When it comes to personal favorites, few top my list higher than today's Comedy Spotlight. Mikael Johnson is one of DC's most unique comedians, known most notably through his incredible character-driven improvisational work with The Comedy Pigs, Comedy Sportz and currently WIT's Jackie. He also is an experienced sketch writer, director and stage actor having been a ensemble member of Maryland's MET for several years. He is also a past producer of the Mid-Atlantic Comedy Smörgåsbord, which featured the area's best stand-up and improv talent.
This guy produces more "you had to be there" moments than any DC performer I know. He has a way of capturing an audience's attention, without deterring from what others are doing onstage. He also has one of the most twisted senses of humor I have ever witnessed. Try to turn away...you can't. Audiences outside DC love him as well. As a member of WIT Mikael has performed at several of the east coast's biggest comedy festivals including the Charleston Improv Fest, Dirty South Improv Fest, Chicago Improv Fest, DC Comedy Fest and the Philadelphia Improv Festival.
Mikael also is a established teacher and is currently instructing a long-form improv class through Washington Improv Theater. If you have performed improv in the past and would like to learn more from one of the masters, then definitely sign up for his class.
[Hit the jump for an interview and videos from Mikael!]
When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?
When I was 14 I was Bill Cosby in my English Class for this project. It got a huge response. I think I have been chasing that ever since.
Who were some of your earliest influences? My two older brothers and my parents. They f'd with me all the time—lie to me with a straight face sort of thing. I could never get a straight answer out of anyone. I know that definitely rubbed off. Also: Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Kids In The Hall, South Park, Monty Python, and Mel Brooks (Spaceballs).
What about them captivated you?
If I could make someone in my family really laugh, who were all older, it was a good feeling. South Park, Kids In The Hall, and Monty Python have always been my favorite. I like anything that is silly and smart, plus KITH had nudity in their first few seasons on HBO.
Where was your first performance?
First student class showcase at Comedy Sportz in Arlington, VA was my first show in front of a paying audience. I was mortified. I remember sweating a lot but eventually relaxed. I really don't remember my first gig with the Pigs, I remember thinking, "I got through it".
What would you say is your improv-comedy style?
I like to find a character or an emotion and just go with it. I just hope I'm having fun and not sitting inside my own head. If I'm taking things too seriously, then I need to find something else to do.
Do you enjoy the process of writing?
Yes and no, I love writing, what I find difficult is revising and editing. I hate it when I don't hit it out of the park on the first try, which is all the time. Basically, with writing, and improving on any discipline, the toughest part for me is any act that involves "follow through".
How do you think your improv training has affected your writing style/process?
I am more open to take chances on stage with just an idea or exploring something through a character. Also, there are other things to do on stage other than premise-set-up-punch.
What about performing live do you enjoy?
All the sex you get after the shows.
Do you ever want to convey a message?
I really don't care enough about anything. The late great, Richard Jeni, has a great bit on this concept, you can find it on Youtube.
What's hacky to you?
Anybody who doesn't respect their craft, a paying audience, or their fellow artists.
How do you feel about doing comedy in Washington DC?
I love it most of the time but you have to make your opportunities. It sometimes feels like a way station, people come through here with great talent but if you're going to work you have to move to NY, LA or Chicago.
Were your parents supportive of you doing comedy?From day one, though my mother would harp on the, "This is your ______ year in a row without medical insurance, you just can't keep gambling with your future like this". And I was like, "Mom, I'm drinking vodka every day, and I continue to feel as if I am being swallowed--I'm fine".
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Donner Party Diary
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