Meet Nichelle Murdock of Crack’em Up Comedy Entertainment in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichelle Murdock.

Nichelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Cleveland Hts., Ohio. Growing up, I frequently performed in school and local talent shows and wherever else I could showcase my dancing and choreography skills. I was also a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Even though I did love my dance classes, MTV was the new fad and the music videos were incredible! I began to take up an interest in not only wanting to become a dancer in Janet Jackson’s videos, I wanted to become the one who was directing her music videos. Then I decided I wanted to go even bigger and follow in the footsteps of Spike Lee and become a filmmaker- producer, writer, and director.

In 1992, I moved to Atlanta, GA to study Mass Media Arts (Radio/Tv/Film Production) at Clark Atlanta University (BA 1996). I also had a chance to work at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games as a Liaison Officer for the Field Hockey Events. I loved Atlanta’s vibe but after graduation, I craved for more. I relocated to the Washington D.C. area in 1998. I found work in a busy post-production house but was bored out of my mind. I applied for a new job at a local film production company. While being interviewed by the executive producer/owner, he told me that I didn’t “look like I belonged in D.C.” and he advised me to- “just go west because it’s too many stupid people in LA making a lot of money”. He said, “You’re not stupid so you’ll be fine”. I agreed and decided that it was time to go. A month later -June 2000, I was living in Los Angeles, CA seeking work as a freelancer. Two weeks later, I was working at MTV as a Production Assistant. Over the course of a year, I had the chance to work on three other MTV shows including the 2000 MTV Movie Awards.

After MTV, I worked as a researcher/associate producer for two shows on Oxygen. While searching for my next gig, I asked my good friend Dusean Williams if the show he was on was hiring. He said yes and since I’ve always had a love for stand-up comedy, I submitted my resume. It was for a long-running comedy show on BET called Comic View. I initially got hired on as a Writer’s Assistant but once that role was completed, my duties expanded to Executive Assistant, Travel Coordinator, and Associate Producer. Of course, this is when I befriended comedians (from LA and across the country) and they encouraged me to start my own room.

I was a little hesitant but after months of research and scouting locations, I officially started my own show Crack’Em Up Thursdays at the Comedy Store (Belly Room) in W. Hollywood, CA on October 14, 2003. The show began as a monthly for the first three months and launched into a weekly show by month four. With the advice from two comedy veterans, I developed the room as a work-out room for the professional comedian. A place where all comedy styles are welcome…You just gotta be funny! 

Between (2003-2008), I continued to build my Thursday night show and my Crack’Em Up brand (in the US and UK) while working on various tv production gigs in LA. In 2005-2007 I booked Bill Bellamy, Kevin Hart, Leslie Jones, Mark Curry, and a few others for various shows and tours in the United Kingdom (UK). 

In the Fall of 2012, my sister Dawn Murdock launched our monthly comedy show in Detroit, Michigan- Crack’Em Up Wednesdays at the Music Hall. The show was a success and created a pipeline to LA for talent from the Detroit/Midwest area. Our Detroit show ran until May 2017. 

In January 2018 the Crack’Em Up Comedy Podcast began in the basement of the Comedy Store (podcast studio). It was formatted as the “after-party show” running simultaneously with our show up upstairs. We currently have 41 podcast episodes now playing on Soundcloud and iTunes. Season 3 (Live from the Belly Room green room) is coming soon. 

Has it been a smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but I have learned to appreciate all the bumps and bruises along my journey. Being stretched and challenged has made me tougher and wiser. 

In May 2008, I was diagnosed (in LA) with bilateral carotid body tumors (benign). I got a second opinion in Cleveland and I underwent a 16.5 hrs. Surgery on August 28, 2008 and I lived to tell about it! I spent 15 months recovering in Cleveland at my parent’s house and was surrounded by family and friends the entire time. The surgery left me with a few issues such as facial paralysis on my left side and deafness in my left ear. While I was in Cleveland, my Crack’Em Up team (Uncle Levi and Esau McGraw) managed to keep my show going in the Belly room. I returned to LA in August 2009 and I was on a mission. I knew I had to do things differently because I deserved it. I just fought for my life and I had won… I wanted so much more. I began to put more focus on my brand and my projects. I had always considered working in Talent Management, so I finally decided to take that leap. Tony Baker was my first comedian, eventually adding two others to my roster a few years later. It was at this time when I also accepted the opportunity to book and manage two local LA comedy clubs.

As an African American woman, I knew that there would be obstacles to overcome in this male dominated field, but I pushed forward.  I want young girls and young women of all colors to know that they can make all their dreams come true. They must trust the process, stay focused, consistent, persistent and believe in themselves. The sky is the limit.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am the founder and executive producer of Crack’Em Up Comedy. I’m also a writer and a talent booker. I enjoy developing new talent and I’m not afraid to introduce the world to who’s up next, fresh and funny.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of showcasing and watching rising stars like Justin Hires (former Crack’Em Up host), London Brown, Jackie Fabulous, Nika King, Tony Baker (former Crack’Em Up host), Esther Ku, Josh Adam Meyers, Yvonne Orji, Leonard Ouzts, Ron Taylor, Jordan Rock, and more grow into the tv stars and crowd favorites that they are today.

Comedy stars like Marlon Wayans, Dave Chappelle, Damon Wayans JR, Gina Yashere, Kevin Hart, Leslie Jones (former Crack’Em Up host), Guy and Joe Torry, Tiffany Haddish, Deon Cole, Roy Woods Jr., Mark Curry, and many more have come through over the years and they continue to drop in to crack us UP! 

Throughout the years, I’ve been able to tape/produce my own stand-up comedy pilots/projects such as our Crack’Em Up Comedy Presents Series, Crack Up for A Cause, Wine Glass Comedy and the Canna Comedy Show- a stand-up comedy show hosted by performance clowns. I am currently developing my next set of projects with my writing partner and producing team. 

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is the place to be! My advice is to “bring God with you and come ready to do the work”.

Contact Info:

• Website: crackemupcomedy.com
• Phone: 3235225274
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Dan Ramos – audience and crowd shots; Willie Macc- nichelle’s single photo (w/grafitti)

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