Considered by many to be a blast in a glass, this entertainer has appeared in over 100 commercials, along with a slew of guest-star roles in both film and television. Her debut comedy special has had millions smiling from ear to ear, but even with those legendary accolades, if you ask her, you haven’t seen anything yet. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Sarah Halstead. The Flint, MI native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Sarah Halstead
Hometown: Flint, MI/Los Angeles, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Tik-Tok: @sarahhalstead
Years in Comedy: 9.5 years
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: I have a comedy special on Amazon Prime, RVs and Cats; I’ve starred in over 100 commercials, I’ve guest starred on ABC’s To Tell the Truth (streaming on Hulu); TNT’s I Am the Night; ID Network’s Deadly Sins and more.
Comedic Influences: Joan Rivers, John Mulaney, Brian Regan, & Lucille Ball
Favorite Comedy Album: Moms Mabley “I Got Somethin’ To Tell You”
Favorite Comedy Special: Adam Sandler “100% Fresh”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Step Brothers
Favorite Comedy TV Show: SNL
Favorite Comedic Character: Sean O’Malley
Favorite City to Perform In: New York City
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Myself
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: A full house
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Cellar (NYC)
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
Kids used to laugh at me in grade school, but not in a mean way. I didn’t understand what was so funny, and I still don’t know, but it made me feel good to make them laugh. I’ve since cultivated whatever it is.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
My first time was euphoric, like the best drug ever. Most comedians do well their first time. It’s the hundreds of shows posted that are catastrophic, and we’re forever chasing that first high.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Self-depreciating. Clean, but not squeaky.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I write down a funny premise, chip away at the set-up, and punch over time.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Fiercely competitive.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I think if you’re making a living from comedy without a side hustle, you’ve made it.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
I started comedy around the same time as Trevor Wallace and remember auditioning with him at The Ice House. What he’s done with his career is truly inspiring. Malik S, Erica Rhodes, and Trish Suhr also inspire me, albeit they’ve been doing comedy a lot longer than me.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
I have been producing my show, Bottle Shock Comedy, at Hollywood Improv’s The Lab for over 2 years and having people tell me it was the best comedy show they’ve ever seen. And any time performing for a full house and crushing it are the most memorable moments.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
Always be prepared and play to the highest intelligence in the room. Never half-ass it if the room is sparse. You are paid to do a job and always do it well, regardless of the conditions.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Unfortunately, they look and react surprised. This annoys me because they expect women not to be funny. As long as I win them over, it’s all good.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s like the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken.” I took the road with construction, falling debris, and no gas stations. I’m trucking along and have become consistent and entertaining; however, I still have a long way to go. I don’t consider myself a great comedian, but I know in my heart I will be one day.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
Some bookers are more respectful of the comedians and set a known structure for how to get past in their club.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Alonzo Bodden gave me the best advice: Write out your set verbatim and cut out the fat.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
My 2nd comedy special is being filmed live at Monk Space on Thursday, Dec 19th, in Los Angeles. It’s called “Special Occasion,” and it will drop as an album and video in mid-January 2025. My first special, “RVs and Cats,” is on Amazon Prime and has over 2.3 million streams.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I got lost on the lot of 20th Century Fox Studios for an audition and started to cry. Greg Kinnear stopped to help and gave me a ride in a golf cart to the front door of the audition spot. He was so sweet and kind and most likely thought, “She will never make it.”
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
A bowling alley in Muskegon, Michigan. And it was packed.
A Sarah Halstead Fun Fact:
I’m a classically trained pianist who can only play classical music. I can’t play jazz, blues, basic chords, or even chopsticks, but I can play Mozart, Chopin, and Brahms by memory.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
My ultimate goal is cliche, and every comedian I know has the same goal: to land a contract role for network TV.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
If you’re new at standup, for the love of God, do not tell stories! Stick with the premise, set-up, and punch formula. Be original. Take the time to find your voice; don’t mimic anyone else’s. You are unique, and there will never be another you; hence, you are interesting and enough. All you have to do is hone the craft, and it takes time. There are no shortcuts.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I feel like comedy has been put in a blender and someone pushed the frape button.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
It would be Three’s Company. I would write that Jack and Larry go to the Regal Beagle and pick up a transgender woman, Gloria. Jack and Larry fight for Gloria’s effect only to lose out to Mr. Furley.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
It would be Gotham, NYC, and I would perform alongside Jerry Seinfeld, Tig Notaro, and Henry Cho.
What’s next for you:
My second comedy special, “Special Occasion,” was filmed live at Monk Space, Los Angeles, on Thursday, December 19th, at 6:30 p.m. Please visit my website for tickets and all shows: sarahjhalstead.com. I’m also writing a memoir, which I hope to publish in 2025.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because everything is going to be ok.
Follow Sarah Halstead’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: Sarah Halstead
Youtube: Sarah Halstead
Personal Website: Sarah Halstead
