Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Schrilla.
Hi Ryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started by taking a comedy class…(I watched the graduation of one with 20 comics. I, being probably too cocky, said to myself, “I am funnier than 16 of these comics.”)
I am a baby in the stand-up scene but have learned to crawl (now walk) pretty quickly. After being in the standup class, I did a few mics and started making friends in the local scene. After a month or so, I got my first booked gig that didn’t pay a dime. I remember feeling like I was Kevin Hart when I got paid $15 for the first time.
With a genuine intention to help and support comics and comedy, I now host, produce, book, and perform stand-up comedy. In addition to performing, I also created a youtube show called Bite-Worthy where I take comics both famous and local to a restaurant and interview them. Some big names on my show include Sean Patton, Steve Byrne, Louis Katz, and Caleb Synan. I have asked them about life, sex, farts, food, football, comedy, condiments, Judaism, you name it. It’s a fun time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Overall…yes. So far so good due to hard work and a bit of luck. I am older so I care a lot less about failing and it all going away than my Gen Z counterparts.
Apart from the long drives I have to take living OTP, the road to what little success I have had has been ok. There may have been a heckle and some big ol stinky jokes along the way. That is part of the journey and inevitable. I once heard a girl’s thumbs tapping her phone because It was so quiet after a joke I told.
Also, having a fiancé and career poses a challenge as I must balance my time with my love for her, my work, and my love for comedy.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I can only tell you what has worked for me…
1. Find a writing buddy or 3 (whoever makes you laugh, just be around them and write it down)
2. Hang around better comics (be like one of those fish that latch onto the underside of a shark)
3. Just support your fellow comics as best you can and it’ll USUALLY be reciprocated (It has served me well and we have the capability to really help each other get booked, write better, and expand our talents)
There are a bazillion more variables that may help you but seek advice from those worthy of giving it…
Contact Info:
- Website: ryanschrillacomedy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_schrilla_comedy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089445582702
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdhN6vwm33bjM7p4eqtbVGw
