January 2017 - Make 'Em Laugh: Keith Breckenridge

In a sea of comedians, Keith Breckenridge is making a big wave in the comedy scene. Breckenridge has found his passion and shared with New Mexico Entertainment why comedy is his calling.

What is it about comedy that makes it your passion?

Since I was a kid, it’s always been to make people laugh and for THAT night, have fun, leave your cares at the door. Comedy is intimate and personal, with every show being different—even though I have a set, it always changes based on the crowd…[T]hat gives me such a rush—it’s really second to none.

Who are your inspirations?

Eddie Murphy is my icon, but closely followed by Richard Pryor, Carol Burnett, George Carlin, and Dave Chappelle,

What is it like being up in front of an audience?

It’s similar to being on a first date with someone you REALLY like—nervous, scary, but excited and hopeful—and when it’s going well, I feel superhuman like a rock star….[B]ut on the flip side, when you bomb, time slows down. It’s quiet and you can't think. It’s hard to hide when you're the only one up there with a spotlight on you, and you have to bring this crowd back, but nothing is working….[You] feel like you're sinking faster and faster until you finally hit on something to win them back. Either way, I hope to get a kiss at the end of the night.

Do you remember your first gig?

My story is a little different than most comedians. My friend told me about auditions for a late night talk show, "The After After Party," hosted by Steven Michael Quezada. I auditioned and made it on the show and was asked back for two more episodes. Started doing open mics honing my craft and working on my set to become a pro.

Do you feel New Mexico is lacking in comedy?

New Mexico is lacking in venues for professional comedy. The Stage at Santa Ana Star has professional shows every Thursday that pack every time but stopped booking "local comedians." Albuquerque has the ONLY real comedy club downtown, "Open Source Comedy," that features shows every weekend. Otherwise, it’s a brewery, bar, theater, casino or the once-in-a-while-hotel-gig, which is then perceived as an amateur show, despite the fact that Albuquerque has a TON of talent with guarantees of a great evening with very smart, sharp, funny comedians from all walks of life. If we build it, THEY will come.

Do you have any upcoming performances?

Yes. I am currently on tour with http://www.whythelongfacecomedytour.com/. My next show is at Turtle Mountain Brewery on 01/07/17; then Pensacola, Florida 01/18- 01/21; El Paso, Texas 01/27-01/28; with Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; Austin; Dallas; San Antonio;#Colorado Springs; Denver; Phoenix; Las Vegas; and the mecca, New York.