Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Collins
Hi Shawn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In April 2023, I embarked on my comedy journey, driven by a passion for making people laugh. Growing up in Long Beach, CA, I was initially drawn to sketch comedy and physical/prop comedy, admiring the creativity of comedians like Kevin Lee, Steve Martin, Gallagher, Will Ferrell, & Tim Heidecker.
I took my first steps in comedy at the Groundlings theatre in Los Angeles, where I studied and performed sketch comedy. The supportive environment and emphasis on writing premises based on escalating absurdity helped shape my comedic tastes.
After moving to Charlotte, NC, I began exploring stand-up comedy, eager to connect with audiences in a new way. I started attending open mics, honing my craft, and finding my unique voice. I’m excited to continue growing as a comedian and making people laugh.
After a year of taking advantage of any opportunity to take the stage, I was able to become familiar with a lot of local show producers & hosts throughout the Carolina. Before I knew it, I was being given feature performance spots.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s actually been quite the roller coaster haha. Just like with any art form, comedy is very subjective & there’s alot of trial & error involved. There’s been plenty of times where I’ve had ideas & think I’ve figured out how to make the audience laugh, only to fall flat & drag my feet back to the drawing board. Then that’s when the imposter syndrome tries to kick in. And in order to not succumb to that, one has to have a very high sense of resilience. Stand-up comedy is honestly one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but the passion for it continues to grow each time I’m able to perform. Once you get those first few laughs, you’re just hooked.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve observed a glaring gap in the industry – a lack of black comedians willing to take an avant-garde approach to humor. While many stick to traditional formats, I myself am not afraid of being misunderstood, or just not understood at all. I like to embrace the unconventional, blending the art of taking simple premises and turning them into hilarious, outlandish, and ridiculous stories with unpredictable stage antics that involve absurd physical comedy, prop humor, and audience interaction.
People have seen me pulling out food in the middle of a joke, I’ve passed out snacks for the audience. I even pull out a bluetooth speaker from time to time to perform an original rap song about “self-love” as a testament to my creativity and willingness to push boundaries. Then there are the childish sock puppets, created solely to tell a vulgar joke, showcasing my playful mischievous personality. I take pride in my ability to balance this blend. Mainly because I am not afraid of being misunderstood.
I try to have my stand-up comedy style set me apart not only in Charlotte but also in the broader comedy landscape. As the only black comedian in Charlotte with this unique style, I’m carving out a niche that’s both refreshing and necessary.
By filling this void, I’m not only showcasing my innovative spirit but also providing a much-needed voice in the comedy world. My willingness to take risks and challenge norms is with the intent to inspire, and while audiences enjoy the heck out of it.
My goal is to pave the way for others to follow in my footsteps, proving that avant-garde comedy can be hilarious, no matter who’s performing it.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Hit me in the DMs, lil’ whoadie.
Instagram: @shawn.thecomedian
Email: shawnthecomedian@gmail.com
Or just don’t talk to me and send me money
Cashapp: $moncierflex
Venmo: @Shawn-The-Comedian
Pricing:
- 15-minute performance (Uncensored)- $300
- 15 minute performance(Clean)- $380
- 20 minute performance (Uncensored) – $325
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawn.thecomedian
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnthecomdedian
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@shawn.thecomedian
