By Madelaine Church | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Local comedian Lance Woods interacts with the audience during his standup last fall at Sacramento State. Woods was the opener for a show headlined by Mike E. Winfield. Madelaine Church, OBSERVER
 Local comedian Lance Woods interacts with the audience during his standup last fall at Sacramento State. Woods was the opener for a show headlined by Mike E. Winfield. Madelaine Church, OBSERVER

At 18, Lance Woods took a dare that would change his life.

The October air was cool and crisp. Woods and his mother, Yolanda Woods, were on their way to church in Rancho Cordova to attend the first pastor and wife appreciation celebration. Like all mothers, Yolanda saw something special in her son. She challenged him to take the stage at his church to perform his first stand-up. Hesitant, Woods accepted the thrilling dare.

Woods impersonated his pastor, Arnold Keith Thrower. He mocked the church attendees on how they prayed, walked, talked, and praised God. Peals of laughter erupted from the pews.

The moment inspired Woods to pursue a career in standup comedy.

Woods, 36, took the stage July 2 at the Sacramento Punch Line to a room full of applause. The comedy club has hosted Chris Rock, Gabriel Iglesias (Fluffy), Bobby Lee and many more famous comedians. Earlier this month, Woods headlined two shows; he headlines again July 26.

Born in San Francisco but raised in South Sacramento, Woods started doing comedy as a young adult. Woods grew up with an admiration for comedy. According to the State Hornet, Sacramento State’s student-run news organization, he watched comedians such as Mitch Hedberg, Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac and others.

Comedians Lance Woods, left, and Angel Gaines close their comedy show Feb. 23 at Sacramento State. It was the second time during the academic year that Woods opened a comedy show at the university. Madelaine Church, OBSERVER
Comedians Lance Woods, left, and Angel Gaines close their comedy show Feb. 23 at Sacramento State. It was the second time during the academic year that Woods opened a comedy show at the university. Madelaine Church, OBSERVER

Armed with natural storytelling ability, his approach to standup comedy is a mixture of personal stories and conversations, and audience interaction.

“I am always in the moment,” Woods said. “Every show is different. … No show is like the other.”

He is up-to-date with comedy that anyone can enjoy. Woods jokes about current topics such as the OceanGate Titan implosion, viral social media trends and modern dating.

“Open relationships lead to open caskets,” Woods quipped during his show.

Monique Barfield of Sacramento attended one of Woods’ shows earlier this month. It was her first time seeing him. Barfield, an actor, appreciates his tactic and efforts when it comes to his standup routines.

“He was so hilarious,” Barfield said. “I appreciate comedic timing and tone and the other stuff it takes to be a comedian. He’s got it.”

Over the course of Woods’ comedy career, he has performed at the Crest Theatre, Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club, Sacramento State, Punch Line Sacramento and other venues. Woods said the early stages of his career were the most thrilling and exciting. Comedy provided Woods’ first opportunity to travel out of state when he performed in Oregon.

Woods advises any inspiring comedian to get on stage and perform in front of an audience.

“Just go get on stage,” he said, noting that everyone has a different sense of humor. Aside from getting up there as much as possible, he said, “you have to learn to read the room.”

Comedian Lance Woods jokes about Jack in the Box’s taco meats being made of squirrels during his standup July 2 at Punch Line Sacramento. Woods said during his set, “If you eat ‘em’ Jack in the Box tacos, you are going to die.” Madelaine Church, OBSERVER
Comedian Lance Woods jokes about Jack in the Box’s taco meats being made of squirrels during his standup July 2 at Punch Line Sacramento. Woods said during his set, “If you eat ‘em’ Jack in the Box tacos, you are going to die.” Madelaine Church, OBSERVER

Local comedian Marcus Mangham has performed alongside Woods for years. Mangham was at one of Woods’ shows in 2017 at Laughs Unlimited and was inspired to try his hand at standup.

At Mangham’s third performance, he opened for Don “D.C.” Curry and Woods. The experience excited and overwhelmed Mangham.

“I don’t know what Lance saw in me to take me under his wing,” Mangham said, “but I thank him for that.”

Woods has performed at some of the nation’s top venues, such as Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. He also has performed for Marine Corps troops stationed in Japan and alongside more well-known comedians such as Mike E. Winfield, Angel Gaines and others.

Woods in 2021 launched his comedy special, “Lance Woods: Undeniable,” on Prime Video and AppleTV, riffing on his dating experiences, race relations and white people.

From the beginning of Woods’ comedy career, his mother advised him to stay humble and put God first. She always had the intuition that her son would be successful in comedy.

Lance Woods interacts with the audience during his standup July 2 at the Punch Line Sacramento. Woods says he enjoys interacting with the audience during his standups. Madelaine Church, OBSERVER
Lance Woods interacts with the audience during his standup July 2 at the Punch Line Sacramento. Woods says he enjoys interacting with the audience during his standups. Madelaine Church, OBSERVER

“I know Lance was funny. I know him; he’s my son,” Yolanda Woods said.

At the most uncomfortable times, Woods always knew how to lighten the mood. His sense of humor always took the edge off of things.

Woods still attends Spirit and Truth – The WELL, the church that changed his life, and has for as long as he can remember. Yolanda Woods said the church has changed their lives by making their careers and faith in God stronger.

Woods said he is grateful for his church community’s support, especially early in his career, which he called instrumental to his success.

“I owe a lot and I am very thankful to my church family, “ Woods said.

Where To See Lance Woods

Woods can be regularly seen at comedy clubs such as Punch Line Sacramento and Laughs Unlimited. Follow him on Instagram @sirlancewoods.