Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Joy Layne.
Hi Amber, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Miami and attended performing arts middle and high school. These programs ignited my passions and set me on my path. I trained during school and after school and could never get enough. However, I was also academically inclined so I attended a college in Boston for a degree in Marketing Communications. While earning straight-A’s, I also started a dance company and choreographed for major events at the school. During the summer between my junior and senior years, I traveled out of America for the first time and visited Israel where I fell in love. When I finished college, I then moved to Tel Aviv.
Within one month, I was performing at the Israel MTV Awards. I had a beautiful career dancing all over the country in music videos, theaters, and even 2nd place on Israel’s Got Talent. When the pandemic hit, I decided to move back to Miami but I missed the stage. The only ones I could find were the open mics for comedians. So, I learned how to be funny. I started going up every night, trying to make people laugh I couldn’t relate to it. I got better and my career skyrocketed when Ilana Glazer from Broad City saw my set and asked me to open for her on her Florida tour. I then found a cabaret show in Wynwood and asked to audition. Here I can dance, wear sparkly outfits, and tell jokes for 100 people a night. The dancing comedian was born.
I’ve solo traveled performing comedy in countries all over the world like Australia, the UK, Paris, Germany, and even back in Israel. Recently, I have found a way to combine all my interests. A local Miami brand was looking for a funny girl or a commercial but they didn’t have a concept. I pitched them on an idea as well as a character and they went for it. I’ve just signed a deal to write/produce/star in 6 commercials as the face of Aroma360 where I use my comedic skills, acting chops, and marketing degree. My life consists of comedy on the weekdays, the cabaret on the weekends, and trying to find a decent man in Miami- you can guess which is the hardest part to do.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think I have had a smoother road than most. I have extremely supportive parents. We didn’t grow up with money but I never believed anything was impossible.
I did however grow up overweight (which I believe is where I got my personality from) and it is incredible to see how much the world treated me differently once I lost 30 pounds. The pandemic did cut my dance career short but I’m happy with the pivot it forced.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for my energy! I am the girl in the middle of the circle on the dance floor. I can connect with anyone.
One of my many jobs is hosting a YouTube series where I do man-on-the-street style interviews. I have to approach random strangers but it’s easy for me because people can feel from my energy that I am coming from a good place.
The commercials I produced for Aroma360 are the biggest project I have ever done. They trusted me with a huge budget and no experience and I delivered.
People recognize me for my hard work, my smile, and my calves.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The parents. My dad and mom met in film school and have helped me at every step along the way. They come to every show and always encourage me to be the best version of myself. Yes, I am an only child, lol.
Ilana Glazey took me under her wing and made me realize I do have a future in comedy. In a male-dominated business, it’s easy to have imposter syndrome, but she motivated me, and performing for her audience of 1200 people was an experience I’ll never forget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amberjoylayne.com/
- Instagram: @amberjoylayne
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedancingcomedian/
- Youtube: @amberlayne803
Image Credits
Fred Love, Dmitry Zhitov, and Abby Ballin
