Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Macofsky.
Ali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I always enjoyed entertaining people. Wherever I was, I wanted to be seen and heard. When I was in 3rd grade, at the ripe age of seven, I called into a radio station and landed a gig making prank phone calls.
I did it for about four years, and it was when I realized that performing could be an actual career path for me. I got really into stand up my senior year of high school when I was going through a pretty dark but transformative time in my life. I would drive up to the Laugh Factory in Hollywood at least once a week and use my oldest sisters ID to get into the shows. I would go up so often that one of the comics during his set asked me if I was stalking him.
I started going to open mics not too long after and in my time as a comedian so far have done some really cool things. One cool thing was going to dinner as a peer with the comedian at the Laugh Factory that asked if I was stalking him. Before I started comedy and was going to those shows, all I wanted to do was be able to get up there and do what they were doing.
To now be doing what they’re doing makes me so happy. No matter what is going on in my life, through all of my highs and lows, I always remember that I aspire to get better and better and as long as I’m performing I’m already living my dream.
Has it been a smooth road?
It can be very challenging to follow a road not many dares to take and one that some people don’t understand. I think a lot of times the biggest struggles I’ve had are the ones I have created myself. Telling myself a narrative that might not be true or talking down to myself. I think as long as I keep my head down and just try to get better and be smarter, I’ll get through anything.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I feel really lucky to have started comedy in Los Angeles. I got to go to the big clubs and see headliners perform regularly. I’d also get to see the up and coming comics who aren’t yet household names but to observe their process on their way to it. I also got to learn from a lot of people I didn’t aspire to be like. I got to be a regular on The Kill Tony podcast at the world famous Comedy Store.
I would write and perform a brand new minute of material every week on this show and did it for over two years. It introduced me to take risks on stage and learn to find my voice. I got to perform in front of great comedians who I would never have the chance to perform in front of in any other scenario. It allowed me to receive positive feedback from phenomenal comics like Ron White and get to open a couple shows with Russell Peters.
Now I get to perform regularly with Joe Rogan who has become a mentor and friend. I’m so grateful for these people and also for my community around me. In LA I’m lucky to be surrounded by such a diverse and creative group of individuals who show me how to flourish in dark rooms.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I didn’t know I could start anywhere else. I was so naive. I was at an open mic one night, and a guy said he started in Oregon, so I started looking at apartments to live in Oregon.
I’m happy I started and have stayed here so far. I love Los Angeles. I think it’s smart to start wherever you are and have somewhere or something in mind to aspire and grow too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alimacofsky.com
- Instagram: @notalimac
- Twitter: @notalimac
Image Credit:
Jon Premosch
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