Meet Curtis Chase | Comedian, Actor, and Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Curtis Chase and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Curtis, why did you pursue a creative career?
That’s an interesting question, it makes me wonder what sane person would actually choose to pursue this? It’s like you have to be delusional on some level to think you can make it. But I’ve always thought, people are out there having successful careers in the arts, why can’t I?

I’ve worked office jobs, restaurant jobs, at my Dad’s winery, etc. None of them have ever made me feel as alive as performing. I’ve surrendered to the fact that I might spend my entire life in pursuit of this thing, of that feeling. And oddly enough, I’m okay with that (which is probably where the delusion comes into play).

I also believe in the power of comedy to heal and reflect truth to an audience. Plus, I want people to leave a show feeling better than when they came in!

On a philosophical level, I’ve also been honing in on the idea that everyone has a purpose. Oh gosh, I know how this is going to sound. But I truly believe my purpose is to make people laugh and feel good. Which means I’ve got to give this everything I’ve got to share my purpose with the world.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
The style and comedians I’m drawn to are that of Meg Stalter, John Early, Kate Berlant, Caitlin Reilly, Nick Kroll… absurd, experimental, but still relatable and accessible. While watching these performers live shows, I noticed that the audience seemed the most engaged when they were being included.

Thus, audience interaction has become a staple of my comedy. I’ve noticed that many comedians will attempt to make someone feel bad about their appearance or personality to get a laugh. PSA: Comedians, stop making people paying to see shows feel worse! My style is the flip of this, I want to include people and make them feel included for participating! For specifics, I guess you’ll just have to come see a show 😉

The journey here has certainly had challenges, but if any of this was easy then I’d like to think that everyone would be doing it. Part of my journey was that I signed with a reputable talent agency after my college showcase and it was great in the beginning. However, since I didn’t immediately book anything the auditions became less and less frequent. After being together for a year and a half, during Jan – April of 2021 I only got one audition and it was for a part that Dave Franco ended up getting. Ultimately it didn’t feel like my team had my interests at heart and were no longer excited about me. Thus, I ended up parting ways with them that April.

It was sad because I was so excited when I originally signed but I’m grateful to have been with a large agency out the gate and to have auditioned for the projects I did. Upon reflecting, I realized that for a year and half I kept waiting for them to call or email me. What this taught me was that I can’t rely on others to make my dreams come true. I’ve got to find a way to make it happen myself.

As a result, I started actively posting comedy videos online and even had one get over 2 million views (https://www.tiktok.com/@curtischaser/video/7065158161702882606). I started writing an original ensemble comedy pilot and am currently on the 5th draft of it. I also started performing stand-up and created my own solo comedy show, Organized Chaos, which premiered in Dec 2022 to back to back sold out crowds at The Lyric Hyperion in LA.

A year ago I was terrified of trying stand-up, but live comedy is the most linear growth I’ve seen artistically so far. The golden rule here being, if it scares you, it’s probably what you should zero in on.

I’m definitely not where I want to be yet, but I like to think that younger me would be proud of the progress we’ve made. I have big goals for the rest of the year and am ready to put the work in. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future has in store 🙂

If I can hop on a quick soap box, I want people to know that none of our paths are easy, but we’ve all got to keep going. On the other side of that door, a breakthrough is waiting for all of us!

PS… the second version of my solo show, Organized Chaos, will be here in LA on April 23rd at Three Clubs in Hollywood! Would love to have you there (especially if you think having fun is like cool or something?)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Top three:

Sushi Stop in Hollywood (super affordable + delicious sushi!)

Barnsdall Art Park (great and lowkey for a park hang, A+ when the sun is setting)

The Elysian Theatre (for whacky and experimental live comedy)

For more of an itinerary:

For activities, I’d recommend a Hollywood Sign Hike, exploring Griffith, or going for a walk around the Silver Lake Reservoir. Also, the Santa Monica Pier rides look fun if someone wants to go on a date 😉

For places to eat, Figaro Bistrot in Los Feliz is a good time to pretend to be French. If you are looking for somewhere fancy/nice, Yamashiro in Hollywood has a Fantastic View.

For bars/nightlife, Akbar in Silverlake is my favorite. It’s queer and lowkey in comparison to some of the other queer spots in town. The Well in Hollywood next to the Palladium is also a great place to grab a drink.

I’d say LA is such an eclectic city and there’s so much to do, even going to an area and getting lost for a bit is a good way to explore.

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?
My family, first and foremost. I come from a very large Italian family and they are probably a little too close? But on the flip side of that, they are so incredibly supportive. My family has been at every show I’ve ever done, all the way from middle school to my recent shows in LA. They are the GOATs!

Second would have to be my acting teachers at Boston University, specifically our Alexander Technique teacher Betsy Polatin. The Alexander Technique is all about grounding and centering yourself and spending four years with a master like Betsy was the best part of my education. I use the skills we learned frequently and on top of that, Betsy’s a hoot and a great person!

Lastly, I’d like to shout out my Dad for my work ethic and my Mom for my open and comedic personality. Truly glad for the melting pot they created even if it was too much for them (they divorced when I was in kindergarten, definitely for the best)

Website: www.curtischasecomedy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtischasecomedy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@curtischasecomedy

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@curtischasecomedy

Image Credits
Some of the photos were taken by Ben French Photography