Comedian RENEE SANTOS
Renee burst onto the national comedy scene last বছর with her celebrated appearance in the “outrageous” Showtime stand-up comedy special, “PRIDE COMEDY JAM.” I first had a chance to interview Renee when she participated in the infamous LAUGH OUT LOUD comedy event in Los Angeles hosted দ্বারা renowned jokester Bruce Vilanch at The Comedy Store. She went on to gain huge momentum for her performance as the opening comic for the 2012 San Diego Pride event a few weeks later.
I caught up with Renee again recently to find out আরো about her new “I GOT THIS” show, why she headed to the east coast and what it’s been like to go back to the college scene.
HOLLY: Tell us a little about your "I GOT THIS" comedy tour.
RENEE: I named my tour "I GOT THIS" because I jokingly repeat that phrase a lot during my set, making jest at the many times in my life where I thought I had it, but was reminded দ্বারা the hilarity of the universe, that I in fact didn't have it all. I intentionally left the "'ve" out of "I've" to play on the funny voice I use to say that phrase during my routine. I also selected that name as a personal affirmation that I was ready to begin touring. In March of 2012 I attended my first NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) conference, where a group of East Coast schools basically scout for Comedic and Musical talent for their campus entertainment. It's been an honor to be a part of NACA. NACA has a very difficult selection process and I have been trying to muscle my way in for 5 years. I have learned through this tour that it is never too late to pursue your dreams but it can be too early. লেখা a full ঘন্টা of material is a lot of responsibility and I accept when I first দাখিল হয়েছে I didn't have enough experience to sustain the audience quite that long. Through the last couple of years of my career, I have dug in deep performing weekly in LA, performing in a National Showtime Network special (Pride Comedy Jam), and constantly লেখা and tweaking new material. I felt ready and with the help of my agent, I finally got in. At the conference, the schools interview the talent after watching a showcase. In May I was প্রদত্ত a lineup of 4 schools interested in booking me for their schools for the Orientation week of activities and I was off and running!
HOLLY: What made আপনি want to take your প্রদর্শনী on the East Coast road?
RENEE: I would প্রণয় to tour the whole country, but the East Coast seemed a great place to start as I am from Massachusetts originally and I have family in Boston and New York, so I was able to utilize both cities as প্রথমপাতা bases during the gaps in my tour. I understand the sensibilities of east coast people as it is true, "You can take the girl off the East coast but not the East coast off the girl!" I've also gotten really comfortable performing to West Coast audiences and I learned দ্বারা doing a few select shows in different cities this past year, that the audience really does make a difference in how a Comic must write and adjust their comedy. I was ready to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone.
HOLLY: Is the tour making আপনি feel like you're back in college? Do আপনি wish আপনি were again?
RENEE: The tour is making me feel old!!! Ahhhh!!! I graduated from Emerson College 10 yrs ago, so I found myself having to interview my 22 বছর old sister to find out "What the kids are talking about these days." I am reveling in some nostalgic moments though. Just being on College campuses reminds me of how much fun I had in college, and how much freedom I had in simply discovering who I was. I have a lot আরো responsibility now. Not that I don't প্রণয় my life, because I absolutely do! I am grateful every day, but this tour has reminded me that College allows আপনি the structure to explore who আপনি are, while providing a stable foundation before আপনি embark on any professional career. I miss the proverbial "snuggly blanket" if আপনি will, but I don't miss being so confused!
HOLLY: What's the best part about traveling with your প্রদর্শনী from city to city? What's the worst?
RENEE: The hotels! I প্রণয় collecting the little soaps and shampoo and room service jelly! I have a little miniature collection. Wait, I mean the level of professionalism and respect I'm প্রদত্ত দ্বারা the people accommodating me...he he...In all honesty though, the most amazing part is being honored for what I do. I have spent so many years defending my art, trying to let people know that pursuing Stand-up comedy is really what I do. Traveling from city to city as a comic and being treated like a professional has made me realize I no longer have to defend this position, I am doing it, I am blessed. That reminds me of my পছন্দ quote (not quite sure who ব্যক্ত it) "Don't tell me what I can't do, I'm too busy doing it." The worst part is living out of suitcase for a মাস oh and where am I supposed to do my laundry?
HOLLY: What do আপনি hope your audiences will take away after seeing আপনি perform?
RENEE: I want people to see that this is আরো than just comedy. It's about us all finding the one thing in life that sets us free. It's about laughing at our human folly. I hope people see the necessity and catharsis of laughter and the commonality between all of our experiences. These college kids are breaking away from their rigorous schedules to get a bit of relief and laugh so when they get back to their lives they are refreshed দ্বারা the break. I aspire to be the conduit for that respite. I want audiences to see that when we gratefully live life on life's terms, there is always something to laugh at.
Well, Renee’s “I GOT THIS” প্রদর্শনী is giving these college students plenty of opportunity to laugh -- let’s just hope they’re smart enough to realize it!
Thanks, Renee!
For further info about RENEE SANTOS and her “I GOT THIS” Tour visit:
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