Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Magid
Hi Michael , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Comedy at HI Santa Monica is nothing new. In fact it was prob one of the first live events I recall in the Rapp Saloon since I’ve been around. The space was being used as a “workout” room for comedians to test material in a casual setting. Originally run by Josh Filipowski and then Andy Ruther Both of them did a great job of setting up a foundation for the room, but when I asked to get involved I saw the potential for something bigger. Rather than just a performance space, why not make this a full scale promoted show with billed line-ups . Wouldn’t it be a better “workout” for the comedians to play to a full room rather than just a few passerby’s?
So I spoke to the Venue and to Andy Ruther about changing the layout of the room (thanks to advice by comedian Jeff MacKinnon ) and started promoting the show with flyers, sandwich boards, sign up sheets etc. We incentivized people to come by giving free refreshments and snacks.
I also committed to getting there almost 3 hours before showtime. The show grew so quickly that we added a second night of the week. (Saturday on top of Tuesday)
When Dalia Malek & then Prateek Srivastava became involved after the Pandemic, we added electronic tickets and QR Codes; plus started paying hosts to make it a real professional experience.
Now the show is running full steam ahead with capacity crowds consistently and many Touring names regularly on our line-ups
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say the main challenge , but part of the fun can be the language and cultural barriers at the show. However many times the audience share perspectives and stories that really not only entertain , but educate the comedians as well!
From a business stand-point , in a saturated market such as Los Angeles with so many entertainment options, visibility & promotion are prob the biggest hurdle. How do the right eyes see the advertising? Fortunately ; we have a solid built in audience at our shows from HI Santa Monica & we are so lucky to have packed crowds on the regular 🙂
Finally , since HI is a non-profit , there is a limited amount of funding available, so the producers need to fund from the hip which can get costly. Our next step is to look for sponsors to help off-set costs & allow us to pay performers a proper wage for their time. It costs anywhere between 200-500 a month just to keep the show running; so if any business out there wants to partner, let us know!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Comedy In English International Comedy Show ?
Well in a nut shell, “Comedy in English” is an international stand up show taking place every Tues & Sat at 8:30pm inside Hosteling International’s Famous “Rapp Saloon” (Which is the Oldest Building in the city) The show is Co-produced by Touring Comedians Michael Magid and Prateek Srivastava.
The concept is simple, but the challenge of the room is not! 4 comedians perform 15 minutes in front of an International crowd to see if their material is truly universal and can cross cultural and language barriers 🙂
The show has been picked as a Top 5 event in LA by 5everyday.com , and has gotten favorable reviews on comedy blogs and websites such as Comedy Cake the EXperiment , and has been featured on LA ‘s prestigious Comedy Bureau Events Listings.
The LA Weekly also did a 4 page favorable spread on the show, , and overseas it has been featured on Danish Television, and in a documentary on French Super Star Kev Adams,
Local papers such as the Argonaut & breeze have done pieces on the show.
The show is not only a hit with the international visitors to Los Angeles, but many locals attend this “off beat” unorthodox show from places as far as Santa Barbara and Orange County.
Top Class Comedians that have been featured on “The Tonight Show” , “Comedy Central”, “Netflix”, “Amazon”, “Conan” commonly pop in for “guest spots” to challenge themselves in a space that is unlike any show in Los Angeles County.
Tickets are extremely reasonable with a 10$ cover which helps offset the costs of the show, pay comedians and cover other expenses. A Donation of 5$ is also extremely encouraged which goes into a fund to keep the show running twice a week despite rising costs of living and goods. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite or purchased directly at the show. The show is a collaboration between HI Santa Monica ‘s Events Commitee and The Independent Producers.
What were you like growing up?
Well this piece is not about me; so I would rather take this time to focus on the growth of Comedy in English. Specifically Our Growth plan.
And that is to eventually take this show on the road & duplicate this template at other international venues around the country. Whether it’s Hostels, hotels, tourist destinations, I absolutely love this concept and want to share it with many others nationwide and maybe around the world!
Another goal is to take the concept to comedy festivals internationally and see how well it translates in other markets.
One of the great things about comedy is there are so many quality comedians worldwide, that many cities could utilize local talent and we wouldn’t miss a beat!
Pricing:
- 10.00 Tickets on Eventbrite
- 5$ Suggested Donation at Venue to help keep the show running
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-in-english-w-comedians-from-netflix-amazon-cw-more-tuessat-tickets-164575157727?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Instagram: @comedyinenglish @michaelmagid @prateekcomedy
- Facebook: @ComInEng @goalkeeper290 @prateekcomedy
- Twitter: @comedynenglish @michaelmagid @TheDailyPrateek
- Youtube: @comedyinenglish
- Other: https://www.michaelmagidcomedy.com/comedy-in-english. www.prateekcomedy.com
Image Credits
Rivers Langley @riverslangley (also a guest producer for the comedy in english show)
