Conversations with Justin Kent

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Kent.

Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town in Indiana, and throughout my younger years, I always found a way to entertain people. Whether that be goofing off in school, making my family laugh, or whatever. I loved making people laugh. It probably comes from my incessant need to be liked. My first major role was in grade school where I got the lead role of “Leon” in “Leon And The Christmas Starship,” a show centered around an alien who doesn’t know what Christmas is. I haven’t stopped working since. I’ve taken many pauses, but never stopped. I now work with many different troupes in Savannah, GA, acting and performing whenever I can. I was a co-owner of Odd Lot improv for 10 years, until the pandemic hit. I’ve spent years working as a host for Burlesque shows in Savannah. My wife, Valerie, and I have also begun producing shows. She heads up The Assembly Of Phantasms, producing dark and gothic cabaret style shows, and I produce Comedic burlesque and variety shows. OH, and I have a podcast, of course.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Savannah itself has sometimes been a struggle. We have some great venues here, but not enough. It’s sometimes hard to find your place in the glut of talented performers and producers putting on shows. Fortunately, just about everyone performing in Savannah is very open to helping, working together, and finding ways to make sure everyone gets some stage time!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I suppose I’m best known around here for my role as Marty Milquetoast, my hosting persona. I’ve hosted burlesque under that name for almost 15 years now, and I have started producing “Marty Milquetoast presents” shows. My first was Stand-Up Strip down, A show with Burlesque and Stand Up Comedians. It was very well received, sold out. I’ve done 3 other shows under that title. I also produced Paranormal Activi-tease, a Halloween themed show, and will be producing Marty MIlquetoast’s Halloween Extravaganza this Halloween. It’s my most ambitious show so far, and more what I have been wanting to do, a true variety show. This show will have burlesque, drag, comedy, mentalism, juggling, stilts, and so much more. I’m very excited about it. Earlier this year I started the podcast “The Marty Show,” with a lot of help from Dee Daniels media, and it’s been successful. It’s just me chatting with entertainers in the Savannah area. I’m humbled that people are excited to be on the show! Next season, I hope to take it on the road!

Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people deserve credit, but no one more than my wife, Valerie. She has supported and encouraged everything I do, and sometimes convinced me that it was worth doing. Any success I have is also hers. She also is a creative, and we’re constantly brainstorming ideas. Her talent and imagination inspire me. My good friend Chris Soucy is also deserving of credit. For years he has been right by my side for different ventures into the creative world. He has kept me calm through many a panic before a show. The Savannah Burlesque scene itself has been so welcoming to me, and it’s an honor to work alongside them. I am so humbled to be asked to host shows. It’s a good feeling.

Contact Info:

• Other: https://linktr.ee/justinpkent