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

Hi Timi, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?

I am the Producer and Host of the Straight Laughs No Chaser Comedy Show. The show recently moved to The New Townhouse Los Angeles. Most folks just call it The Townhouse. For Comedy, historically, The Townhouse was a popular spot. I join the likes of Hope Flood, Michael Colyar and Reynaldo Rey all of which have hosted shows at The Townhouse.

I think most people are unaware of the time and effort it takes to produce and host a quality comedy show. I don’t have a team to help promote and or produce the show. I do all of the jobs. I send all emails, text messages, social media post, advertising, passing out flyers, guest relations/customer services, book talent and creating an fun atmosphere that allows consumers to have a great comedy experience without having to travel to Hollywood. The comedians I book are all up and coming comedians who are on the trajectory of stardom. I want my audience to  watch television and or movies and say… “Hey I saw them at Timi’s show”

The hosting aspect, I think most people don’t know the behind the scene piece. The Host’s responsibility is to prepare the audience to get into a spirit of laughter. The host is the facilitator of their fun experience. You have to be able to read the room. If a comedian bombs, it’s your responsibility to put that ball up in the air, by bring the funny.  If a comedian kills, you have to help bring it down a bit and prepare the stage for the next comic. It is a complete science and I am still figuring it out. Lucky for me I have comedian friends who have been in the game much longer than me who give advice, pointers and tips.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m a Comedian, Actress, Host and Comedy Show Producer.  I’m quick witted, funny with an upbeat personality. Being in entertainment was a natural career choice. Unfortunately, I spent my 20s, 30s and part of my 40s being too afraid to try standup. As a way to deal with bad breakup and the dealing with the close family members illnesses I decided to give stand up a try. With all that life was throwing at me, I thought the stage couldn’t possible cause more pain than I was in. After convincing myself to give it a try, I had another barrier. I worked swing shift.  Between working nights and being exhausted, I found it difficult to get on stage.  I was working while, all my comedy friends were going to opening mics and doing shows. I tried doing open mics and getting on booked shows on my off days but it wasn’t enough. If theres a problem, i’m going to create a solution.  I started producing my shows to ensure I had stage time.  Problem solved.

  Right before the pandemic, I began working a traditional schedule.   Working M-F allowed more time for comedy but the Pandemic had another idea. At work, I was on Zoom calls all day so, the last thing I wanted to do was tell jokes to ppl in little squares who couldn’t find their mute buttons and their virtual laughter was delayed. While quarantined I did two zoom shows and said an official no thanks.. hit me up with the pandy is over.   I wish I could say I was productive during the pandemic…. I wasn’t. AT ALL! Once the mandates were lifted, I started getting booked on shows and I started producing a weekly comedy show at Stage 21.. RIP Stage 21!!!   My daughter learned how to be a DJ, so she could DJ my show. The show ran for 16 months. We had a ball.    Unfortunately, Stage 21 closed and the show was homeless for a few months. We found a new home at The Townhouse.
The show runs the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.

Producing and hosting the show is hard while working a full time job. I am in charge of marketing, publicity, booking, customer services and creative the vibe. As you could imagine my phone is always in my face. Between texting/emailing everyone in my phone inviting them to the event, scheduling comedians to be on the show, passing out flyers at the mall. posting flyers and funny content on social media,  sis is tired but the show must go on. I take pride in producing a quality comedy show. The audience has a great time, the comedians are treated well(can’t be a janky producer), I’ve created a opportunity for my adult daughter(DJ Joe Money) and I get to have fun! That’s why I do it.

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.
9am- Breakfast at “Breakfast Republic in Culver City. 10:30-12 photo shoot. Palm tree Street. everyone needs a. iconic LA Palm lined street picture. Also take picture in from of the Insecure apartment building.
1pm-5 Beach time! Venice Beach for lunch then walking up and down boardwalk, rent skates and skate on the bike path. take more pictures. look at the acts. have ice cream
5-8nap/dinner/bar
9pm comedy spot!!! Lets go see my funny friends work or see me work

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I’d like to thank God. Without God, none of this would be possible.  My family for not trying to make the talkative, funny/goofy kid, talk less and be more serious. Thanks y’all for letting me be me.   My mom for always being supportive, even when my dreams, scared her.  My dad for the unwavering support and always having an encouraging word. My friends who push and encouraged me to get on stage, listened to ALL of my stories that ultimately become jokes, pitched corny joke ideas, laughed at all the appropriate times and my shows and pay regular price without asking for discounts.  A special THANK YOU to the friends that help me the day of the show.  Although I think I’m superwoman, I couldn’t run a successful show if it wasn’t for the following people. Mark Kushner, Alana Banks, Pennie Promise, and Erma Vallare-Hollis. Jocelyn E. Mason I love you! You are a complete VIBE and the world will know DJ Joe Money!!! Jay…. Thank you for holding me down and being you! Lastly, I’d like to thank me… For quieting the negative self talk and not allowing debilitating fears get in the way of living my comedy dreams.

Instagram: timi_mason

Twitter: timi_mason

Facebook: Timi Mason

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