Vannessa Jackson, who scored comedy gold as a writer on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” earlier this decade, headlines a Next Stop Comedy show on July 10 at Thorpe’s 903, Route 903, Jim Thorpe.

Sasha Srbulj hosts the event, set to start at 8:30 p.m.

Jackson, originally from Los Angeles and based in New York City, attended Colorado Christian University from 2010 to 2014, earning a Bachelor of Arts in communication and media studies.

In October 2018, Jackson started an 11-month gig as a writing apprentice on CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

She followed that with writing stints on E! Networks, NBC’s “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” and HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”

Jackson scored comedy gold in late 2021, joining “SNL” as a staff writer. After wrapping her time on the classic sketch series in May 2024, Jackson landed another holy grail achievement for comedians: her first stand-up special.

“American Girl,” filmed at The Limelight in Atlanta, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in September 2025. Jackson muses on the struggle of being a millennial in a Gen Z world, the horrors of turning 30 and TikTok conspiracy theories about celebrities’ ages, among other subjects.

Prior to the show at Thorpe’s 903, Jackson took time to discuss her career and aspirations.

Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue comedy?

A: I always wanted to write, but discovered comedy and performing in my early 20s by doing the Upright Citizens Brigade and the Second City in Los Angeles, and from there started standup.

Q: Did your education at CCU prepare you for what was to come?

A: I don’t think CCU prepared me specifically for comedy. But a big emphasis at the school was independent thinking and having faith, which are two things I’ve carried with me.

Q: Where was your first public stand-up performance and how did it go?

A: My first show was at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank. It went very OK at best. I had fun, but the jokes were probably not my best.

Q: Have you faced any challenges since starting your career?

A: I think every writer/performer goes through lulls, and also shows being canceled and having to shift gears. As long as you focus on your love of the craft, that’s all you can really count on.

Q: How were your experiences writing for Stephen Colbert and later “SNL?”

A: “ ... Colbert” was incredible. It was my first time in a real writer’s room and it gave me the strength and courage to keep pursuing this as a real career. I’m saddened by the cancellation as both a former staffer and a lover of great comedy. The show will be missed.

There’s nothing like “SNL.” It was the experience of a lifetime. Getting to write there for three seasons was a comedy boot camp and I learned so much from everyone at the show. I’ll always cherish my time in the halls of 30 Rock.

Q: Do you avoid obscenities in your comedy, and do you consider any subject off limits for comedians?

A: I don’t think any subject should be off limits. I stay particularly clean, but that’s just my voice. I think every comedian should write toward what they find funny and their natural voice.

Q: How did your “American Girl” special come to fruition?

A: The production company reached out and said they wanted to film an hour with me. I had about a year to get my hour ready. It was incredible preparing to shoot my special. I’m proud of how it came out.

Q: Did the use of “okaaaayy” in your routine develop over time, or was it done unconsciously?

A: Something I used to do unconsciously that I’ve grown out of now that my comedy voice has shifted.

Q: How has your comedic voice shifted?

A: I’d say I’ve become even more personal and have learned how to connect with the audience in an even more playful way.

Q: What should attendees at Thorpe’s 903 expect from your performance?

A: This weekend, you can expect to see me run a brand-new hour with as much energy and electricity as I’ve become known for.

Q: What would you consider the highlights of your career, and what do you hope to accomplish?

A: Writing for “SNL” was huge. I wrote a viral sketch called “Amazon Go” that got a write up in The Atlantic, which was a huge career highlight for me. I’m hoping to tour more and have a lot of successful specials that allow me to find my audience and get to do standup for the rest of my life.