Getting Started as a Comedian with Jay Donaldson

Do you think it’s too late to get started as a comedian? It’s not. You have plenty of time and plenty of time to grow your standup comedy career, even if you’re 50. Today I interviewed Jay Donaldson who performed his first open mic just as the pandemic hit. But the bug to perform bit and he used the lockdown to his advantage. Now he is out and performing all over town.

Jay Donaldson is a comedian that brings his personality to the stage in a way that connects with people of all ages, backgrounds, and criminal history. Jay is equally at home doing open mics at lesbian bars as he is doing paid gigs “that need to be ‘ultra-clean'” at conservative retirement communities. Jay has been fortunate to get regularly booked for many things including shows, roast battles, hosting gigs, etc.

Join me as we talk about:

[00:00] Introductions

[02:07] How did Jay get involved in comedy? (and how bad was it doing online comedy during the pandemic)

[04:30] What was the prompt to get into comedy?

[06:07] What are the advantages to taking classes (even in an area that feels driven by talent)?

[9:42] How has Jay been getting booked into so many shows? And what advice does he give to comedians looking to book more gigs?

[13:51] How does Jay bounce back after bombing a gig?

[24:38] Does Jay regret not getting into comedy earlier?

[28:48] Favorite quote from the Bible

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Connect with Jay Donaldson

• Website: https://www.jaydonaldson.com/
• Facebook: Jay D Comedy
• Instagram: Jay D Comedy

Other Related Episodes:

• 102: Stop Making Excuses – Top Takeaways from Jay Donaldson
• 103: 5 Tips for Your First Comedy Open Mic – Quick Fix Friday

Watch the Interview

Read the transcript HERE

Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!