Modified On May 10, 2005
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1999, when Rich Williams wrote the first series of The Big Move columns for our readerss, we now introduce Chris Mata, as the latest Bigt Mover.
“Hi, my name is Chris Mata. A comedian from San Antonio, TX. I worked the road for a couple of years, did a few comedy festivals and have a couple of television credits under my belt. I just moved here and want know how to go about getting stage time.”
That is what I said to club bookers when I moved to New York and it’s what I told the guy who runs an open mic at a tanning salon the night I arrived in LA.
What happens when one starts over in the big city? Where does one begin? Those were questions I didn’t even think to ask when I first moved to New York City. Now, one year later, I’m asking those questions as I move my things into a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles.
Almost a year ago today, I arrived in NYC on a Saturday, called a bunch of clubs and by Monday, was at my first open mic. I paid $5 for five minutes. Humiliating. That happened twice. I started barking/flyering in Times Square for stage time. That lasted about two months. In the following weeks, I would hang out at clubs and run into comics I knew from the road. Some were nice enough to put in a word for me with the booker. Soon enough, I was passed at a major club and from there, work started coming slowly but surely. Eventually, a management company showed interest. But all I have to
show for that is that I can say I have a manager. That’s it.Now, just as I was starting to work weekends, I’ve moved to L.A. to be funny in front of comics at a tanning salon. It’s so reminiscent of my first months in NY. Am I ready? I’m not sure. Does it matter? Nah, I’m here anyway.
The internet is this couple’s best friend. My girlfriend and I found a place to stay in Los Angeles for a couple of months via Craigslist. It’s about five miles from the Comedy Store. Location is everything. As far as
transportation, my girlfriend already had a car out here.I’ve emailed all the people I know in L.A. to inform them I’m in town. I’ve even contacted people I don’t know, hoping to get on their show. No time to waste. I flew into L.A. on a Sunday and did my first open mic that same night. The host of the tanning salon open mic is one of the few people I’ve
heard back from– found him on Chucklemonkey. I’m starting all over again. A no-name in a big-name town. Only this time, I’m starting a day earlier.
See the first installment of Chris Mata’s Big Move by clicking HERE. (And, check out his website.