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Best known for her standout performances in Claws and Dead Boy Detectives, Jenn Lyon takes on a fresh challenge in NBC’s new mockumentary STUMBLE, stepping into the role of an ambitious cheer coach. Lyon opens up about her deep-rooted love of comedy and the playful precision behind the mockumentary format—offering an inside look at the rhythms, quirks, and heart that make STUMBLE such a unique addition to the genre.

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Stumble uses a mockumentary format, which often blends improvisation with scripted moments. How does performing in that kind of setup challenge you differently than working on a more traditional scripted show?
It definitely keeps you on your toes, especially if you are around gifted improvisers. Within a traditional script you have to be on your game emotionally to observe and handle whatever is coming at you. But the language is never going to change, and your responses can’t fundamentally change. So, while there is variation there, it’s subtle and different from having a facility with language that isn’t already written.

The cast’s chemistry is incredibly natural. Did you do anything specific to build that connection off-camera, or did it develop organically through the process?
That’s a sweet thing to say and I think we just lucked out? I personally didn’t have time to build anything with anyone off camera when we shot the pilot because it was such a fast process and we had so much material to cover. The younger cast gets to hang out with each other a lot as we shoot the season and I wish I could but it’s so much work that I have to stay pretty buckled down. Ugh, I’m the no-fun mom. But we do laugh our tits off at work so that’s fun, right?...right?

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All of your roles have very distinctive personalities. How does Courteney Potter differ from the characters you’ve previously played?
She is the most buttoned up and my father could not be happier. There is no cleavage involved and that’s a guarantee.

Do you personally relate to Courteney in any way—emotionally, comedically, or even in her worldview?Courteney is driven and serious but also absurd and curious. She is sensitive but tough on herself and others. She can be quick to anger but is also quick to laugh. She is loyal. She prefers a larger belt and a beachy wave. I am all of those things.

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Earrings by Stylist Own

When you first learned about Stumble, what was your immediate reaction? What drew you to this project in particular?
My manager sent me the script and said that an audition might be coming up for it. I read it and loved it so much that I dissolved from matter to liquid to gas. Once I regained a solid state, I begged my manager to get me in for it.

Sketch-style comedy has such a different rhythm and energy than a traditional sitcom or narrative comedy. What do you think sketch or mockumentary formats allow you to express that more conventional styles don’t?
You get to subvert expectations and surprise the audience. We get very familiar with certain comedic rhythms and these sketch and mock doc genres are a chance to do an unexpected turn in a different direction than you could get away with in a multi-cam.

You’ve mentioned being inspired by Madeline Kahn and Carole Lombard, and you even co-founded POYKPAC. What does comedy mean to you on a deeper level—as both a performer and a creator?
Oh man, both of those ladies and also Judy Holiday, Nell Carter, Amy Sedaris, etc., were so formative for me. Comedy isn’t just a style—it’s a worldview. It’s a lens you see through that sort of kaleidoscope tilts everything enough to be bearable and wonderful.

**Right:**
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Jenn, you have a background in theater. How might acting translate from the stage to the screen, or are they completely independent art forms?
Some people think if you can do one, you can automatically do the other. But, I find them to be very different mediums. The underlying craft of breaking down the script is the same but that’s where it stops. Stage requires different muscles and alacrity, an extensive vocal warm up, your whole body is out there and you cannot hide. Also no one will feed you anything or get you water—BUT—the audience will tell you about yourself and the show in real time. There is so much control and fluidity within that.

Screen requires massive endurance and focus, but they will bury you in snacks. And you have no audience to gauge and no story underneath you (because everything shoots out of order), so you have to trust yourself and the camera in a different way and the editor can make or break your performance. Some of us have very active listening faces and we have had to learn to tone that down for the camera, whereas Miss Theatre loves an active listen.

You’ve mentioned before that you came into this industry without many connections. What habits help you stay focused and keep evolving as an actress?
I think needing to make money to live is pretty helpful as a motivator. I wish I had some cool rock n’ roll answer to this besides the usual hippie stuff that absolutely helps—like meditation and yoga and therapy. It’s so frustrating when that is correct and you thought all the people that previously told you to do it were dumb. But, I love acting and I want to be great at it. I want to make my family proud. I also talk a lot of shit, so I need to be able to back it up.

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Jumpsuit by alice + olivia by StaceyBendet
Heels by Steve Madden
Shirt by Anne Fontaine

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Jenn Lyon
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Carolyn Cina
Makeup: Corey Jason Crysler
Set Design: Oscar Sanchez
Photo Assistant: River Chad
Fashion Stylist Intern: Laura Pico
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Delanie Okocha, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: Love Studios

Jenn Lyon Brings Her Signature Wit to NBC’s 'Stumble'