Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.
For Chase Brown, a senior communication studies major, performing has always been a part of his life. From street magic to competing in American Ninja Warrior and now comedy and improv, Brown is no stranger to putting on a good show.
Originally from Bloomington, Indiana, Brown moved to Kent, Ohio, 10 years ago. In middle school, Brown started performing as a street magician.
“I still do some corporate magic shows from time to time,” Brown told Kent State Today.
Now, Brown is studying communication studies in hopes of becoming a stand-up comedian. However, comedy was not always the plan.
For nearly a decade, Brown was highly involved in American Ninja Warrior competitions, even ranking No. 1 in the World Ninja League regular season in 2019. He has traveled all over the country to compete in eight world finals.
“I am semi-retired now,” Brown said. “But I had such a blast competing. It was an unforgettable experience.”
But it was Brown’s love for comedy that led him to a different kind of performing.
“I am the president of the Black Squirrel Improv Troupe,” Brown said. “I’ve been part of the troupe for the past four years. I love it.”
Brown helped organize and host Kent State’s first collegiate improv festival that featured multiple college improv troupes and Black Squirrel Alumni.
“It was amazing to see everyone perform and make new friends,” Brown said. “It was so successful last year that we’re hosting another festival this April with double the number of troupes attending.”
In addition to leading the Black Squirrel Improv Troupe, Brown recently started Almost Lemonade, a comedy company that hosts five podcasts and posts twice a week to YouTube.
“I love comedy so much,” Brown said. “I’m also working on booking a stand-up comedy special on campus later this semester.”
During his time at Kent State, J. D. Ponder, Ph.D., associate professor of communication studies, stands out as a key supporter in Brown’s journey.
“I took his sports communication class, and that was the class that brought me to the communication studies degree. At the time, I was beating myself up over not being able to perform as well as I used to,” Brown said. “He told me, ‘You’re not what you do.’ That quote helped me realize that my worth isn’t dependent on my performance.”
With improv, stand-up and new projects on the horizon, Brown is excited to keep pushing creative boundaries and making people laugh along the way.
Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.