With the ability to talk too much, to crack a joke and because she had no other talents, Jen Kober concurred that making people laugh as a comedian was the perfect profession.

“I was always that kid in class that talked too much,” Kober said. “(Comedy) is just what I love to do.”

Grand Valley State University’s Spotlight Productions presents live comedy with Kober and a music event on Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center. This is Kober’s third performance at GVSU, and she even sports a GVSU t-shirt on a regular basis from her previous visits.

“It is so great to be able to go to college campuses…college kids will tell you how it is,” Kober said.

Traveling to small towns and all over the country exposes the comedian to different scenarios and experiences which, in turn, inspire her stand-up.

“It is fun because I have stories about these schools and towns,” she said.

Kober has made appearances on shows such as “Franklin & Bash,” “The Mindy Project” and “Anger Management.” She is also known for her role as Ingrid in “American Reunion” and her performance in “Grudge Match” with Robert De Niro.

With professional training in acting from DePaul University in Chicago, Kober said she does comedy because she loves it. While she is passionate for her profession, it still takes practice and hard work.

“It is like a muscle, you have to work it out,” she said.

Her routine changes with each location and audience, morphing into a product to satisfy whoever is in attendance.

“Sometimes I’ll get to a show and the crowd is small,” she said. “Stand-up comedy can be different every night.”

It is through her experiences and the audience’s reactions that Kober is able to alter her act.

Having visited the campus in previous years, Kober noted that a few GVSU memories would play a role in her upcoming show. The moments she has shared with GVSU though are secret until her performance.

The performance will also include some new skits that have yet to be shared with the public or on YouTube.

“I can guarantee you’re going to leave my show with aching cheeks,” Kober said. “Also, it is just a great way to start the school year.”

In addition to Kober’s performance, Spotlight and other student organizations will host a variety of events throughout the weekend to welcome students back to school. For more information on these events, visit gvsu.edu/events.

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