What do they say about New York City: There are eight million stories, and sometimes it seems as though eight million of the people telling them think they’re comedians? No, that’s not it. It is a fact, though, that America’s biggest city is also its biggest comedy mecca. Hollywood may be Hollywood, but New York City is where comedians are born funny, become funny or arrive to thrust their funny upon us. I think we should meet some of these people. This is a recurring feature, a mini-profile of newcomers, up-and-comers and overcomers of New York’s vibrant comedy scene. It’s called Meet Me In New York.
Thomas Dale is an animated comedian. Sometimes he even sounds like an animated cartoon. So, as you can imagine, it’s difficult not to enjoy spending a few or make that 15-20 minutes with him onstage, bantering with a crowd and flirting with the straight boys while making everyone in the room alternately laugh and blush. Dale was one of Montreal’s “New Faces” this summer, but the New York City native is a regular staple at the city’s comedy clubs. Let’s get to know him, shall we?
Name: Thomas Dale
Arrival date: “I have arrived.” I’m just waiting for everyone else to catch on.
Arrived from: The moon, seriously I feel a deep connection with it. But Born in Queens, NY, and raised in Long Island.
When and where did you start performing comedy? July 1, 2006. Bringer shows at Broadway Comedy Club & Village Lantern
What was your first credit? Denis Leary’s Comics Come Home (2010)
How did growing up in NYC shape your desire to be in show business? I think growing up with a very New York family, I’ve always had to step it up and stand out ’cause in my family everyone has something to say and they say it loudly. And my whole family is basically from Brooklyn so I spent a lot of my childhood in those parts as well, with many many eccentric characters. Funny has surrounded me my whole life.
How long did it take to get your first paid gig? I won a contest about two years in and the prize was a paid gig out in Jersey. I got 50 Bucks!!! After tolls and gas I prob walked with $18….I was thrilled!!!!
Did growing up in NYC make it any easier to launch your comedy career here? Yes I feel blessed to have been born here ’cause I had all the love and support that helps keep you going thru this tough business. I have much respect for people that leave their hometowns and come here with nothing.
Have you ever considered moving to L.A. or elsewhere to further your career? Yes sir….I have been itching to get out there for over a year now. Calculating the perfect time. Stuff is definitely brewing. I work at all the clubs, I do lots of the Alt rooms, I’ve sold out Carolines 3 times, have a viral YouTube video, been passed at the Cellar for two years, and just came back from New Faces in Montreal so when I do leave here I can say that I’ve made it in NY now let’s work on LA.
What tip would you give to any comedian who moves here? I would say just be humble, be cool, and pay your dues.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? Surrounded by lots of hot adoring needy str8boys.
Thomas Dale performs regularly at The Comedy Cellar, Eastville Comedy Club, Stand Up NY and Caroline’s on Broadway. You can catch him on TV providing commentary on repeats of VH1’s 100 Sexiest Celebrities and 100 Greatest Child Stars. And you can listen to him on the podcast Nobody Asked You alongside fellow comic Michael Che (Che’s previous Meet Me In New York installment).
Here’s a clip of Thomas Dale from a year ago, performing at Carolines on Broadway. Roll it!
Which NYC comedian would you like to see me style and profile next for Meet Me In New York? Send your nominations to: thecomicscomic AT gmail DOT com
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