Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Hamilton
Hayden, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never planned on becoming a comedian. That being said, comedy was always a part of my life. Not only did I quote comedic media constantly, I was also the only kid asking to watch comedy specials at sleepovers.
My goal in high school was to work in petroleum engineering, never ha-has.
My senior year of high school, my health took a negative turn. Due to this, my college and career plans had to change.
A year after graduation, I was at a loss. I was depressed, confused, and had no plan on how to succeed with my physical disabilities.
I’ve always used comedy to cope throughout life, and this was no different. I saw an open mic in the local paper and started scribbling some ideas. I went out to the mic with the intention of only watching. But something in me knew that my life could only be this obscure and enigmatic if it could be used to make others’ lives easier with a laugh or two.
As I walked off stage for the first time, a comedian named Jeff Tolbert looked at me and said, “Yeah, you’ll be alright.” To me, that meant I’d be at every possible mic from then on.
College had always been a goal of mine, and now I did not know how to achieve that. I found that Emerson College in Boston had just started a new BFA in, “Comedic Arts.” The major would include a rounded education in all things comedy; from history, to improv, to stand-up, to writing, acting, production, directing, etc.
I struggled connecting, being both from a small town and having schizoid personality disorder. But in the end, I learned a great deal and met a group of extremely talented people.
There was travel, performances, and struggles of various kinds from graduation until I was finally able to escape to Los Angeles a year ago.
Actively, I hit comedy mics and perform on shows around the city as often as possible. I am constantly looking for the next opportunity, going on new adventures, and trying to sculpt the next great joke. As my friend, Josh Freeman, told me, “Live a life worth reporting on.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road has been anything but smooth.
I am actively taking time away from performing to seek treatment for cracked ribs and debilitating migraines.
Extreme health and mental struggles were the catalyst for my comedy career.
I’m driven beyond what my body can handle.
People close to me have not believed in me, hated me, or even told me to quit. That’s just what comedy is. It’s probably the same for any art.
Multiple concussions have set me back a great deal, each time making life a little more difficult than the last.
A car wreck involving a deer and me rolling my car off a hill made thinking clearly, let alone creating, nearly impossible for quite some time.
I constantly question my ability to achieve. A bad health day can make me question every life choice I’ve ever made. But, I never feel healthier, more invincible, or more myself than when I’m doing stand-up comedy.
My life would be so much simpler if I pursued… ANYTHING else. But, I just cannot live without getting on stage.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to create. I like different aspects of each role.
Stand up is my absolute favorite because it’s 100% me. Pass or fail, good or bad, it’s mine.
Acting is fun because it allows me to try and find the proper mix of myself and a character. Find enough of me to relate to, then lose myself in whatever role I’m taking on.
Voice acting is sensational! I grew up watching superhero cartoons, using the characters to mold my moral compass. I want to be the voice of the characters that inspire children to grow up without fear of their full potential.
I write because I want to see my ideas come to life. I want every detail in my head put on the page so the reader can see it as vividly as I do.
Directing is terrifying. So many loose ends and details to remember and tie together. But it’s also one of the most rewarding arts, as it allows you to showcase others’ talent through your work. There are so many talented people working right now. The opportunity for collaborating and showcasing their work is truly something to be cherished.
I create to help me heal as well as heal others; the medium is irreverent.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In comedy, it is a lot of just showing up. Make appearances at every club and mic you can. Hone your craft. You never know what joke will hit or who might be there to hear it. Talk to the comedians you think are funny. Talk to the comedians booking rooms. Find your favorite club and make it your second home. Your favorite comedian might just grab a drink at the bar, who knows?
Support others, and they will support you. But always be working and writing, so when you get your chance, you leave an impression.
Pricing:
- Contact me and we can work something out!!!
- Varies depending on travel, time performing, situation, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Haydenhamiltoncomedy.com
- Instagram: @Thehahahamilton
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehahahamilton?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @thehahahamilton
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thehahahamilton?si=CE5axCapgrka_zaL
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=GYUk3_gVP_bHqA4RTaFE8w&utm_source=ishare
- Other: TikTok @thehahahamilton
Image Credits
Amber @Underhill_menagerie
Chuck Friedman @cfriedmancamera
Rha-Bea @qrhabea
