Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Gravy.
Jamie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got into comedy a little over two years ago after my mentality shifted to a state of awareness; that I could do anything I wanted to. That anything is possible, even pipe dreams. I began my journey by starting my own open mic at Hat Tricks in Lewisville, TX to create a name for myself, giving myself stage time and meeting comedians at a quicker pace. I began to take on the risky material as a challenge to myself. I began to deal with racial based material; which as a white guy, can prove to be tricky.
At my 1 year mark in comedy, I took home first place in a local comedy contest in a predominately black audience and judge panel. I continued to practice and hone my sets. I partnered up with a local comedian, Stacy Cordell, to start a sketch comedy brand for all social media outlets and in the fall of 2016, Chocnilla ENT was born. Together we tackled racial issues in America like never before, breaking down barriers through satire and communication. #unitedwejoke
After a year and a half in comedy, I began working professionally for Improv Comedy Club in Arlington and Hyenas Comedy Nightclubs. After opening for Eddie Griffin at the Arlington Improv, he contacted me a few days after leaving, asking if I would join him on the road. I was fortunate enough to be the opening act for Eddie Griffin’s most recent Showtime comedy special, “Undeniable”, which aired February 9, 2018. Now entering my third year in comedy, the sky is the limit. I’ve decided to move to New York City in the summer of 2018 to see what the future holds for myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t always been easy. Battling self-doubt is the on-going war most comedians face on a daily basis. Moreover, trying to take on racial issues as a straight, white male met me with an overload of obstacles. From being called a racist to hurting myself by not getting booked, I struggled to stay positive about what I was doing. It was easy to doubt my method of attack but, with a little help from my friends, I got by.
Please tell us about Jamie Gravy.
I am my own business. As a comedian, I represent myself as a product every time I get on stage. Whether for a crowd of 20 or 500, I realize that every joke I tell is, in essence, a sales pitch. Depending on how the joke lands can mean the difference between getting booked or not having any plans for the weekend.
I’m proud of myself for trusting my gut in most instances and listening to my conscience. The advice comes at a comedian from everywhere. It can be quite noisy in the new mind of a comedian who is stressing to know what he/she should or shouldn’t do. The best advice I could give any aspiring comedian is to solely trust your instinct.
What sets me apart is my willingness to eat shit if need be. If I bomb, I bomb but, at least I went down in my own way. “Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd, smiling.” – Pink Floyd “Fearless”
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. What happened, should’ve happened and if it’s supposed to happen, it happens. Don’t worry about what could’ve been done differently. We can’t get the past back but we can seize the present moment, claiming the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamiegravy.com
- Phone: 214-733-1095
- Email: jgravitt1988@gmail.com
- Instagram: jamie_gravy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiegravy
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamiegravitt
- Other: Youtube: Jamie Gravy
Image Credit:
Digital Dash Visuals
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
