By Sunny Kim, FCLC ’18
At first glance, he reminds you of an Amish computer programmer. It turns out he feels similarly:
Meet Mr. Chandler Dean, the Houston native that took the Fordham comedy scene by storm. I first saw him perform at First-Year Orientation in September 2014, bringing the audience to tears and aching stomachs during a standup routine at the Orientation talent showcase. Tough luck for whoever has to follow that, I thought. Then they called me onto the stage.
Born to a professional jazz musician, Chandler studied the cello and theater in his elementary and middle school years. Around this time, he began producing videos for YouTube under the name Shocking Productions. His 2010 parody of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” has accrued over five million views, catapulting him into viral status.
Chandler continued to study theater at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, founding the HSPVA Standup Comedy Club in his junior year and graduating as valedictorian of his class.
Moving to New York City to study at Fordham University has opened up avenues for his interests. He currently takes improv classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center, and he has performed in various open mics throughout Manhattan, including Broadway Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, The Stand, The Tank, and The Village Lantern.
Chandler brings his persona into the classroom as well, producing the following reflection on his perception of New York City in his Honors English class:
At Fordham College at Lincoln Center, he is an invaluable member of the Honors Program. He pursues a double major in Political Science and Communication and Media Studies. A member of the FCLC comedy club, Stove’s Cabin Crew, Chandler has performed in numerous in-house showcases and has been elected as the club’s Secretary for the 2015-2016 year.