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

Hi Lindsey, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. I was raised in a charismatic Christian household which, naturally, fuels a lot of my comedy today. I grew up in what is considered a “mega church” atmosphere, and in hindsight, was pretty crazy, to say the least.  I first started out in music, when I first discovered I could sing at an audition for the 6th grade choir. My lip shook the entire time I was so nervous. I continued to sing in church throughout high school  and throughout college where I majored in Music Business Marketing. And yes, before you even need to ask, I was in multiple Christian bands. Yes, one of them was just called Rain. There are many reasons to grow up and focus on comedy – but I think this paragraph explains exactly why I do what I do now. Ha!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I never really considered comedy or acting – even though I apparently wrote on a school project in the 5th Grade that I wanted to be an actress in LA which is – so weird?! But honestly, it wasn’t in my plans whatsoever. I always loved doing plays, etc throughout high school and college, but it wasn’t until my Dad passed away in June of 2006  – a month after I graduated college – from a rare lung disease called Alpha 1. It was a bit unexpected and I was obviously grieving.  My sister recommended I watch this newer show called The Office, and I quickly became obsessed, just like the rest of the entire nation and quite possibly the world :).  My husband (yes I married too young and yes my husband agrees) and I were living in West Lafayette at the time as he was studying Veterinary Medicine and I was putting us through school doing random jobs. He suggested I start taking classes at Second City Chicago – which was a 2.5 hour drive. So I started taking classes every Monday and would drive 2.5 hours there and 2.5 hours back for a 3 hour class. I eventually said, I gotta go chase this thing that really lights me on fire. So, we lived apart for 3 years while he finished school and I completed training at Second City Chicago, iO Chicago, and The Annoyance. I drowned myself in character work and satire. It was an absolute dream, and I truly found my home in improv, comedy, and sketch writing – albeit later than most.
We then moved to LA for him to do his residency and I completed training and just ended my 18 month run in the Groundlings Sunday Company which was 8 years in the making! I’m very proud. Throughout this process, I started doing scene study training at RD Studio, and since, I have discovered that acting, even outside of comedy, is something that I completely adore – which is very unexpected. I guess the little girl who wrote in 5th grade that she wanted to be an actress in LA was right. That sounded so cheesy and La La Land-ish but, I don’t care, ok?
The passing of my father at such a young age truly changed my perspective. I was so thankful for comedy and art at that time in my life when I didn’t feel I could laugh or feel inspired at all. If I can do something like that for someone else with any of my comedy or performances, what a true gift. My dad always used to say “You should do theater or acting” and I said “No way.” This is the biggest “I told you so” in the history of ever. Love you, Dad. I hope I’m making you laugh and I hope you’re not mad I’m not doing business.

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.
As much as I love this city – I love the amazing short and easy trips that are truly amazing! I would immediately spend a few days in Ojai. It’s such a beautiful getaway from the city and there is this cute restaurant called The Ojai Beverage Company that has the best buffalo chicken lettuce wraps that I think about that place and their phenomenal beer selection at least three times a day. Delicious. From there, we’d head in a bit different of a direction and go to Solvang. This is the cutest little Dutch town – and before you even have to ask – yes there is an ostrich farm on the way where you can feed ostriches. Is it terrifying? You’re goddamn right, but it’s a blast. Within the city, I truly love summer in LA – the movies in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Cinespia I think it’s called?!) is always amazing. Then we would picnic outside before seeing a concert at The Hollywood Bowl. I recently did a charcuterie board with my friend Kara outside before seeing Brandi Carlile at The Hollywood Bowl. Was it life-changing? Glad you asked – hell yes it was. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom is the funniest and most kind person in the entire world and I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t taken off all those lunches to take me to those singing competitions in malls or auditions for church plays. She always encouraged creativity and I’m forever grateful for that. Love you mom. My husband Mike is my #1 supporter and the reason I stay sane while trying to chase what my heart wants. I’m so grateful for him. Lastly, I’d like to thank my acting teacher, Ryan Mulkay, who is a big reason I am where I’m at today in my acting journey. I’m forever grateful for his teaching, direction, and constant sarcasm that fuels me to not only do my best work, but  constantly stretch the creative muscles that I don’t normally stretch. Thanks, dude. You’re the best. 

Website: www.lindseymallard.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Lindsey.Mallard

Youtube: www.youtube.com/Lindsey_Mallard

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.