Meet Kevin Heisinger | Comedian & Writer

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

Hi Kevin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was in 3rd grade I was put into Waldorf, which is a private school that inspires students to tap into their creative side. Did I learn a lot of things? Not really. But it did inspire me to be a lot more creative when it came to writing and storytelling. I became the class clown, and loved telling stories and jokes to my fellow students, which made me realize something…I love making people laugh!

I always had an interest in writing and directing my own films. I was constantly making funny videos with my friends growing up. In high school I wrote, shot, and directed my first feature film, which was premiered for the entire school. After I graduated I continued making short films, commercials, and even pilot episodes. There was nothing more satisfying than when an audience laughed at one of the gags I wrote. Eventually I came across a local comedy club in Sacramento, the Comedy Spot. Since I loved telling stories and making people laugh, I figured…why don’t I just tell jokes?

I went to my first open mic when I was 23 just to check it out. After seeing the free for all that it was, I thought to myself, I can do this. I wrote down all my favorite jokes, and the next week I went up there and performed for the very first time. My jokes killed. I found a new love for stand up comedy, and after years and years of practice, I decided it was time to head to Los Angeles.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I first started doing open mics in LA, I wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. At one point I thought to myself, maybe I wasn’t that funny. There were times when I thought about quitting, but instead I persevered. I challenged myself to become a better comic, and ditched a lot of the corny jokes (but kept most of them). I pushed myself to hit even more open mics to get comfortable with my material. I saw a huge improvement not only in my jokes, but my onstage presence in general. I can’t tell you how far I’ve come since I’ve started performing, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.

One thing I’ve noticed in a lot of these open mics I’ve attended have been the hosts. A host can really make or break your open mic/comedy show experience. I cannot tell you how many mics I’ve attended where the host has little to no interest being there. Robby Wagner and I have started our own open mic/comedy show hybrid every Tuesday at The Roost Cocktails here in Atwater Village. As the hosts, we’ve decided to create a supportive and fun environment for the comics. Not only do we book some great LA comics, but it’s followed by an open mic where anyone can sign up and try out some new material! (Please buy something though)

I’ve learned so much about standup and pursuing comedy now that I’m in LA. Some lessons that I’ve learned on my journey: never give up, network, don’t take things personally, and have rich parents.

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?
Definitely the Comedy Store. Yeah it’s kind of a tourist trap, but for good reason! I cannot tell you how many celebrities I’ve met simply by just sitting on the front porch. Were they all nice to me? Not really. But still, where else are you gonna meet Pauly Shore?

I live in Atwater Village, which is a great community with a small town vibe. One of my favorite spots is The Roost. The owner Sai has always been very sweet and accommodating, and was one of my only friends during the pandemic. She even agreed to let Robby Wagner and me host our own comedy show/open mic at The Roost every Tuesday (7:00 one item minimum please)! A great spot with a chill dive bar vibe and a jukebox. Another spot I always bring people to is Club Tee Gee. Also walking distance from my place, this bar has it all. Comedy shows every Thursday, DJs and dancing almost every night, or just a chill spot to get a beer. You might even see some celebs while you’re there, who knows? Met Bill Burr at a comedy show there once, nice guy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people to thank for my journey not only into comedy, but pursuing it full time in Los Angeles. Definitely my mother, who I would not be here without her support (and retirement money). My loving girlfriend Mason Le Compte, who’s been nothing but supportive and has been putting up with me for over 2 and a half years. Can’t forget Alex Caron, the first friend I made when I moved to LA. He hosts his own monthly comedy show Creatures of Habit, so check that out. And of course my good friend Robby Wagner, who inspired my to start our very own open mic/comedy show.

Some more shoutouts to my comedy fam: CT Adams, Mike Muratore, Keith Graber, Kaitlyn Cooper, Breanna Kelley, Carol Newell, Kayla Esmond, Mikey McKernan, Matt Smolsky, Remy Clio…the list goes on!

Website: https://linktr.ee/kevinheisinger

Instagram: @kevinheisinger

Twitter: @kevin_heisinger

Youtube: Kevin Heisinger

Other: Check out my podcast Midnight Movie Night!

Image Credits
Mason Le Compte