Written by: Joseph Santiago

1. What other jobs did you do before starting as Stand UP comedian?

I was a cashier at a uniform store, movie theater usher, waitress at a deep-dish pizza place, marketing rep for a couple of dot coms, orientation leader for my college, restaurant hostess, private music teacher, dental receptionist, extra in TV shows, and a pen sales representative. Any job where you talk to new people every day is great for a comedian to exercise those muscles of coming up with banter. read more

Written by: Joseph Santiago

It all started in a Whole Foods at Columbus Circle where several Indian comics would come together for a writing session and ramen. After several of these sessions (and several bowls of ramen), comedians Akaash Singh, Tushar Singh, Alingon Mitra, and KC Arora decided it was time to do shows together. That was the creation of the American Born Desi Comics (ABDCs)

The ABDCs started with a weekday show at Caroline’s on Broadway. It sold out and that is when they decided they would do it again. After several packed out shows at Caroline’s on Broadway, the ABDCs decided it was time to take their talents on the road. After doing shows in the tri-state, they decided they would go somewhere they thought they would be well received, the deep South. read more

Written by: Joseph Santiago

This Easter weekend, I had the opportunity to talk to Stand Up Comedian Jamie Kennedy at Improv on Melrose in Hollywood, For the unfamiliar, he appeared in the Scream franchise, Malibu’s Most Wanted, the Jamie Kennedy Experiment, and much more.

James Kennedy was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, on May 25, 1970. He became interested in acting at the age of 15, and appeared in a movie for the first time at age 19, as an extra in Dead Poets Society (1989).

1. What other jobs did you do before starting stand up comedy? read more

By: Laura High @LauraHigh5

Linda Smith is one of my favorite people in this industry. This is a very harsh, cut-throat business, but Linda is the only one who never has a bad word spoken about her. She has an incredible resumé and teaches stand up comedy. Linda’s credits include: HBO Women of the Night, Conan O’Brian on NBC, Comedy Central, VH1, Stand Up Spotlight, Good Morning America, Today Show, and The Rosie O’Donnell Show.

To sign up for a class with Linda Smith, click here: http://www.carolinescomedyschool.com/ read more

Written by: Joseph Santiago

Note From Me:

Another day of self-doubt and discontent. Another day of societal chaos. Another day of propaganda. Another day of world-wide-violence. Well, just another fucking Saturday. I’m sitting here in a touristy coffee shop, on the corner of MacDougal and Bleecker Street, with my good friend Nick Whitmer to discuss his life in the world of Standup Comedy. To set the mood for you: it’s freezing cold outside, the streets are cluster-fucked with obnoxious drunks and the barista is a fucking asshole. Ergo, this leaves a lot of room for optimism in this interview. Self-awareness is a bright disease and Nick has it. I’m excited to hear some genuine thoughts and opinions. Let us begin. read more

Written by: Joseph Santiago

New York’s Funniest 2015 Winner Matt Pavich Struts On Stage

New York City local Matt Pavich won the cities most coveted comedy prize over the weekend. New York’s Funniest is a tradition known to skyrocket the winner to fame, and 2015 is expected to be no exception.

Pavich is already successful in his own rights. The comedian will be highlighted in season two of MTV2’s Joking Off which launches next month, and he’s also the star and co-creator of the series “The Neighborhood” — which snagged awards at the 2014 New York Television festival. Now that he’s snagged New York’s Funniest, many in the industry are waiting with anticipation to see what he accomplishes next. read more

Written by: Joseph Santiago

Are you looking for the best comedy shows in NYC ?! It’s a fact that NYC is the best place on the planet to watch stand up comedy. The big name comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Louis CK, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell, Judah Friedlander all got there start in the Big Apple and live here. They can be seen nightly at some of these venues.

Every night there are several dozen comedy shows in NYC all around the Manhattan and the rest of five boroughs of New York City.  There is so much comedy to see here with many of the famous comedians and up and coming stars of tomorrow. It’s very common to see Louis CK drop in at Eastville comedy club, The Comedy Cellar, The Stand NYC and so many local clubs. read more

By Nicky Sunshine

I’ve known Jessica Kirson for  a number of years. I’ve taken her classes and workshops and I’ve always had tremendous respect for her talent and generosity. She is a multifaceted and energetic performer with fantastic “act outs”, voices, characters, and facial expressions.

NS: How long have you been doing stand up?

JK: I’m in my fifteenth year.

NS: How did you get interested in comedy?

JK:  My grandmother told me I should be a comedian. She said every time people were sitting around me they were laughing. I was always the class clown. I took a comedy class and fell in love with it and then I started doing open mics. I never thought I’d be performing for a living. I thought it would be more like a hobby. read more