Meet Jay Flats | Audience Warm Up Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Flats and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, how do you think about risk?
Risk is not just a board game that I wasn’t good at when I was young. Risk in real life can stop most people from “going for it’. I have been taking risks in Hollywood for 21 years. Saying yes to things outside your comfort zone is risky. Saying no leaves you in a creative and expressive corner. Risk can be scary if you’re not willing to fail. I always advise people to keep moving forward and put in the work. I actually like RISK… it keeps me heart rate up and I love the thrill.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have spent close to 20 years in front of audiences in Los Angeles as a HOST, MC, COMEDIAN and more. I love the energy of a crowd and I am addicted to applause. When I first came to Hollywood I saw several audience warm-up comedians and I started to imagine I was up there rocking the crowd and getting the energy to the highest level. It was never easy since this job doesn’t have an HR Department or staffing office. It’s a mix of RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME & NO STAGE FRIGHT. Building relationships in Hollywood is so important. People love to say “it’s who ya know”. I really feel it’s the other way… ‘it’s who knows you.’ Your job as a performer in the entertainment business is to get on SHORT LISTS. You might not always be the first call but if your name isn’t on that list… you’ll never get the call. At the end of the day… make sure you leave a positive vibe behind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
After 20 plus years in L.A. I have several favorite locations. Sushi- Kazu Nori for Hand Rolls, Pizza- Frame in DTLA, Butcher – Standings on Melrose. Sandwiches – Bay Cities Deli in Santa Monica. Burgers- Easy Street Burgers in East Hollywood. Getty Museum is a must. Griffith Observatory for the view of the city alone. Drive up the PCH past Malibu. Skateboard down the Strand in the South Bay Beach area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shoutout to a few of my early mentors from the audience world. Chunky B, Bill Sindelar and Roger Lundblade. I was able to watch, learn and evolve in my field after studying these 3 professionals and witnessing them crush it day in and day out!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayflats

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-flats-1782078

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKVaO6pOfv2VD8iHsDa7nHg