We recently connected with Kevin Heisinger and have shared our conversation below.

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was in 3rd grade, my dad pulled me out of public school and sent me to a private school called Waldorf. I’m not exactly sure what I learned there, mostly that trees have feelings too. But it was there I learned how to tap into my creative side, and realized that I loved making people laugh. I was constantly telling stories to my classmates, and as I got older started making comedic short films with them. There was nothing more satisfying then having one of my jokes land. After creating countless shorts and even features, I wanted to pursue this creative outlet but in a different way. In my early 20s I visited a local comedy club in Sacramento, The Comedy Spot. I went to my first open mic as an audience member, and I immediately knew I wanted to be on that stage. I wrote a handful of my favorite jokes down, and a week later I performed for the first time. My jokes killed. I received lots and lots of positive feedback, and it was then I discovered my new passion for standup comedy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kevin Heisinger and I am from Northern California. I have been writing and creating comedic short films since I was a kid, and have been performing standup since my early 20s. I moved to Los Angeles in 2019 (great timing) in order to pursue both comedy and film. It was there I met Robby Wagner, a fellow Norcal comic. Him and I had been wanting to start our own open mic/comedy show for awhile, since we lived in an area with lots of comics and venues. I sat down with Sai, owner of The Roost Cocktails, who was looking for an event for Tuesday nights. We came to an agreement, and started our very own Afterschool Special Open Mic every Tuesday night. Robby and I have focused on creating a fun, warm welcoming environment to those who are especially new to comedy. Come by sometime! (And please buy something)

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a comedian is the ability to connect with audience members through laughter. There’s nothing more gratifying than making people laugh and brightening their day. Discussing topical subjects and even aspects of my personal life in front of a large audience has been very fulfilling, and at times almost seems therapeutic. But don’t do standup instead of going to therapy people, please go to therapy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms. In fact, there was a brief moment where I thought I’d might have to move back in with my parents in Reno. I wasn’t making friends, was not doing well at comedy shows, and could not get a job to save my life. Luckily, after LA reopened in 2021, I was able to finally obtain a job and solidify my place here. However, I still wanted to prove myself to both LA comics and audiences. I realized quite a lot of my jokes were “hacky” and I wasn’t truly being myself on stage. I sat down and started writing more consistently, performing regularly, seeking feedback, and before you knew it, I was able to find my voice and became the comic that I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kevinheisinger
• Instagram: @kevinheisinger
• Twitter: @Kevin_heisinger
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCul0qrjAXAZsF7vSQg2Vxaw

Image Credits

Mason Le Compte