Interivew with Stand Up Comic Champ Mikey 2 Shoes

MAS: Mikey 2 Shoes, you won the Stand Up Comedy Contest for May! What’s the story behind the video clip you’ve entered in the Make A Star contest?

Mikey: It's a true story. I really went skydiving naked. I really jump off of buildings, bridges and antennas even though my mom would not approve.

Watch Mikey 2 Shoes' Winning Stand Up Comic Video 'Skydiving Naked'

MAS: You jump out of airplanes, naked- check. Tell us more, how did you get started as a stand-up comic?

Mikey: Accidentally. I moved to a new area, and was looking for something to do that would help me learn my way around town and meet new people. I attended an open mic and was hooked.

MAS: You are surely a natural. How do you feel when you are on stage as a comedian?

Mikey: It depends on the night. It's a job, like any other. You have good nights and bad nights. When it's good, it's like a drug and when it's bad, people throw things.

MAS: How do you write your jokes and put together a routine?

Mikey: I do my best writing in the shower. My shower looks like a serial killer's jail cell. I have scribbles and writing all over the walls.

MAS: That sounds great; have people compared you to any other comics?

Mikey: It depends on the material, but I most often get Lewis Black or Doug Stanhope.

MAS: Who are your comedy heroes and have they influenced your style?

Mikey: I like a lot of comedians for a lot of different reasons, but I try not to emulate them. I feel it makes it harder for me to find my own voice...

MAS: What are your career plans for the year ahead?

Mikey: I have a bunch of booked shows up and down the East Coast. I am considering moving, but I haven't decided where yet.

MAS: Somewhere with a great big shower would be a good start; we really enjoy your comedy. What is the best and worst part about being a stand-up comic?

Mikey: The best parts for me are making people laugh, helping people see life outside their little bubbles, and chasing that dream. The worst parts are the countless hours behind the wheel of a car, trusting a machine (GPS) to get you there on time and the thanklessness of some club owners and bookers who treat you like meat.

MAS: Well said, what would you say is the best and worst part about the industry for comics today?

Mikey: Everyone is depressed, so comedy will thrive in this time, like a virus and I like that. Though comics get treated like cattle within the industry- it makes you stronger or destroys you. It's like mile 21 of a marathon. The wall. You wanna quit so badly and there are comedians around you dropping like flies. Whether you keep going, or give up, decides the rest of your life. This is one of those professions that can make or break you. It's a lot harder than it looks, which is what makes it both so appealing and so toxic at the same time.

MAS: That was a very honest and sincere answer. Kudos, now how does MakeAStar.com compare (good or bad) with other talent websites?

Mikey: MakeAStar is smaller than most other talent websites, which gives it more of a neighborhood feel to it. You really get a chance to see the talent on there and get to know most of them through conversation and a mutual support. The bigger sites don't have that. You are just another person uploading yet another thing to an already massive database of crap.

MAS: We have a no crap mantra. Tell us something completely random.

Mikey: I have spent more time in a car with a clown than you would ever believe!

MAS: Our sincere congratulations and wishes for a bright future. You are well on your way.