Meet Rob Kirby | Writer, Improv Performer, Actor

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

Hi Rob, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Make sure the success you achieve is the success that you need.” It’s a quote from the TV show OZ said by the character Augustus Hill, written by Tom Fontana

It works for me in so many ways, not the least of which is OZ was really the first time I started to recognize the great writing of what I was watching. It’s a show about some of the worst people society could have, and yet the writing makes you really care about them.

But getting back to the quote. People judge success in different ways. For some people it’s all about money, job title, or status. For some people it’s the life they built, and for some it’s just being happy and feeling fulfilled in what you do. Whatever your success is that makes you smile at the end of the day in your individual life; do it, or pursue it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a writer, improv performer and actor. Obviously, I am proud of winning the Online Improv World Championship, and anytime a project of mine gets made, but I am always especially proud when something I wrote, or something I do on stage, entertains people the way I intended and helps distract them from life for however long they are a part of the audience.

It is definitely not easy, it takes a lot of time, work, and dedication to get where you hope to go in life. I have learned along the way to never get too discouraged. Not everyone will be a fan, but if you focus on the ones who are, while taking any kind of constructive criticism you can from the negatives, then you can overcome any doubt you might have….and most of all, believe in yourself!

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?
This answer might be a bit boring because I am a roller coaster junkie, so naturally we would go to all the local amusement parks….especially when my friends are performing. But aside from that, we would go watch some incredible live music in LA and OC. We would take in some live theater at any of the amazing professional theaters, (shoutout South Coast Repertory), or any of the vast fantastic little local theaters we have spread out across SoCal. If they wanted to see an improv show that I wasn’t performing in, we would go to the brilliant Improv Shmimprov in Downtown Fullerton, where we could eat at any of the amazing restaurants in that area.

I would also take them to the culinary experiences that are Lucy’s El Adobe in LA, Roma Di Italia in Tustin, and Felix’s Continental Café for some amazing Cuban food in Orange. However, one night would definitely have to be going to Darbari Persian grill in Costa Mesa for some of the best food I have ever had anywhere, followed by some live music down by the beach, and topping it off with some Seaside donuts in Newport and eat those incredible, mouth melting sweets until our waistlines have risen a number or two.

If my friend came here during the summer, a trip to the Sawdust Art Festival would be toward the top of the itinerary. Gorgeous works of art, handmade clothes, jewelry and accessories to go along with three different stations of various styles of live music! The festival really encapsulates the diverse, incredible local talent we have in Orange County.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am lucky to have a great support system, there are way to many people to list, but special shoutouts would go to my girlfriend, my mom, and my friends who all believe in me and keep me going.

I would also say my castmates are all very supportive and encouraging of each other, with special shoutouts there to Paul Carganilla and David Pustansky who continue to cast me in their own shows, as there is truly no better validation than that.

I can 100% say I would not be here without the mentorship of all who taught me the various crafts and pushed me to get better along the way, with special shoutouts to: Shelley Murray, Greg Atkins, Bob Engels, Diana Burbano, Rosanne Welch, and Warren Lewis, I can never thank you all enough.

And last but not least… the audience. If there were not an audience that liked what I do, I would just be walking around town incoherently rambling to myself until they locked me up in a rubber room somewhere.

Facebook: Improv Knights can be found and hired though https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554743166563

Image Credits
Personal Photo– Rachel B. Photography

Additional photos:
image 1: Screen Grab- Improv Knights video by Nick Turchan
image 2: Screen Grab- Paulie’s Picnic Video by Nick Turchen
image 3: Sceen Grab- Improv Knights video by Chance Theater