Actor/Comedian Calwyn Shurgold is in the house! Calwyn brought such a fun energy to the show, complete with Matthew McConaughey impression. I am a sucker for a good McConaughey impression. It’s safe to say he had me at McConaughey.
What I enjoyed most about taking with Calwyn was his willingness to be vulnerable and put “the funny “ on the back burner during certain portions of our conversation and discuss where his comedy comes from. Some of his material is born out of pain he has experienced, and yes he uses that as material, but that he has learned over time as both a comedian and an actor that you do not need to be a “tortured artist” to have impactful material and colourful performances.
I could not agree more. Life will happen regardless. The notion that as an artist you need to live a life of turmoil to ensure the well of experiences that you can draw from for you art doesn’t run dry and you will not be able to produce meaningful and impactful work is an antiquated notion and one that needs desperate updating.
In this episode:
- Why growing up in a small town that didn’t have a large artistic scene actually helped him develop his creativity
- why he is weary about taking and giving advice about stand-up comedy
- how his small role of Hell Wizard on Orphan- Black turned ended up turning into a large role and what he has taken away from being on a hit show from everything from acting to behind the scenes
- Why you must learn to learn to fall in love with the process
Calwyn Shurgold: Stand- Up Comedy, Booking Hell Wizard On Orphan Black And How To Trust Your Creative Voice
A little about Calwyn : Save & Exit
Some might call him a comedic renaissance man, or just a very talented nerd. He’s known for his Stand Up Comedy, spot on impersonations, voice work, and rapping as Whyte Wyne. Calwyn Shurgold is a graduate of Second City’s Sketch Comedy, and Longform Improv Conservatory programs, he plays Hellwizard on the hit TV series Orphan Black, and has been seen on Being Canadian, People of Earth, The Handmaid’s Tale, Much Music, and E.T. Canada.
Follow Calwyn!
Twitter: @calwynshurdold
Facebook: @itscalwynshurgold
Did you enjoy the podcast?
What spoke to you the most today? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
