If you’re one of Chicago’s premier comedy clubs, like The Plex, what do you do when one of Canada’s top comedians comes to town? You put him on stage, of course, which is where Byron Bertram is going to be at 1128 Lake Street, Lower Level, Oak Park this Friday and Saturday. We caught up with him for this week’s Take 5.
You’re from Vancouver, Canada. How did you get into comedy in the first place?
I had crazy artist parents. My dad is a musician and my mom is a painter. I was a fat, white kid who went to an all-Asian school in East Vancouver. I became the class clown and my bullies became my friends.
How do you make your voices come to life?
I definitely think I inherited it from my dad. I think it definitely comes from a musical ear, and just practice talking different crap with my friends.
You’ve performed in over 30 countries, which is a lot. Does your travel schedule ever wear you down?
The only continents I’ve not been on are Africa and Antarctica; there are no comedy clubs in Antarctica. It’s a case of finding gigs, taking gigs. I did this 11-country run in Europe a few years ago, and I was like, Oh, this is exhausting. When it comes too quickly, it can be overwhelming.
You’ve got a nice presence on YouTube. How important is YouTube, and social media, to what you do?
I say it’s the main thing now, really. The algorithm is the new gatekeeper. Before, you had to get in with clubs or agents or promoters. If you have a great presence online, it’s the most important, I would say. People now build stuff on their own. They suddenly have half a million followers. That’s where people are going to find you and see you round the world in this day and age.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to jump into comedy, but may be hesitant?
Be respectful, be nice, don’t overrun your time. Don’t take rejection so seriously. Find a unique voice that’s distinctly you. Jump onto social media outside of standup, sketch or anything else, something else that is an interest to you. Something that can complement you.
Byron is serious about YouTube; check out his channel. Get a load of his impression of Sergei Putinski; those are the kinds of impressions you’re going to see when you see him live. Sergei … er, Byron … is also on Instagram.
Take 5: BYRON BERTRAM