We had the good fortune of connecting with Alan Squats and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Sometimes we get into our heads too much. Fire, shoot, aim. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Network with people, the people who are interested in similar pursuits/passions as you are. If you love the business, the hard days will be worth weathering through. Take a break when you need one. Oh yeah, maybe take a business class? A mentor or someone to hold you accountable. Vision board yourself.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Acting, teaching, stand-up comedy, being a singing-freaking-telegram, focus-grouping, and doing whatever the hell else that keeps the lights on without sacrificing my principles.
What is your stand-up Comedy Style and what sets you apart from other comedians?
I have a situational, storytelling approach when it comes to stand-up comedy. No one can tell your story better than you can, or at least no one knows it better than you do. I think my real life stories have helped me to connect with audiences on stage because I connect to those stories on a personal level. Regardless….funny is funny. Damon Wayans Jr. and Greg Wilson told me that a while back and no matter the style, it’s true. What sets me apart? Gees. I guess I am still figuring that out. I’ve kinda noticed when I relive past stories on stage with the decisions I have made or am still struggling to come to terms with using great timing, attitude, and delivery, my performances are on point. Also being free in the moment each step of the way is key. One of my biggest goals in 2021 is to book more paid gigs and get other comic friends of mine booked and paid alongside with me.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would def introduce my visiting friends to Canter’s Restaurant, Bakery, Deli, and Bar. Then we would probably go to The Comedy Store or the Improv on Melrose to follow that meal. I love Canters because their sandwiches are great. Their menu is pretty big and accommodating. The Comedy Store and The Improv have A List Comedians dropping in all night so you can’t go wrong chilling there. If I could choose one place to go and eat only, it would definitely be Bay Cities in Santa Monica [Don’t be foolish]. We would dominate The Godmother Sandwich there and then spend a day on the beach relaxing. Best sandwich I have ever had. I would also go to The Getty Museum because it is the best museum I have ever been to and think anyone going would have an amazing time.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few but I won’t bore you. My father. He always supported me despite not agreeing with me all the time on my decisions. My sister deserves a lot of credit too because I can confide in her always and she knows how to help me put a better perspective on things.
Website: http://imdb.me/alansquats
Youtube: https://youtu.be/LhT2DgfWVYw