As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Hazel Calderon. The Miami, FL native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Hazel Calderon
Hometown: I was born in Central America, Nicaragua. I was raised in Miami, Florida, and currently live in Hollywood, California.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @hazelcalderon @hazelcalderon7
Years in Comedy: 4
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Yes I am known as The Commercial Queen. General Hospital and representing my country in the Miss World Pageant as Miss Nicaragua
Favorite Comedy Album: Fluffy Classic
Favorite Comedy Special: The Roast of Tom Brady
Favorite Comedy Movie: Bridesmaid
Favorite Comedy TV Show: I Love Lucy
Favorite Comedic Character: Lucy Ball
Favorite City to Perform In: The City of Angels
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Me and my Boyfriend.
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Relax humans and ready to have a good time with Laughter.
Favorite Comedy Club: Flappers Comedy Club
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I have always identified myself as a comedian. When I first met my boyfriend, he noticed this and asked me, “Where’s your standup?” It was at this point I decided to take my first class at Second City Hollywood. This is where I first learned how to bomb on stage. It took time to learn and develop the ideas I had within and share them with the world. Flappers University had a huge impact on my development and provided me the opportunity to get on stage every week and constantly work on my passion.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
Again, as I mentioned earlier, this is where I learned how to bomb on stage. I would say the joke, force my boyfriend to laugh, and continue to ask my teachers what a punch line was. It was scary and so very quiet in the audience. It’s true; you could actually hear a pin drop.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I am an energizer and motivator. When I’m at the show, it’s going to feel like a party. I support everyone in a wholesome, professional, and loving way. My material is unique to my life and experiences with my family.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I am fully invested in living my life. I transcribe as many daily experiences as possible for my material. I love storytelling and documenting my life through visual art. All of these materials inspire my process. My process is cyclical; the more active I am, the better I tend to go.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It is Comedy Heaven. It’s what dreams are made of. Where on this planet could you go and hit a different mic every day of the week? We are surrounded by stages of all sizes and just about every different experience one could have. Very blessed to be here and grateful for every single opportunity.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Success is in your own mind. Your process and progress will be heavily influenced by your own self-esteem. If you want to progress as fast as possible and make the most of your opportunities, you need to see yourself positively. I am working hard, I am learning, I am taking opportunities fit for me and the best is yet to come.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
My community of comedians inspires me, and I love to support them on their journey. Hosting The Friday Clean Mic at Flappers has given me the opportunity to connect and get to know so many talented people.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The most memorable moment was when I performed a show at the Chateau. The lineup was loaded with professional comics traveling in from all over the place. My boyfriend was in the audience texting me “Baybe, please stay focused.” The comics were lighting the room up and by the time they called my name, the place was on fire. I was so excited to be there and really let loose, the audience was very receptive to my high energy and my jokes seemed to be flowing very naturally. After that show I realized that I have a tendency to match the energy of the room. The bigger the opportunity, the better I do. This helped me focus on harnessing my energy and working on consistency no matter what room I was performing in.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Don’t give up; keep going and rework your jokes.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They react to it in a very positive way, very happy.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
You need to love it; Preparation is key, and immersing yourself in a community where you can grow.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Everyone deserves an equal opportunity.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
BE YOU!
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“The Hazel Show”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I was unaware a celebrity came to my show and they proceeded to introduce themselves to me and I responded by saying “Hi, I’m Hazel, you must be new!”
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Zoom
A Hazel Calderon Fun Fact:
I have one foot bigger than the other.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
To have my own TV Series and an Oscar.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
It’s a process of getting to know yourself and how that relates to the world around you. Be patient and loving toward yourself.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
It’s growing and expanding every day. What a time to be alive pursuing your passion.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
I REALLY LOVE LUCY – Lucy learns español and decides to take a trip to Nicaragua and compete in the Miss World Pageant. No, actually on second thought, that’s just my life.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Flappers Comedy Club (Main Stage) featuring Robin Williams, Lucille Ball and Headliner Hazel Calderon
What’s next for you:
Performing in The Burbank Comedy Festival On Wednesday August 14 at 6pm & 8pm at Flappers. A Double show 🙃
Hosting The Clean Mic Every Friday at Flappers.
Follow Hazel Calderon’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Hazel Calderon
Youtube: Hazel Calderon
Personal Website: Hazel Calderon
