Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Johnson.
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Brandon Johnson has been entertaining crowds with his brand of stand up comedy for 12 years. For some time before that he was affectionately known as “Pittsburgh’s #1 Superfan” amongst other stand up comedians for seemingly always being at their open mics and shows. Known for his distinct laughter in the crowd and informed opinion amongst the comedians, he engendered lasting friendships amongst the other comedians. In 2013 he went from fan to performer doing his 1st stand up set at the Beerhive in Pittsburgh. In that time since he’s hosted for Steve Byrne (“The Opening Act”, “Sullivan and Sons”, TBS, Netflix, Showtime) at the Pittsburgh Improv. Also performed alongside Erik Griffin (“Workaholics” Comedy Central, “I’m Dyin Up Here” Showtime), Tony Roberts (BET “Comicview”, “Shaq’s All Star Jam”, “2 Minutes Of Fame”), Mike Geeter (“Kevin Hart’s Hart Of The City: Detroit”), Rodney Perry (“The Mo’Nique Show”, “Johnson Family Vacation”, Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed”, “Coming To America 2”), Guy Torry (“American History X”, “Life”, “Phat Tuesdays” documentary Amazon Prime), Finesse Mitchell (“Saturday Night Live”), Dave Attell (“Trainwreck”, “Hot Cross Buns”), and Clayton English (Disney Plus “Hawkeye”, “Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns”). He’s performed on the comedy stage at Millvale Music Festival every year since 2019. He’s performed a corporate show at Oglebay Resort in West Virginia. He’s headlined at the Hobnob Theatre near Pittsburgh. He’s performed multiple times in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and West Virginia. He’s also performed at Broadway Comedy Club (NY), New York Comedy Club, Greenwich Village, Grisly Pear Comedy Clubs, and St. Marks Comedy Club (NY), The Stress Factory (NJ), Uptown Comedy Theater (Atlanta), Crockets, Green Frog Inn, Tacoholix, and The Art Place (WV), Club Cafe, Bottlerocket Social Hall, Arcade Comedy Theater (PA) and other places around Pittsburgh. He’s performed at benefits for community centers, brain aneurysm research, victims of gun violence, local libraries, animal conservancy, Alzheimer’s research, and suicide prevention. He’s entertained multi ethnic rooms with his unique observations on sports, pop culture, race, single life, and workplace customs. From 10 to 90 and all ages in between he’s entertained both intimate crowds and those of over 200 customer sellout comedy clubs. Mostly clean and irreverent, he’s a comedian on the rise and looking to leave all future crowds better than they were before the show.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not smooth. Stand up comedy is something you cannot just come to and have a ready made hour long special. You have to put the work in and go to open mics, write material, and hone your craft. One has not even found their voice until about 10 years in. One has to even put the Gladwell suggested 10,000 hours of stage time. Even then you may have not mastered the craft. There are ebbs and flows in your writing. You need experiences to relate to as many crowds as possible. Even you yourself may get in your own way. There’s no merit based system or immediate gratification, one must also network yourself and luckily have the right person see you and have an opportunity for you. An entrepreneurial spirit is needed to establish yourself and even think about merchandising or something else to make you stand out and maintain fans/followers.
I still have to overcome a different crowd for every show, occasionally shut down a heckler, and a host of unknown circumstances.. I didn’t start my comedy journey until I matured into my 30’s. I came in with a fully unique life experience onstage than someone starting in their teens and trying to figure things out along the way.. I’ve just now been able to book my own shows that reflect my sensibility in performers and professionalism in the stand up craft. I’ve also had to manage my mental health daily to have the discipline to sustain an ongoing 12 year career in stand up comedy. Overcoming various levels of depression, grief, anxiety, and “imposter syndrome “ amongst others to deliver a competent, cohesive performance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work at PPG Paints Arena as a concession supervisor. Making sure that every fan and guest has the best time as possible. I supervise workers at food sections, ensuring high quality food and desserts are enjoyed bu the guests. Professional with a caring and coaching mindset, I ensure every worker can do their job to the best of their ability while delivering great customer service.
I also work as an administrative support person for McCormack-Baron Management at Besford Hill Apartments. I’m one of the first faces people see coming into the office. Outside of different reports and projects I handle on an everyday basis; I serve the residents by putting in work orders (leaky toilet, no heat, appliance issues, etc.) for their units and communicate to managers what their issues are when calling in or walking to the office.
Any big plans?
I plan on continuing to book an excellent stand up comedy show at Lincoln Avenue Brewing in Pittsburgh. Expanding to another brewery in 2027 for shows. I’m also submitting to various comedy festivals around the country and expanding my YouTube channel and building a website. I grow as my comedy grows on various platforms and social media content.
Pricing:
- Hosting, Featuring, Headlining stand up shows negotiable
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Brandonlaughslast
- LinkedIn: Brandon Johnson
- Youtube: The Comedy Stylings Of Brandon Johnson
