Dusty Searcy is a Vancouver comic who recently started producing his own show, “Chit Chat Comedy”, as well as having a monthly show in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood called “Cool Fun” along with previously featured local comic Amber Harper-Young. We got to chat with Dusty to find out more about him.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I tend to tell short stories about my life and the strange things I’ve seen with a silly tone and twist. Sprinkle in some observational humour and you have my ideal setlist.
Who are some of your influences?
For stand-ups, there are a ton but the first few that come to mind are Brian Regan, John Mulaney, Chris Rock, and Maria Bamford. I’m also a huge sketch fan so growing up me and my brothers spent countless hours watching MADtv, Chappelle’s Show, Derrick Comedy, and BritaNick.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
As a very young kid, Mr. Bean. At the time I didn’t even know Rowan Atkinson was a comedian, I just thought he was an odd man with high pants and a penchant for trouble. But now I can really appreciate the talent it takes to just silently widen your eyes and furrow your brow and make it hilarious. Also, the meme of him gleefully giving everyone the finger from his car still makes me laugh.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Joe List. He has a confessional style without taking himself seriously at all. Whenever someone is an engaging storyteller that also has great jokes, I’m a fan.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I just stand behind the curtain and concentrate on my heart pounding in my chest and remind myself it’s doing that because I’m excited to do comedy and not because I’m terrified the crowd may pelt me with whatever produce happens to be in season. Performing on the road during the red beet harvest is especially nerve-wracking.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The MOTN in Vancouver. It’s a tattoo parlour by day that puts on a variety of live shows at night. You feel ridiculously cool just being there. They welcome all kinds of alternative, reckless, and risk-taking comedy with open arms and as a result it’s fostered a slew of very interesting and unique comedy shows.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
When I was 24 I wrote a joke about realizing that having my own children doesn’t even register as a possibility in my life after I went for a hike and saw a sign that said, ‘This trail is stroller-friendly’ and I literally thought it meant people on a stroll. The punchline is a silent act out á la Mr. Bean and I love being able to take a little break from talking while still managing to get a laugh.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Podcasts are great for finding people with hilarious personalities and live shows to see if you resonate with someone’s stand-up.
Tell us a joke about your city.
The City of Vancouver really, really cares about our local arts & culture scene.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’m producing two monthly shows. One is called Chit Chat Comedy Hour where a bunch of stand-ups tell their favourite jokes and then I join them onstage to chit-chat about their material and possibly find new tangents to explore. The other is a regular stand-up show called Cool Fun I’m co-producing with the very funny Amber Harper-Young at The ANZA Club, an amazing venue in Mount Pleasant that makes for a magical night of comedy.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Danika Thibault. Sharp and prolific writer, wildly original, top tier stage presence, hilarious onstage persona, funny act outs, excellent taste in berets. She has it all.
