We were lucky to catch up with Shelby Tesio recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shelby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
To say I’ve already learned how to do what I do feels wrong. I’m still figuring it out! “Comedy is like an onion.”I said in my best donkey voice. I’ve taken steps like writing, gone to open mics, and producing shows that have helped me to get where I am now, however I still have so much to learn! I don’t want to ever think “I’ve learned enough.” I wouldn’t speed up the process even a little bit. I’m not looking for instant or overnight success. I’m trying to hone in on a craft that I love and brings me joy. Good things take time, so they say! I think hosting was an essential skill set to have. I think they set the tone for everything. I love creating this bond with the comics and the audience. Bring it all together and that’s a fun show! Failing is the best way to learn something. That’s why comics are encouraged to get back on stage even if they “bomb.” The only one putting obstacles in your way is you!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I started comedy about three and a half years ago and I had no idea where this journey would take me. I met my best friend through comedy and we started producing shows together under the name Hand Up Stand Up. Which is now a team of four incredible women. We partner with local businesses as well as nonprofits and bring them together to create one amazing comedy show. You can support your community by coming to one of our comedy shows. How cool is that! We also love producing corporate shows, we have worked with Microsoft, Home Depot, and most recently R.E.I for their pride festival. We were honored to be a part of their event! Our most recent success included Back Hand Comedy Festival. It was from October 6th -9th and it was truly awe-inspiring . We had comics from all over the nation come to Woodstock Georgia for a four day take over, filled with laughter and memories neither the community or comics will forget! We are breaking barriers from what people think comedy should look like to how it can be. It should bring people together and that’s exactly what Hand Up Stand Up is doing! We would love to work with you!!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom you gain. Free yourself from what others think. Free yourself of what people say you can’t do. Focus on the things you love and be yourself. As a creative you get to be unapologetically you. I’m still trying to be this free on stage. When I get those glimpses of my true identity coming out, it lets me know I do have something to say. For an industry ran by men, Im always happy to hear a woman express herself on stage.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I think I pivot in my life all the time. My mom Julie, America’s Sweetheart gave me sound advice while running the festival, as an event organizer herself! She reminded me that things will always go wrong but it’s about how quickly you recover and how gracefully you come up with another solution and put that plan into action. Great life advice truly, especially for a comic. I changed my life when comedy started becoming my focus. I made career changes to be available for comedy. Plans can change in an instant and you’ll have to be ready, flexible, and able to pick back up like that was the plan all along!
Contact Info:
- Website: Handup-standup.com
- Instagram: Shelbytesio
- Facebook: Shelbytesio
Image Credits
@ashtonavacado @marycarolinerussell