Creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Even solo artists draw inspiration from the people, places, and artworks that most affect them. In a performance-oriented industry like music, comedy, or theater, embracing the power of collaboration can yield unexpected artistic highs for everyone involved. 

Our guest today, comedian Zach Zucker, is a living example of the incredible things creative collaboration can bring. As the creator of Stamptown, an award-winning production company that creates and tours with original comedy and musical acts, Zach collaborates with countless artists and facilitates performances all over the world. “I want to learn from the best at all times,” he says. “And just constantly get my mind blown and see how much more there is out there and how much I can aspire to achieve.”

On today’s podcast episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Zach to discuss the comedian’s background in athletics and how the virtues he learned—discipline, teamwork, and humility—helped him navigate his transition to show business. Zach shares the many challenges that arise from running his own business and why it’s uniquely difficult to be a good performer while simultaneously dealing with the pressing concerns of a producer. “One of the maybe the hardest parts I run into is advocating for myself in a way that doesn't have consequences because I have to wear the producer's hat and the performer's hat.”

Zach also sheds some light on the delicate balancing act required for fruitful collaboration. “We are, as a group, unstoppable when we are all playing in the [best] way that we can, when we're all listening to each other, and we trust each other, and we respect each other,” he says. I want everyone to go out there and steal the show. I want everybody to be the funniest part of the show. I want them to do it in the most selfless, respectful way possible.”

Key Points From This Episode:

• Zach’s background in athletics and the origins of his interest in comedy.
• The pivotal show that inspired him to become a performer.
• Key skills Zach learned as an athlete and how it has supported him in show business.
• Insights into what motivates him to be such a prolific creator and collaborator.
• Stamptown as a production company and how they support other exceptional performers.
• Unpacking the underlying principles of clowning and having a playbook mentality onstage.
• Contrasting method acting with other schools of thought.
• Zach’s approach to comedy line-ups and how he prioritizes the ensemble elements.
• Putting together a variety show for Stamptown’s inclusive, avante-garde, anarchic style.
• Millennial and Gen Z comedy taste and how it’s reflected in Zach’s shows.
• Why comedy is all about rhythm and how hip hop influenced his approach.
• Zach’s SNL audition tape and how they built a skit around it.
• The challenges of being an artist and business owner and what Zach has learned from it.
• Negotiating with venues, the costs involved, and how performers are often exploited.
• Some of the exciting things that Zach, and Not Real Art, have coming up!

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/zach-zucker