Today we’d like to introduce you to Mat Dann.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mat. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a kid growing up in New Hampshire, I was a class clown, had sub par grades but wasn’t a dummy – I was just more concerned with making the other kids laugh than anything the teacher was trying to accomplish. Eventually, I got the stones to do my first open mic, I was 16 years old. I did a foul-mouthed set about catching my parents hooking up on top of the washing machine.
After squeaking through high school with no direction the logical thing to do was follow in my father’s footsteps as a firemen/paramedic. For a number of years, I dropped comedy altogether, got through the fire academy and community college, tried a handful of drugs and floated for a few years. Your classic story of a lost 20 something.
Over the next ten years, I figured myself out – I got motivated, married and moved to Los Angeles in 2012. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in many facets of the comedy community including stand up, writing, sketch and improv. Looking back, I consider myself lucky to have trusted my gut and pursued what actually fires me up in life even though I got a little lost along the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, the real struggle for me was when I was directionless, unmotivated and stagnant. Once I found my work ethic and focus the road didn’t get easy but it became possible. I really try to keep things in perspective that even though day to day as a comedian and writer can be difficult, I am fortunate to be able to get up everyday and try.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I have multiple projects happening with lots of talented folks.
In terms of writing, I was a member on the Groundling’s Sunday Co., where I met my writing partner Teddy Gilmore. Our pilot Stayers was a finalist at the 2019 Nashville Film Festival. We continue to write almost daily and are excited to share our upcoming projects.
As far as digital content, in 2019 I created a short film with Casey Gullickson called Five Stars. It finished as a finalist in the LA Comedy Film Festival. This past March, I released a new web series A Couple of Dicks, created with Matthew Gudernatch and Ryan Lagod. Currently, we have released four episodes with more on the way.
I produce two stand up comedy shows in the Los Angeles area – The Sunset Special at Soho House (West Hollywood) and Ill Prepared, both with host Matt Catanzano. Also, I am a regularly featured comedian for Just Tryna Make Friends show produced by Emilia Barrosse and Julie Roland. Currently, the show travels between Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and New York.
Throughout all of these collaborations, I’ve been fortunate to find the right chemistry of a good working relationship. At the end of the day, the personal connections are key in making each project successful. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses, being a good listener and understanding ideas can be fluid are the most important lessons I’ve learned in working with other people.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Zero. I don’t believe in luck. It’s all about being prepared for opportunity when it presents itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.matdanncomedy.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matdannimal/ (@matdannimal)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mat.dann.73?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatDannimal (@MatDannimal)
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/acoupleofdicks/
Image Credit:
Mike Falzone, James Rios
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