Meet Marina Quintero and Jackie Gold | Whiskey N Donuts Comedy Producers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Quintero and Jackie Gold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina and Jackie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be honest, the opportunity was presented to us by a friend and we jumped at it! There are so many comedians in LA that you can get lost in the crowd, competing for stage time. So in running our own space, we were able to create a consistent stage for ourselves to develop and craft our material. It also provided us the privilege of booking who ever we wanted! We got tired of doing shows where the lineups were so long that the comics only had a short set. We have always prided ourselves in running a tight show with fewer comics, doing longer sets, so that the audience has a chance to get to know them and can really connect.

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.
While I love doing stand up and having run a show with Jackie for the past five years, it wasn’t where my journey began. I studied acting in college but once I graduated I realized the industry was still filled with stereotypes of what parts I could play. So, determined to write for myself and other women like me, I pivoted to TV writing. Around the same time I began taking writing classes at UCLA Extension, I made a dear friend in comedy who encouraged me to perform stand up. It took more years and crappy restaurant jobs than I’d like to admit, but I finally made my way into the Disney/ABC Writers Program and staffed on my first TV show. Throughout the ups and downs of the TV industry with COVID and currently a strike, I’ve been lucky enough to maintain the show with Jackie and am able to continue to work on my comedy writing, staffed or not. The journey to getting staffed can be a long one, at least for me it was but it’s worth it and I can’t imagine doing anything else. My advice to upcoming artists and creatives is to be your truest self, because ultimately that is what’s going to get you the job. Also, go out and experience life so that you have something to write about! ~ Marina Q

I started dancing school when I was 4 years old, and that started everything!
My parents were definitely more traditional, so performing gave me an escape; an opportunity to wear, do and be somebody completely different than my normal life.
My dad is an immigrant, my mother is first generation American, her parents were survivors of the Auschwitz camps. That fact, being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors is an indelible part of my character.
I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, and found myself spending a lot of time at The Hollywood Improv. Very quickly, some of the best comedians had become friends and most assumed I did comedy myself. After some persuading, I gave it a try and have not looked back.
I released my first comedy album “Maximum Occupancy” which debuted at #1 on Amazon and iTunes.
The most challenging part of the business for me is the “business” part. I love performing, but the self promoting, the social media aspects, that is the most challenging for me. It feels that “followers” matter more than funny nowadays and that can be really hard to contend with.
I’m so happy to have this show with Marina. We have been going for the past 5 years, it has given me a playground to work on new material and consistently get up on stage.
-Jackie G

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.
In no particular order…

Griffith Observatory – watch the “Centered in the Universe” show in the Planetarium. Tickets are about $10. Totally worth it. The views of LA alone are worth the trek up the mountain and you can see the Hollywood sign from there.

Salsa & Beer – it’s the best Mexican restaurant in the Valley, but you have to go to the location on Sherman Way.

The Comedy Store – Never know who you can run into just grabbing a drink on the front porch.

Melrose Ave, shopping. – Fancy schmancy clothing by La Cienega and super fun, trendy, vintage vibe closer to La Brea.

The OG (original) Katsuya on Ventura Blvd in Studio City. Best sushi in town and you might spot a local celebrity.

Cinespia – Movies at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery are always a good time. Come prepared with a picnic!

Malibu – You can hit either of these places or both if you have the time:.
1) Paradise Cove – you can grab a bite to eat and have a drink here, plus you can get parking validated and hang out on their private beach.
2) Malibu Seafood – you can enjoy some fish & chips or the catch of the day, bring your own wine/beer to enjoy with your food and of course take in the beautiful view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Before we established our audience, we relied heavily on our very supportive friends and family that would come out regularly to our shows. The room would have looked very empty without them! We dedicate our Shoutout to them!

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyNDonutsComedy