Conversations with Mason Smajstrla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mason Smajstrla.

Hi Mason, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out as a loud little Texan girl who couldn’t sit still and wouldn’t shut up…and not much has changed! Well, okay, with the help of pharmaceuticals and therapy I figured out how to channel those things into a passion. I’ve always been a slut for performing. Get me on a stage and I’ve come home. My parents were smart enough to put my antsy-ass in theatre classes from a young age, and it’s there that I realized that not only was my loudness a good thing (I played Annie at 11-yrs-old without a mic because they could “hear me just fine”), but storytelling was the thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I find that I gravitate towards storytelling in all forms: acting, improv, singing, bad tap dancing, stand-up, sketch comedy, and directing. I’ve lived and performed in almost every area of the country (Texas, Ohio, New York, California), but right now the West Coast is the best coast for me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think any artist has had a smooth road, and that’s why we’re able to reflect the world around us in the way that we do. I personally don’t trust anyone who hasn’t struggled. The more scarred, beat up, and broken you are makes me want to hear your story even more. In my case, it made me more open to hearing the unique voices around me and find a community of people who are my absolute ride-or-dies. I had to wear a back brace for scoliosis in high school (the boys looooooovedd it and I got soooooo laid!!), and my parents have been married and divorced about a thousand times. I’ve had 9 step-siblings and some of them deserve to have a paper cut on their eyeball for the rest of their life. Going on my 4th year doing comedy in NYC, the pandemic forced me to uproot my life. I’ve been underestimated, bullied, and rejected more times than I can count, both in and out of the performing world. But as my Lord and savior Beyoncé says, “If there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself”.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would like to think I’m known for my joy and my ability to find the funny in anything. I was born with a maximum volume button and no other option, but I specialize in using that loud voice to tell stories that I hope lots of people can relate to. I’m most proud of my bravery to jump in and try new things. In the past year I’ve been writing and workshopping my own one-woman-show while also directing another comics show, and I’ve consistently made viral sketch comedy videos on social media. I’ve completed the core track at the Groundlings improv theatre, and I also teach/mentor kids of all ages on how to be their best performing selves. I’m an open book and I will speak my mind onstage and off. There are thankfully already several women in comedy like that, and I hope to add to that list while staying true to my own voice.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Vulnerability is strength.
Everything you want is just on the other side of fear.
Listening to other people’s stories and really SEEING them will only help you grow.
What is meant for you will never pass you by…but you also can’t sit on your ass waiting for life to happen to you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @masonsmaj

Image Credits
David Noles Photography
Trenton Barboza Photography
Arin Sang-urai Photography
Sarah Thurman Photography