Check Out Jose Maestas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Maestas

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When asked, I tell people that my first memory as a human being was watching Ace Ventura as a kid. I’ll never forget my brother rushing home from Blockbuster and sitting our family down to watch this crazy new movie. The way Jim Carrey walked and talked was unlike any human I had ever seen. I had no idea what he was doing, but I knew I loved it. From then on, I would stay up late with my brother and sister watching Saturday Night Live.
I began quoting my favorite comedians all day, every day. I would put on little performances for my class, or in the back of the bus on the way to sporting events. I would prank call businesses using characters from movies to entertain friends.
Now as an adult, I perform regularly at the Hollywood Improv. There I get to develop that same silly style of comedy I had as a kid.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I saved up money for years to be able to move out to Hollywood. I was so cheap it hurt. I am from New Mexico, where minimum wage was only $7. I worked as many hours as they’d let me. I wouldn’t buy drinks at the bar, it’s all about the pregame anyway. I usually made my own food. I’ve also been driving the same car since high school; she takes care of me. All this was done with because I knew I needed a safety net if I was going to be here long term. I know the goals I have are not accomplished over night.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a stand-up comedian. I like the word comedian because, it refers to a person who entertains with the purpose of eliciting laughter from an audience. To me, the word comic is one who stands on a stage and tells polished jokes. That is certainly not me. I am silly, plain and simple. I like to do impressions, little voices, tell stories about my family and touch on culture. I feel connected to the comedians I looked up to from the 90’s. I want to be silly while I’m onstage and hope the audience does too.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice to surviving away from home is to find likeminded people and treat them well. I have been lucky enough to maintain the same close circle of friends since I’ve lived in L.A.
As far as networking in general, it is something I am trying to get better at. When I’m not onstage, my instinct is to hide. In the past I never felt like I belonged or had anything of value to offer. As I have gotten older, I realize that is not the case. I make it a point to connect with other artists I love and appreciate. It is important to remember that if you don’t ask, you won’t receive. But also, if do the work, get better, and treat people well, I know good things will happen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnybrownie/