Funny! Dynamic! Inspirational! Real! These words perfectly describe the comedic essence of Funny Girl, Phenecia Banks. Never before has a comedian touched our hearts and souls with the gift of laughter as only Phenecia does.

Phenecia blends the creativity and humor of God with the reality of everyday life.  Coming from a troubled childhood of abuse and incest, Phenecia overcame every obstacle through a positive outlook and humor.   In 2000, her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given 3 months to live. Phenecia began writing jokes about her mom’s cancer as a way to lift her mom’s spirits, which left her in stitches not to mention alive and well.  In 2003, Phenecia decided that if laughing at a real life issue such as cancer could help her mom, laughter could heal others as well. Phenecia decided to step out of the box and began performing in comedy clubs all over the nation.  A bright new star was on the horizon and she hasn’t stop shining yet.    

Not only has her comical outlook provided an outlet for those facing real issues such as marriage, weight, racism and religion, but her presentation which is void of any vulgarity and profanity has appeal that has revolutionized comedy. “I think laughter is great medicine, it makes you feel better no matter what you’re going through.”  “I think whatever we can laugh at, we can overcome.  Laughter is a powerful weapon.”

Phenecia performs at churches and comedy clubs across the country. Phenecia has performed in a variety of stage plays and film projects including Perilous Times, Jesus the Son of Joseph, I’ll be home for Christmas as well as the Retraced movie trailer.   Her move into the corporate sector has made her sought after by such clients as Chrysler, The Red Had Society, St. John’s Hospital, Garden City and Westland Chamber of Commerce, and the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Foundations, just to name a few.  Phenecia was the grand prize winner of the 2005 Belle Notte Comedy competition, as well as she has placed in various other competitions. Phenecia has been invited to perform in some of the most sought after festivals such as the Boston and Las Vegas Comedy Festivals. Phenecia’s most memorable moment came when she had the honor of performing at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York for amateur night. 

Phenecia resides in Michigan with her loving husband Michael, their daughter Char, and her mother Josephine.  Phenecia is a member of Christian Tabernacle Church in Southfield, MI where her pastors are Dr. James L. Morman and his beautiful wife Sister Loretta Morman.  Phenecia is active in the Drama ministry where she contributes to  writing, directecting and performing in full length productions, short films and skits.

No matter what the venue, Phenecia’s jovial, bubbly personality is sure to leave the audience uplifted, inspired and doubled over.  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22), and never before has medicine come in such a comical and witty package.