Today we’d like to introduce you to Byron Stamps.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Byron . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a former educator and stand up comedian. I taught Algebra for 11 years, receiving Teacher of the Year 3 times along the way. I have performed stand up comedy since 2009. Along the way, I have performed in comedy festivals across the country as well as clubs and other venues. In 2016, I decided to focus solely on comedy. I wanted to focus on comedy that profoundly impacts and connects individuals in a positive way. That was the birth of an idea I had of providing a platform for individuals to discuss things they may struggle with, caused pain or carry silently and call it Truth in Comedy. The storytelling/stand-up comedy show was my way of keeping laser like focus on my mission and I wholeheartedly believe is my life’s work.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A major struggle along the way was finding a home for Truth in Comedy. The show was just an idea I had at the time and nothing more. I considered the show to be “emotional art” and wanted to have it in an art gallery as a great backdrop. I spent a little more than a year pitching it at various locations and getting a healthy dose of “no’s” and “we’ll get back to you’s” because I was this random guy coming in off the streets with this random idea and nothing else. Fast forward to December 2016 where I’m super discouraged and feeling Truth in Comedy will never get off the ground. I finished a show with another comic, Dante Martinez, and he invited me to an improvised music show at Full City Rooster Coffee Studio which I had never heard of. When I arrived and saw the intimate performance room and the set up I knew that Full City Rooster was “it”. I spoke to the owner Michael Wyatt that night and he was super supportive and open to putting on this random show which I am forever grateful.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Truth in Comedy story. Tell us more about the business.
Truth in Comedy, or TiC for short, is a storytelling/stand-up comedy/art show. Each show, 3 individuals will tell a story from their lives where they are open, honest, and vulnerable. After each story, a comedian will perform a set inspired by the story. The culmination of the show is an artist that will present a piece they created inspired by the stories as well. The result is a unique emotional roller coaster that shows that no matter what we go through in life, we can always find something to smile or laugh about on the other side. I am most proud of being able to provide individuals with an opportunity to openly discuss issues that they struggle within a fun, loving environment that is very cathartic and therapeutic.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel luck has definitely played a role in the success of Truth in Comedy. I’m amazed at how I’ve made some of the connections I’ve made once I began this journey. So many people that have expertise in areas I needed as well as individuals that have provided inspiration and wisdom because they believe in what I’m doing as much as I do. Whether it’s been meeting a lawyer at a Thai restaurant because an audience member mentioned the show and he wanted to chat which led to connecting with a phenomenal intellectual property lawyer, ending up at a guy’s home who has 20 years of marketing experience who saw the show and believes in the work or lunch with a woman in Plano who saw a show and has opened doors for Truth in Comedy that I could never have alone to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Email: truthincomedydfw@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthincomedydfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truthincomedydfw/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruthNComedyDFW
Image Credit:
Mark Birnbaum, Phillip Murphy
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