Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden McOlgan.
Hi Hayden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started doing stand-up about 5 years ago. I grew up making friends and family laugh. I use to look forward to going to school because I had so much fun acting a fool in class. I even had teachers that would let me turn presentations into comedy acts. Being funny often got me into trouble but the fun that was had with a group of people laughing and having a good time usually seemed worth it. This made me always want to try to stand up but the fear of failure kept me away for years.
Eventually, the fear of regret overcame my fear of failing. My first few weeks of open mics were brutal. Then they became less brutal as time went on. Eventually, I started getting $10 or so to do local gigs, something I was really proud of. Then you just keep grinding and the sets slowly get better, the shows get better and you gain more confidence as you improve.
My first paid gig was only for about $20 and at a brewery but I was so pumped I invited family and friends to come out and watch me do 10 minutes of jokes in front of a crowd that was half listening. It doesn’t seem like a big deal now but it was a big step for me back then. It’s a long and tough ladder to climb and I still have a long way to go. It’s easy to focus on the progress that still needs to be made so sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that I from 5 years ago would be absolutely excited to see some of the things I’m doing today.
I’ve been able to work with some really cool people, perform across the U.S. at clubs, universities, and other venues and I even got to perform on a private show for my favorite college football team. Appreciating where I am sometimes requires me to reflect on where I was and it gives me hope for what I can be as long as I embrace the grind.
Memphis has a good group of veteran comics to look up to and watching them has helped guide me. Working with a local production group called Comma Comedians has also helped me to grow and without their support and teamwork, I wouldn’t have been able to do a lot of the things I’ve done. I have a weekly Thursday show in Downtown Memphis and I have really been able to improve quicker because of it.
We often have repeat audience members at the show so this forced me to write more material and to really work on crowd work so that I can keep things fresh for the audience. I also work for the Fire Department and I am only at work 10 days a month so I have plenty of free time to produce and work on my craft. I’m also really thankful to have a girl at home who supports me and believes in me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first few weeks of open mics were absolutely brutal. So bad that part of me wanted to quit but I knew I would regret it. So I kept showing up and I kept bombing. After a couple of weeks, I got some chuckles but I still remember my first good 5-minute set. I hopped off stage with a huge smile and that feeling was enough to carry me through to the next good set.
The bombs have become fewer and farther between as I’ve continued. It still happens sometimes, but it use to happen almost every time in the beginning. It was kind of a wake-up call, in the beginning, to realize it takes years to get good at stand-up and there are no shortcuts. You have to put in a lot of time and be willing to make sacrifices.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been producing comedy shows and performing for a few years now. I have produced close to 100 shows and performed on even more. I think what sets me apart is the vision I have for myself and future productions. I want to continue to do things bigger and better. Not only for myself but for those around me that are involved in our scene.
Each year is always better than the last and I want that trend to continue. Working as a firefighter/paramedic has given me a unique perspective and work ethic and I try to channel that into my the energy and creativity that I put into my art.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Thank you to my Comma Comedians family for all the teamwork and support that made our shows and success possible. And thank you Rafaela for all of your love, encouragement, and support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @haydenmcolgan
- Facebook: @Hayden McOlgan
- Twitter: @haydenmcolgan
Image Credits
Sanjay Manaktala and Chris Deanes
