Ben Hague’s Funny Business: Interview with Comedian Orlando Baxter

Orlando Baxter: I started going to open mics in Boston. Shout out to Rich Gustus and the old “Emerald Isle” crew.

 

 

BH: Biggest thrill of your career thus far?

OB: Taking a leave of absence from my teaching job to go on the road with Jo Koy for a year. And then getting the opportunity to open up for him on his Comedy Central special. Best time of my life!

 

 

BH: How does the day job influence your writing?

 

OB: Well, I’m a teacher at a high school so its AWWWEEESOME!!! Working at a school is a gold mine for writing comedy.

 

 

BH: Tell us a cool road story.

 

OB: One time I was randomly “selected” to get patted down at an airport in Fargo, ND. So as I stood there getting groped by this big burly TSA officer at 6AM in the morning, the guy looks up at me and whispers, 

Him: “You were awesome last night.”

Me: “What?” 

Him: “Yeah, I was at the show. By far one of the funniest comics I’ve seen in a while. Thank you.”

Me: “You’re welcome sir. Glad you liked the show.”

 

It was by far one of the coolest and weirdest fan experiences I’ve had. 

 

 

BH: If you could open for any comic living or dead who would it be?

 

OB: I would have to say Richard Pryor because he was not only a titan in stand up comedy but he was so controversial on and off the stage. And I would love to just sit with him and pick his brain about comedy and his life.

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Orlando can be seen headlining the East Providence Comedy Connection January 25 & 26. Click here to get your tickets now!

Find Orlando on Facebook & check out his website to find out where he’ll be performing next.