Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Mclaurin
Ty, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from Winston-Salem, NC. Outside of college, I have lived there all my life. In 2021, I experienced unimaginable tragedy as three friends and one of my favorite aunts all passed away in a 90 span. On top of the grief, I was experiencing withdrawals from a bodybuilding drug I used and had to be hospitalized twice. This was was the craziest and most confusing time of my life.
My best friend had already moved to Charlotte at this time. He suggested that I try a changed of scenery and come work with him in Charlotte at a pub on the weekends. I tried the pub as a part time job, and a month later, I quit my corporate job to move to Charlotte and work at the pub full time. After a couple months of working at the pub, a man entered and sat down at the bar to have a beer, I was bartending. We got to talking about life and experience and I mentioned that I had been the general manager of a comedy club for 3.5 years. He asked me if I would like to talk about that experience on a podcast. His podcast streamed on all major podcast platforms and he had interviews with different fitness influencers and congressmen. I did the podcast, and soon after it made its way around the neighborhood where I worked in Charlotte. The event coordinator at a craft cocktail lounge nearby heard the podcast and approached me while I was at work tending bar, he asked me if I would help the lounge put on a comedy night. And this is when Stumptown Comedy Jam in Matthews, NC (right outside of Charlotte) was born. I had never been on stage before but I hosted the first one, just to save on the budget.
Immediately after my opening host set, the headliner pulled me in the green room and said “That was really good, you would be crazy not to be traveling and doing this full time. On that Tuesday in June of 2022, Stumptown Comedy Jam began, and so did my comedy career. In 2024, I was booked for over 50 paid shows in 5 different states, and in 2025 Stumptown Comedy Jam will celebrate it’s three year anniversary with over a year of consecutive sold out monthly shows.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing worth doing is easy. Stumptown Comedy Jam came out of the gates hot but after a couple of shows, ticket sales plummeted along with the exit of the original event coordinator at the venue. Then all reigns to the show were turned over to me. I had to figure out how to rebrand, market, and fill the shows up. I googled, used trial and error, and kissed ass to get people there in order to build a tradition and experience people desire to replicate month to month. But that’s what we have now, and it’s amazing-a well oiled machine!
My comedy career has had many up’s and down’s, from driving 3 hours to do 3 minutes in order to impress a club manager to having shows cancelled or not being paid. There are many “comedy hell” moments, but there are also the moments where you know youre living the dream and making people laugh.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work in stand-up comedy. I am not full-time just yet but I feel that I am not far away. I specialize in making people laugh uncontrollably, loosen up about tough and edgy issues, and appreciate the art of comedy overall. My comedy is known for being fun with a dark and edgy twist. I am most proud of the contact, vibe, and connection my work has allowed me to make with other comics, audience members, and venue staff. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to connect with people.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In comedy, or whatever you aspire to do, get around the successful people in that field, form friendships and bonds that are genuine and lifelong.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ty_mclaurin_jokes/
