Sam: So talking about this standalone stand-up show that you've got coming up, what was the motivation to pursue your own stand-up special? Was it a long term goal or the stars aligning just right?
Keedar: I think it was a combination of it all. I mean, what stand-up comedian wouldn't want to have his own special to put out there for the world? I'm at a place now in which I've been through some life changing experiences, I've been through having twins, divorce, living life, and I have my interpretation of it all. I want to share it. If we're going to be genuine and honest, there's an opportunity for comics now to receive theatrical work out of being funny. I take the craft seriously, I studied two years on broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre. And as many opportunities as I can get to just share, whether it's on stage, on TV, film, or through stand-up, then that's what I want to do. And I've been fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity to shoot my special.
Sam: As you said, every comedian wants their shot at a headliner or big special. What was the road like to reach this point in your comedy career?
Keedar: So when I was in New York, I started stand-up there and I did two years in New York. But I am fortunate, my brother Finesse Mitchell and I were in New York at the same time. He knew I was an actor, but he never heard me say I wanted to do stand-up. One day I was like "Yo, I wanna do stand-up". And he came, saw me, supported me, and then he just started taking me on the road with him. So I was actually a road comic opening up for Finesse for years. So I learned a lot by just seeing the road with Finesse.
Sam: That's a great way to jump right into it, considering most people start at open mics in bars and the like.
Keedar: Now, I do a ton of open mics. You know, you get five minutes here, seven minutes there, "oh if you can bring five people out, I'll get you ten minutes". I still do those shows because I want that real, raw experience. It's what is needed for this special. To get into those clubs, and not do it for laughs. I've been on TV, and I've been the popular guy. I can go into clubs and people know who I am, and people sometimes give courtesy laughs. And I don't want that. I want what's real.
Sam: So what can you tell me about your new special? What do you think potential viewers of your special should be excited for?
Keedar: I don't hear a lot of people talk about having twins. You hear people talk about the ex-wife, and those perspectives, but this is my perspective of it all. I live in LA and my kids live in Atlanta, so I fly back to see them once a month. I think it's a fresh perspective on old topics. It's what I have, and it's my spin on it all. The title "Hear Me Out" gives me the opportunity to say "Hear me out, I know you've heard it, but hear me out and listen to my perspective".
Sam: So have some people gotten to see any of this material before or is it all brand new?
Keedar: I would say fifteen minutes of it are my classics from my time on the road, and it has never been filmed. So fifteen minutes of the material are my favorite jokes that I've done. But then there's about 50 minutes of brand new, fresh material. It has been tested at places like Comedy Store and Improv, but this is new and about to be fun!
Sam: You do a lot of transitioning between comedic acting and serious drama. How do you change mindsets from drama, to comedy, to stand-up, as a performer?
Keedar: This is gonna sound really nerdy of me, cause I'm a nerd. There's kind of no difference. Because at the end of the day, you have to tell the truth. And that's with acting, period, and that's with being on the stage. Whatever that truth is for you, that's the truth. The words on the page and the timing are what makes it different, because that's technique. So the technique for comedy and drama is different, but the truth is always the same.
You can purchase tickets to the show here: https://web.ovationtix.com/
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.