Meet Flip Schultz | Comedian & Actor

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

Hi Flip, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a performer. Something about commanding an audience – whether it’s 2000 people in a theatre or 5 family members at dinner – always felt familiar to me. Like being home. I realized at a young age that I could make people laugh. I could come up with a joke or a gesture or even a pratfall that would cause laughter; and it was intoxicating.

I first became aware of stand up comedy when I saw a Robin Williams comedy special. I remember thinking, “That! That is what I’m going to do.” It was a moment; a clear vision of my future. I can’t explain it, but it’s just as simple as: My name is Flip, my favorite color is blue and I’m a comedian. It was woven into my DNA.

There was nothing else I wanted to do, and I didn’t see any kind of challenge. Again, it was just a fact, I will be a comedian.

So in a way, I didn’t choose a creative career, it chose me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I love about my art is that I’m able to do it exactly the way I want to do it. I’m not a political comic nor do I touch on more “hot button” issues; not because I don’t have feelings or opinions about those topics, I’m just not good at turning those opinions into comedy. The comedy I prefer to do (and that I’m pretty good at) is smart/silly comedy that won’t change people’s minds about politics or relationships or this or that, but it will leave people feeling good and filled with laughter.

Getting to where I am professionally has not been easy (and it still can be a challenge). The biggest hurdle at the beginning was, “how do you become a comedian?” There’s no college course. Sure there are books, but I’m not a big reader and I’m more of the opinion that you just go full speed and figure it out along the way. So that’s what I did. I started hanging out at comedy clubs, watching the shows and talking to local comics. I found out about open mike nights and places to hang and talk. I networked and realized that I need to be listening more than talking at first. All while finishing college.

Eventually I had enough of an act and made enough contacts to go full time in 1997, and I haven’t looked back. Luckily I had (and still have) the support of family and friends to have gotten me through harder times both financially and emotionally.

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?
Well I’ve recently moved back to south Florida, so I’m still figuring out my new city.

But if I were still in LA I would take them to (in no particular order):

Venice Beach for some lunch and people watching, my favorite comedy clubs (The Improv, Comedy Store and Flappers), Hollywood, Griffith Park and a bunch of places that I can’t remember right now.

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?
First and foremost, my parents. I mean could you imagine your 8 year old son telling you that he’s going to be a comedian? Most parents would pat him on the head and say, “that’s cute. But you need to be serious about your future.” Not my parents, they encouraged and supported me and are still my biggest fans. Their only condition was that I needed to get a college degree. So I got one in theater.

I also have to give a shout out to the many amazing teachers I’ve had who also supported and fueled my love for performing.

My first mentor in comedy was a man named Andrew Dorfman who was the owner of my local comedy club and a comedian himself. He gave me advice, ideas and – most importantly – didn’t coddle me. He was as direct and honest as he was loving.

Website: www.FlipIsFunny.com

Instagram: @flipisfunny

Twitter: @flipisfunny

Facebook: Flip Schultz Fan Page

Youtube: /flipschultz

Other: Tik Tok: @flipisfunny