Although he didn’t know it when discovering reruns of the original Saturday Night Live as an impressionable 13-year-old in the New Jersey suburbs, Shashoua was being influenced by the progeny of legendary improv guru Del Close. This was just the start of his fascination with comedy in all its forms, from stand-up to sketch, improv to monologue, in film, theater and television.

As he pursued related interests in arts, entertainment and journalism that eventually led him to New York, Shashoua expanded this interest by studying and performing improvisational comedy, attracted to the results of applying specialized acting techniques to produce spontaneous comedic performances.

This experience and enthusiasm for the art involved in creating good comedy led Shashoua to create Jester, a Web site that will point its audience to the gems that might otherwise be overlooked, and help its readers discern what is truly worth their time when they’re looking for a good laugh. Shashoua aims to highlight performers who break new ground, illustrate why great performances succeed and steer readers away from work that hasn’t done what it should to entertain and amuse.

Jester’s editor believes the site can bring together the different facets and formats of comedic performances under a single umbrella in a way that hasn’t been done before in any other venue. With Jester, Shashoua aims to draw on his experience as a writer and student of the genre to provide an authoritative voice both within the industry and to a consumer audience.

Jester will also provide a targeted way for advertisers and marketers to reach a committed and select audience with promotion of their entertainment offerings and related products.

 

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