As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Elias Zepeda. The Los Angeles, CA native shares some of his favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how he always owns the laughs.
Name: Elias “The Seated Entertainer” Zepeda
Hometown: South Gate/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @theseatedentertainer
Years in Comedy: 3
Comedic Influences: Steve Harvey, Eddie Griffin, Joey Diaz, & George Lopez
Favorite Comedy Album: George Lopez “Team Leader”
Favorite Comedy Special: Eddie Griffin “Voodoo Child”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Life
Favorite Comedy TV Show: MAD Tv
Favorite Comedic Character: Steve HiTower
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Current and Past life experiences, family & disabled stereotypes/situations/misconceptions
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Lively, attentive, drunk, and dark
Favorite Comedy Club: Haha Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve always enjoyed making people feel better by laughing and found myself repeatedly telling the same stories by request to family and friends.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Performed at my 1st open mic at the Laugh Factory Oct. 22 2019. It was an amazing night. Solidified my desire to pursue comedy.
How would you describe your comedic style:
High energy & slightly dark
Describe your process for comedic writing:
At the moment it’s very sporadic. I’ll get an inspiration and either go down a rabbit hole or I’ll get an idea and work on it in pieces
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s a big melting pot with ingredients being added and removed every minute.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Being happy with what you’re getting back. Whether it be mental, emotional, or financial gain. For me at the moment success is getting booked more often and paid more.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Adam Chong, Mike Kim, & Ernesto Ledezma
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
My 1st open mic at the laugh factory. Went up ready, I switched my material last minute and it went amazingly. In n out with my cousin right after.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Prepare and have back up plan.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Intrigued, curious and eager to hear more.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
Research clubs/open mics, write all the time, go to mics & network. Record material to submit to bookers/clubs as well as to critique your work. REPEAT!
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
That people with helpful information wouldn’t be so hesitant to give it out.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Write, write, & write
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Last in Line”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I met Dwight Howard at a pod and told him the old Mexican ladies in the store weren’t talking about how big his shoes were. He laughed his tall ass off.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
At my mom & my stepdad’s funeral and at an old biker bar with a wooden stripper pole.
An Elias Zepeda Fun Fact:
I was 7 the first time I attended an N.A. meeting.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To places, I’ve never been with people I’ve never met.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Confidence is crucial. If you’re not confident in yourself, the audience won’t be either.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
If censorship isn’t checked, there will be no pure comedy.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
“I Love Lucy,” Ethel has a pregnancy scare and Ricky & Lucy help them prepare while still trying little experiments to see if they’re lying. Not pregnant after final experiment.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Laugh Factory w/ Joey Diaz, Eddie Griffin, & Steve Harvey
What’s next for you:
Write more material, Hit more stages in different cities, perform out of state and build my social media following.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It’s the healthiest thing to do. Yes, we’re entitled to our emotions but to choose to always be sad or mad makes absolutely no sense.
Follow Elias Zepeda’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @theseatedentertainer
Youtube: Elias Zepeda
