Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Tesio.
Hi Shelby, 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?
Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be in the entertainment industry. I just didn’t know the path I pursued would have led me to stand up! Growing up, I knew I was naturally funny and had a passion for acting. I went to college on an acting scholarship. When I graduated college I had a job in Atlanta one week later. I was assisting wardrobe for a TV show for Fox. After a few months my time on set came to end, and I had no idea what I would be doing next. I was new to this industry and all my connections were headed back to L.A. I did some freelance work for a few national commercials and even had opportunities to go to L.A. and assist for Brat and Esquire Magazine. Luckily, I just so happened to be in L.A during the Grammy’s and was able to help in a show room. At that time I couldn’t believe I was packaging clothing to be sent to Jennifer Lawrence! Major crush! I had also been a production assistant for a music video, and ended up getting to style the next music video for that artist!
These amazing opportunities I’ve had were spread out over a couple years and I was still serving and working in the Atlanta Apparel Mart to make ends meet. I didn’t know enough people or have the right connections to make wardrobe a career. So I decided to focus on acting and comedy.
I took an all female stand up comedy class and it was the best decision I ever made. After I graduated from that comedy class, I just didn’t stop. I was at every open mic, multiple a night, and quickly started booking shows. I started my own open mic at Tin Roof Cantina and slowly became more and more comfortable on stage.
Since doing comedy I have booked multiple acting gigs. I have appeared on Headline News, as well as Lifetime. My comedy has even been featured on Adult Swim. As well as doing local shows I have been able to travel the southeast to feature and perform with nationally touring comics. You can find me performing all over the city. I also love to guest host for different shows and have been able to host for out of town comics at the Punchline. Id love to see you at a show!
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?
It has not been an easy road. Especially when it came to acting. I would apply to agencies, get scammed, rinse, and repeat. I was getting rejected every time I tried to seek representation, or I would never even hear back from them. That was a fun time in my life! But not as fun as somebody telling me there are girls with more talent, skinnier and prettier than me trying to do the exact same thing. We love to hear it!
I possibly could have shined more if my auditions weren’t always “Crying Girl in Hospital Bed”. There were never any comedic roles to audition for and if I’m being honest I wasn’t really giving it my all either, it was something that felt like a dream I’d try and pursue while people around me asked about my back up plans.
I really had to take a good look at myself and decide if I was going to give it my all or if I’d continue to go through the motions. At one point I realized nobody was going to just hand me an opportunity. So I decided to create my own, which has led me to where I am today!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently co produce Hand Up Stand Up. A business my best friend, Haylie Montgomery and I run. I help produce, book talent and host at our shows. Hand Up Stand Up works hard to build partnerships that empower all involved, from promoting great new restaurants and local businesses, to providing awareness and financial support for local nonprofits doing good.
We partner with multiple venues around Atlanta, while a growing number of nonprofits, businesses, and sponsors join us. Our entertainment is unmatched: from the quality of production, to the talent we bring in, and more!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Dramatic. As. Hell. I still am! I spent my entire childhood trying to be Baby Spice. Didn’t you? I was always dancing and singing with my sister. It was usually to Jimmy Fallon’s “Idiot Boyfriend.” It’s a fun question because I think my friends and family would all say the same thing. My family calls me Sweet Shelby and also describes me as independent and carefree! I’ve always been empathetic and sensitive towards people’s emotions as well as my own. All while trying to make someone laugh. That, for me, was the most important part.
Contact Info:
- Email: Shelbytesiocomedy@gmail.com
- Website: Handup-standup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbytesio/?hl=en
Image Credits
Lola Scott
