Check Out Kevin Heisinger’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Heisinger

Hi Kevin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always loved making people laugh growing up. I was the class clown, constantly telling jokes and stories. I’d always thought about trying standup, but focused on making funny videos with my friends instead. When I was 23, I went to my first open mic as an audience member. After seeing the free for all that it was, I thought to myself, I can do this. I went to the Sacramento Comedy Spot with a full page of jokes I’d written. I was very nervous, but luckily my family was there to cheer me on. My jokes killed, and I discovered my new passion: standup comedy. I continued hitting open mics and getting booked on shows, and after years and years of practice I felt it was time to move to Los Angeles.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles in my comedy career. I moved to Los Angeles in December 2019, which was pretty awful timing. I had finally moved to LA and the world decided to completely shut down. There was a brief moment where I almost moved back home with my parents in Reno. Luckily, I was able to get unemployment, and then finally a job at an all outdoor cafe, where I continued to work until LA reopened in 2021.

When I first moved to LA, I wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. A lot of the jokes I had perfected in Sacramento were not going over well at shows or open mics. I was struggling to make any friends or connections, and lost quite a bit of confidence in my comedy. Luckily, instead of quitting, I persevered. I ditched the corny one liners (but kept most of them) and decided just to be myself on stage. I pushed myself and gained quite a bit more confidence, becoming the comic that I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The quality of an open mic can determined by the host. A host can make or break a mic, and if there’s little to no energy in the room, it’s difficult for any comic to thrive. After having many negative mic experiences, I decided to start my own, and set out to find the perfect venue. One of my favorite local spots, The Roost Cocktails, a small mom and pop business here in Atwater Village was looking for more business on Tuesdays. I came to an agreement with the owner Sai, and started my very own open mic/comedy show hybrid with my cohost Robby Wagner. Here at the Afterschool Special Mic, we specialize in creating a fun and supportive environment for our fellow comics and their new material. While comedy spots can be competitive and even predatory in many areas, we’ve decided to be the opposite, creating a warm and welcoming environment for those who sign up.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Hit as many open mics or comedy shows as you can. Perform, network, make friends, go to their comedy shows, explore different venues, etc. There you will meet many seasoned comedians who have been at it for years. Get their number/IG, hit them up and ask for their advice. You never know who can help further your career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kevinheisinger
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinheisinger/
• Twitter: https://x.com/kevin_heisinger
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCul0qrjAXAZsF7vSQg2Vxaw

Image Credits
Mason Le Compte