We recently connected with Darin Maddox and have shared our conversation below.
Darin, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As a child, I was an avid action movie watcher and comic book reader. There was something about the hero being down, and against all odds being able to pull him or herself up and continue to fight. It’s always stuck with me.
So when times get rough even as an adult I think back to those movies or those comics. If I have one breath left in my lungs, I will find a way to get up and move forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My focus professionally is on film acting, it’s my passion, but with a minor in Stand-Up Comedy. I love to entertain people, to play characters, and to challenge myself mentally and emotionally.
As a young child in Chicago, IL (woot, woot) I experienced school productions and I was hooked. Music, plays, arts and crafts whatever I could get my hands on to display or perform for the masses I was in. As I got older I narrowed my focus to marching percussion and theater to check all of my creative boxes to pretty good success throughout high school. But college had no marching percussion so. I filled the hole with minor film work and theater.
Fast forward, in 2019 I wasn’t doing anything creative. My friend Evan Lopez invited me to an open mic to support him in performing stand-up. I went along just to support and maybe have a few laughs, but he convinced me to try it out and I got the performance bug again.
6 years later I’m going strong performing and producing shows in the Palmdale, CA area. I started Jokes on D productions LLC a year ago to build a brand for my productions and now upcoming merch line to help fund my comedy. Also I’m a founding member of the “Act Right Comedy crew” full of up and coming comedians working together to make it in the entertainment world. Shout out to our twin group but for music, arts, etc, the Deegaf Universe!
You can follow me on IG @jokes_on_d for upcoming shows, clips, etc and our Act Right Comedy page @the_arc661 and also my actor page @actordarinmaddox for film projects.
See a show, buy a t-shirt and soon other items. Support your mans, and it only helps me entertain you better.
If you see me in the streets, come say wassup!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Best three qualities:
1. Be a student of the game. Take classes, ask questions, take notes. You can learn and advance so quick if you build your skills and not just raw talent.
2. Be a worker. Get out there! If you don’t try you’ll never know. Work on your craft daily even just a little bit. Stay sharp!
3. Be humble.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
As a growing artist, it hard not to let the hunger for the arts over take you financially. Learn to live below your means, this business is feast or famine. There are shows designed to bleed out young artists for stage time, designed to sell food and alcohol not showcase your gift.
We all need to sharpen our skills but be mindful of gas money, food, drink, the night life gets a hold of you. Pinching pennies, rest, and planning moves at home will save you a lot of money. Performing at dive bars 5-6 days a week for free nearly put me in a homeless shelter. Make sure the things you do work for you as well, and pay your rent, lol.
If you can’t find something that works for you and fellow artists, make one!
Break a leg out there!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jokes_on_d
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/darin.maddox1
- Youtube: @jokes_on_d
Image Credits
James K. Martin (stage photos)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
