Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Bearman.
Samantha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in comedy from an early age and was always told wow you’re so funny, although much like any story it was not with ease. Growing up, my friends would always ask what movie I was quoting as I’d confidently say something side-splitting on the playground, and they’d have trouble believing me when I told them I didn’t hear it anywhere I just made it up. The drama and theatre kids at my high school were the most exclusive clique to crack and I felt like my name just never came up on their list – so no stage time for me, but it gave me ample opportunity to finesse my craft with my friends and build up my public speaking skills. College opened the door for me to join an improv team which was my bread and butter … and safety zone for almost a decade. All the while hearing from friends and family that I should pursue stand-up comedy as an independent performer – and like many well-intentioned statements I’d smile, and pack it away, I wasn’t ready.
Well fast forward to postgraduate school – I was ready – I mean, I put it on my vision board ready! Two weeks later, I joined a comedy writing class and eight weeks after that, I had my first stand up performance, hooked does not even begin to describe the experience. I have been fortunate to be a networker by nature and have been able to connect with industry leaders who have shared their knowledge with me. Now it is two years later and I’ve gone on tour, produced over 50 of my own shows with Bear Cave Comedy, and am teaching comedy lessons! I will say the more I lean into comedy, the more I believe I am 100% aligned with my passion and I may not always know how, but I just know that it is going to work!
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road, though less bumpy than others. I have lead with the belief that I’m not going to do this exactly like everyone else and have also learned no one knows exactly how they got to their level of success. I mean they can’t say perform with this club for six months and then your dreams will become reality! Everyone successful has their own unique series of events. Also, being a woman in this male-dominated industry has not been without its own roadblocks. Often I’ll be the only woman on a lineup. Now add being Hispanic to the mix, and we’ve added a whole other element to the mix. One of the tactics I have integrated to use these two factors of my identity that I have no control over is sending bookers their own flyers from their previous shows and pointing out that they have had no females on their lineup or are lacking diversity. It’s an odd feeling when men decide that they deserve a place on stage and when you’re booked for the same show you have to prove yourself to them with your talent. This mentality was one of the driving forces that I launched my own production so that I could decide who was getting stage time, so I could have a balance of talent from a versatile collection of different points of view.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bear Cave Comedy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am an Empowerment Coach + Writing Expert. I have a master’s degree in behavior change from the University of Kentucky. I have been writing professionally in the private and non-profit sector for over a decade; and I am a contributing journalist for Syndrome Magazine as well as an accomplished stand up comedian. I am a motivational maven and love being a supportive coach who provides encouragement, due diligence, and accountability to my clients. Together we identify what is their passion forward focus and then we lead with that throughout their coaching program. I work with clients to identify their immediate, short, and long term goals while setting realistic action steps to elevate your business ideas into multiple sources of income! I believe in living a life filled with creativity, abundance, and gratitude.
We all have creative ideas inside of us, working together we can turn creativity into action! I believe in putting what you want out into the universe, and always operating from a place of gratefulness. The more we recognize what we have to be grateful for the more the universe provides for us to be grateful. Together we will not only pinpoint your skills but highlight them as well! We not only can create art but we can create the life we DESERVE to live! I also use comedy as a way to bring the community together for a cause, producing sold-out comedy and variety shows that raised money for organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Planned Parenthood and the American Heart Association. I now have my own bi-monthly room, Bear Cave Comedy in Santa Barbara and teaches comedy online to comedians and professionals alike.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the hidden gems that LA and Santa Barbara both have to offer. To me each of these cities defines do not judge a book by its cover, when a building tucked away off of a main street can offer you the most authentic Korean BBQ you know you’ve got the real thing. The thing I like the least are the one way streets that can delay me from getting to my next location. I’m not an aggressive driver though I do use my horn if needed and sometimes I overuse it on those damn one way streets – maybe to cover up that I’m frustrated that I’ll have to drive several blocks out of my way because I missed my turn.
Pricing:
- From Cave to Stage 8 Week Comedy Class – $250.00
- Write It Down – 6 Week Creative Writing Program – $347.00
- 1:1 Coaching Program – $1097.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samanthabearman.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sambearcomedy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/150521542271073
- Other: www.instagram.com/the.samantha.bearman
Image Credit:
Abbey Anderson
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