionality of her two identities.

“She was not afraid to be open about noticing that no one in her space looked like her and the struggles that came with it,” Wilder told The Panther.

James stayed over the allotted time to answer as many questions as possible before closing out the Master Class for the night, and the impact of her answers stuck with both Edwards and Wilder. 

“I found it important that Janelle stayed very true to her personality and the realities of the industry,” Edwards said. “She didn't shy away from the truth and answered every question honestly and humorously. I admire her for that.”

James’ visit left Chapman students with more than just laughter; her visit offered an honest look at two facets of the entertainment industry and how she has learned to navigate them as a woman of color.

Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Master Classes are available to all Chapman students and alumni. Seats are available either on a first-come, first-served basis or by lottery system, depending on the Master Class. Dates, times, upcoming guests, and additional information can be found in the lobby of Marion Knott Studios or on the Dodge College Instagram account.