At 38 years old, Leonel Saavedra takes his comical reflections and interpretations about daily life to the stage which generates that spark that ignites humor and laughter in the public.
But making a name for himself in the world of stand-up comedy wasn't easy. Leo, as the majority of his fans and friends refer to him, immigrated to the country 16 years ago.
“I first arrived in Las Vegas and eight years ago I came to San Diego. Now my life passes between my work as a server at a breakfast dinner, then taking care of my family at around noon, I’m a father of two so I have to take care of all their needs with my wife; at night I get ready for my stand-up comedy show, and I also help train new comedians."
Leo has been doing comedy professionally for five years and has done shows in Russia, Mexico, and the United States. He has performed as a comedian in the San Diego Comedy Festival and New York Underground Comedy Festival.
He is also a registered comedian for the World Series of Comedy and has a record of 7- 2 in the Roast Battle at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
“It was five years ago that I began to dedicate myself to finding out how to get started, so I looked on the internet and I found some places where they do what is called Open Mic, you go and register on a long list and wait about two or three hours to have your turn, and do your 3-minute skit on the stage."
"There you can find everyone from professional to amateur comedians like I was; I went there every week. There you can buy drinks to get more minutes since you pay to be on stage."
Motivated by Friendship and Love
Stand-up comedy has always been part of Leo's talents, but his friend and wife motivated him to make his name known.
“I have always liked to make people laugh, I have an open personality, I like coexisting and being the center of the conversation, living healthy”.
“Since I was young I always wanted to do some stage activity, theater perhaps, I didn’t know much about comedy, then, a friend, who unfortunately passed away, Juanito, who motivated me and told me that if this comedy thing didn't work for us, he would take me to Chile and be my manager”.
“He was the first to see the talent in me, then my wife and she started encouraging me. He pushed me, everything meshed together and I started to become a comedian”.
“I worked in a restaurant at night and when I got out I went to the Open Mic and waited, sometimes I wouldn't go on stage until 1 or 2 a.m. and I had 3 minutes for my show, I remember that sometimes I had to perform only for the same comedians who were waiting their turn, already tired, they didn't even laugh; but one continues because of the hunger to be better, for the desire to improve and make a name for yourself, to look for your opportunity and practice to face any audience."
"One prepares for this on stage; there is no school for it. After all, the audience pays attention. There could be terrible jokes or outstanding speakers with lots of energy.
Through a Good Path
In an enthusiastic mood, because his hard work is starting to pay off, Leo shows his excitement for the upcoming projects.
“Now, this year, thankfully, we have a platform in which we also produce shows in Spanish and we bring comedians, for example, in Escondido we go once a month to the Grand Comedy Club, there we have two shows on Thursdays, our comedians come from Texas, from Tijuana, we also have surprise guests; Also, personally, I like to perform sets in English for Latinos because we address other issues, there are audiences that have different visions and I like to do it in English”.
“I also perform at Mic Drop Comedy, a new club in Clairemont where I present my show called Muy Funny, and I want to host it once a month. I am also invited to go to Los Angeles, on April 28 and on the 29th I will be in Texas, and I am also going to Miami as I am getting several opportunities and that's what motivates me a lot. People who want to know where I am performing can find me on my social networks, "Leo Saavedra Comedy,” expressed Leo, who has been invited to do opening acts for characters such as Felipe Esparza, Jerry García, Fabrizio Copano, Eric Rivera.
