Mike Albo works out his hope muscle
Mike Albo is the author of three novels, Hornito, considered one of the 50 Essential LGBT Works of Fiction by Flavorwire, and the cult classic The Underminer: The Best Friend Who Casually Destroys Your Life (written with Virginia Heffernan) and most recently Another Dimension of Us. His other works include the The Junket and Spermhood: Diary of a Donor.
He has written for the The New Yorker, New York Magazine, GQ, Departures, W Magazine, TED, Elle Decor, Southern Living, AARP and numerous other magazines and websites. He has written a horoscope column, a love advice column and was the Critical Shopper columnist for the New York Times. He has performed nine solo shows and comedy shows across the US, Canada, UK and Europe. His solo shows include “Spermhood: Diary of a Donor” and “The Junket” which ran Off-Broadway at the Lynn Redgrave Theater in 2014. He is also a part of the long-running comedy trio, Unitard, and the legendary (in their own minds) dance collective, The Dazzle Dancers.
What were you like as a teen?
I was a young flossy, poetry gay as a teenager. But, at the same time, I was also always writing satire. Early on, I discovered that people laugh when I am on stage in front of them.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
Early jobs in NYC were administrative positions. At first, I thought I wanted to go into Arts Administration. Then I realized, “No, wait. I want to be the artist who is administrated!”
What is your biggest comedy achievement?
It is always shifting, but releasing a TEDTalk that is a parody of a TEDTalk is pretty up there.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
The community! Being invited to do comedy shows, variety shows, and storytelling shows has always kept me going. Hanging backstage with other performers, creating a good vibe, and encouraging others on this madcap pursuit of ours is really at the core.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Ha! Infinite examples of this. It’s why I created my character The Underminer – “The Best Friend Who Casually Destroys Your Life” – those people are always out there.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?
No one else is you. YOU are you. Your voice is singular and special and standout and yours alone.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
“Don’t fuck your voice.”
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
Very early on, I did this bit where I was leaving a long embarrassing message on an answering machine. The director of the variety show had me offstage on a mic while the light on an answering machine was on stage. Not really the best way to introduce myself to audiences.
How has being funny helped you in your life?
I don’t have to tell all of you how much practice and training and constant work it takes to perfect your routines/writing/craft. I think comedy also helps generate optimism and hope in oneself. Hope is a muscle, just like your comic chops. You have to keep working it!
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice?
Carry around notebooks with you at all times – one for your pocket, one for your bag and one larger one to slip notes and scraps you have. Everythign is material if you keep your eyes open.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
Sandra Bernhard, who graces the cover of Town and Country in March! I wrote the profile! She was HUGELY influential for me.
Do you have a writing routine?
I am always always thinking and making notes and writing, 24/7.
