Meet Isaac Landfert: Comedian (producer, writer, booker, editor, performer, instructor)

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

Hi Isaac, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
In entertainment, I think it is important to respect the audience. You want to make sure everyone involved, performers, crew/staff, etc., are taken care of, but too often the audience is seen simply as the consumer. I try to look at everything from their perspective. When I am in their position, my biggest complaints are when I feel the product has been dumbed down or is too self indulgent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in the punk rock scene. All my friends were in bands but I didn’t play. So, I took on the roles of manager, booker, merch guy, etc. When I got into comedy, I brought all of that along with me. I started booking shows at the same time I started performing. I realized, specifically with stand-up, that most comedians weren’t great at the organizational side of things. I took that as an opportunity to use my skills to benefit the community. As a performer, I do some tradition work, but the majority of my performing is as characters. In the Midwest, there wasn’t always a place for that. I created most of my own opportunities and shows. Thankfully, I had the experience and skills to do that. I was 10 years in before I started hooking up with artists, outside of my close circle, to collaborate with. Now I get to run several events a month that focus on that weird niche. More than anything, I learned to not rely on others for your opportunities. I also learned that there is value in your individual experiences and that working with other people can bring mutual benefit, Those two ideas might sound contradictory, but it is all about who you choose to work with. Now, under the umbrella of Harebrained Comedy, I bring it all together. We offer workshops and coaching. We book private and public shows and develop our own productions, both live and online.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Indianapolis has a good zoo and some pretty decent museums. The children’s museum is pretty neat. We also have better restaurants than one might expect. I tend to stay within a pretty small ecosystem in the city. So, my recommendations are going to be within the Fountain Square/Fletcher Place area. Eat at Milktooth and Bluebeard. At night, catch a show at the White Rabbit Cabaret and bar hop around Fountain Square.

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 wife and daughters deserve the biggest shoutout. They are the one’s that have to deal with me on a daily basis. Also, The White Rabbit Cabaret. This venue has provided me more opportunity and growth than anywhere.

Website: Harebrainedcomedy.com (under construction currently) whiterabbitcabaret.com

Instagram: @harebrainedcomedy, @isaacelandfert, @fakeauthorsindy

Facebook: facebook.com/isaaclandfert

Image Credits
Pauline Shypula