Before They Stood Up

Nathan Rivas is an Amarillo Texas native, whose been in the DFW scene since 2017. Nathan was attending the University of North Texas when he first tried his shot at standup. Just like so many before him his first time wasn’t a roaring success, but Nathan was hooked instantly. Since then, Nathan has performed shows in various clubs like Hyena’s, Dallas Comedy Club, and Plano House of Comedy. When he’s not on the mic, Nathan is working on material with his comedy friends, or on his own. This is a conversation with Nathan about his journey as a comedian thus far.

Chandler Valencia was born in Louisiana, and is in the beginning stages of what is bound to be a very fruitful standup comedy career. Chandler has been doing open mics, and shows all over Texas. He has performed and interviewed on Kill Tony. Chandler was crowned the winner of the Ryan Joseph contest. Valencia is constantly out at open mics all over Dallas TX mastering his craft. He was the headliner at the Frisco Rail Yard comedy night. At just 22 years old there's no telling what this rising star will do in the future. This is a conversation with Chandler about his journey as a standup thus far.

Derrick Cakley has been doing standup comedy for over a decade. His debut comedy album “Telling Jokes and Wrecking Lives” is a great introduction to who Derrick is and his style of comedy. Derrick also performed at the Denton Black Film Festival and was the winner of the festival. Derrick has done standup all over the country and as a seasoned vet of over ten years, Derrick has been through the ups and downs of being a comedian. This conversation is about his journey as a standup thus far, and what the future holds.

Lawrence Rosales is a Dallas native and one of the rising stars of Texas comedy. He regulars at the Addison Improv, and Hyenas Comedy Club. Lawrence is a 2-time finalist for the Addison Improvs funniest comic in Texas competition. Lawrence has been working on the road for the last six years, and he’s worked with some of the hottest names in comedy including Mark Normand and Big Jay Oakerson. You've also seen him on the Kill Tony podcast. Lawrence has had an interesting path to comedy and his childhood and past has a lot to do with the brilliance of his comedy. 

Shiva Ary is a stand up comedian from Dallas, TX. Shiva has been working as a comic for the past 6 years. Shiva has opened for Theo Von, Doug Stanhope Jon Reep, Fortune Femister, and many others! As an Indian/American comedian Shiva draws on his experiences growing up in Dallas. Shiva has a dark sense of humor and has a great way of finding the funny in any situation life throws at him. 

Shahyan is a Dallas-based comedian hitting stages all around the US for the past 7 years. He's performed in festivals and clubs across the country, he's opened for some amazing headliners such as Emily Heller, Helen Hong, Paul Hooper, Liz Miele, and Dean Edwards. He is also one of the hosts Hayenas Comedy Club in Dallas. This conversation is about his journey as a stand up comedian thus far. Shahyan also has a life and career outside of stand-up and he touches on these topics throughout our conversation.