The Woodworking Series is Don’t Tell Comedy’s 18th independent YouTube series that features stand-up comedy sets from the best of the next generation of stand-up comedians. During a recent appearance, comedian Chinedu Unaka describes the feeling that comes along when you’re an exit row hero.
Chinedu Unaka:
Chinedu is a comedian, actor and writer best known for his stand up appearances on Television, internationally and around the United States. Most currently Chinedu was seen on the latest season of Coming to the Stage (HULU) and on the hit comedy series The Mindy Project (FOX/HULU) and just came back from an overseas tour performing for the US Troops stationed across the Middle East and a comedy tour of India..
Born and raised in south Los Angeles with direct Nigerian roots, Chinedu got his start in comedy after a friend in college dared/encouraged him to try stand up. Chinedu, down for 180 degree life change, told himself “Why not?” After a successful enough first show (didn’t cry or shit his pants) Chinedu became hooked; performing at every talent show, open mic and stand up night he could find at and around the University of California, Santa Barbara. After finishing school,, Chinedu moved back to LA to pursue his entertainment dreams. Chinedu began performing nightly anywhere he could, while teaching students with special needs until he figured out how to make a living through his passion.
A fews years later, CHINEDU is still eating peanut butter everyday, but has established himself as a smooth comedic presence performing regularly at some of the country’s most renowned comedy clubs. Including his local favorites: The Hollywood Improv, The Comedy and Magic Club, The Laugh Factory, The Westside comedy Theatre, The Comedy Store and many more. As well as touring universities nationwide annually through his “Study Break” College Comedy Tour reaching from USC and UCLA in Los Angeles to Ithaca College and Cornell University in New York.
Chinedu has also competed in NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity competition – being named a top ten finalist out of 1000 + comedians. In addition, he was featured on NUVO’s TV Stand Up and Deliver and was named as a top finalist at the Laughing Devil, Ventura Harbor, Burbank, San Diego and the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival. Chinedu comedic talents were also seen early on TV in his own half hour comedy special on The Africa Channel as apart of Africa Laughs, which still continually airs internationally on Time Warner Cable. Furthermore, his name can be seen on the credits as writer for a comedy project that was aired for SHOWTIME.
Chinedu is also the co-producer of The Comedy Kickback, a once a month stand up comedy show, that happens every second Friday in Los Angeles at The Hollywood Improv in The Lab.
Don’t Tell Comedy produces weekly shows in 45+ cities across the US in unique locations for a one-of-a-kind comedy experience! The location is kept a secret until the day of the show and the performers are a secret until they hit the stage!
Executive Producers: Kyle Kazanjian-Amory and Brett Kushner
Directed By: Gordie Earle III and Brad Silnutzer
Director of Photography: Mark Davis
Consulting Producer: Cole Garrett
Gaffer: Michael Tellup
Grip: Jon Corum
Cam Operators:
Amelia Asillis
Mark Davis
Lauren Doyle
Gordie Earle III
Michael Tellup
Editor: Gordie Earle III
Color Correction: Mark I. Davis
Sound Recording: Ben Rose
Sound Mix: Ryan Meadows
Production Coordinator: Megan Hunter
Production Assistants:
Julia DiCesare
Joseph Garcia
Aine Hunt
Jeff Kane
Photographer: Karolina Bryner
Check out Don’t Tell Comedy website for upcoming live shows in your city! www.donttellcomedy.com
