Member Spotlight: Meet Stand-Up Comedian Zac Maas

Zac Maas has spent over a decade making people laugh, and he’s only just getting started. In this talent spotlight, he reflects on his beginnings, creative growth, and the community that shaped his comedy career, while also sharing how GigSalad has helped him land unique and exciting gigs.

Becoming a stand-up comedian

Zac Maas is a Denver-based comedian, writer, filmmaker, and actor originally from South Dakota. With a comedy career that has spanned 49 states (Delaware, you’re missing out!), Zac has done it all, from intimate bar gigs to sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the business as a pro at Comedy Works. His debut comedy album topped the iTunes and Amazon charts in 2023, solidifying his place as a rising voice in stand-up.

The first taste of comedy

Pizza and comedy. Both are undeniably enjoyable on their own, but it was their unexpected pairing where Zac got his start as a stand-up. “There used to be an underground comedy show in a pizza shop in Denver. It was like Fight Club, if Fight Club had mozzarella sticks and marinara,” Zac recalled. “After one show, I asked if I could go up at the next one. They said yes. I walked off stage feeling like I had finally figured out what I wanted to do with my life.”

Zac was lucky to find a plethora of mentors and inspiration in the Denver comedy scene. “Comics like John Novosad (Hippie Man), Deacon Gray, Nancy Norton, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, Adam Cayton-Holland, Ben Kronberg, Ben Roy, and Sam Tallent were huge for me. Sam even took me on the road my very first time, which is basically the stand-up version of a baptism,” said Zac. The strong community helped sharpen his skills and set the stage for a successful career.

Building a comedy career

Over the years, Zac has not only refined his material but also expanded the ways he connects with audiences, both onstage and behind the scenes. He shared, “I can handle bar shows, theaters, corporate gigs, or a guy named Brad’s retirement party in a garage full of his drunkest friends from high school. After 13 years, there’s not much that surprises me anymore.” One piece of advice on growth that’s stuck with him came from a seasoned Denver comic: “You’ll always write the same amount of bad jokes. You’ll just get better at recognizing them before you say them into a microphone in front of 200 strangers.”

Zac has worked hard to carve out his own space, creating, curating, and producing events that, as he puts it, feel like “a community, not just a lineup.” Reflecting on this process, Zac said, “Denver is a tough scene, and one of the best ways to stand out is to build something weird and wonderful.” From the long-running Laugh Night at Alamo Drafthouse to hosting a grant-winning film festival called Phone it In or developing a comedy game show called Uncalled Four, Zac continues to bring fresh, offbeat energy to the comedy world.

The next act

“After 13 years, I feel like I’m really hitting my stride, and I’m prouder than ever of what I’m putting out there,” Zac said. He recently completed filming his second comedy special and finished writing his first book. Both are currently in the editing phase. With his creative momentum and passion for growth, it’s clear Zac’s next chapter will be just as compelling as the last.

Zac Maas’s GigSalad journey

Joining GigSalad in 2020, Zac has used his business savvy and great ability to connect with people to land more bookings. We asked him to share his experience using GigSalad as a stand-up comedian to offer insights and tips for fellow performers.

Using GigSalad

GigSalad: How did you first hear about GigSalad, and what made you decide to join?

Zac Maas: I found it online, probably during a search for “comedy jobs that don’t involve clowns.” Once I had an hour of material that worked well for corporate and private events, I signed up. I knew I could carry a show solo, and I had enough experience running events. I’m not just a comedian. I’m also a sound guy.

GS: In what ways has GigSalad impacted your career as a performer? Do you have any standout gig experiences through the platform?

ZM: GigSalad has taken me to all kinds of events: big company parties, intimate backyard weddings, birthdays where someone thought, “You know what this needs? Stand-up comedy next to the trampoline.” I love gigs where I get to be part of someone’s big day. I’ve pep-talked grooms, roasted dads, and even written custom songs for clients. I always aim to be more than just entertainment. I want to help make your event a memorable one.

GS: What features have been the most helpful in managing your bookings or increasing your exposure?

ZM: The payment processing and protection are huge. In comedy, you learn early on to beware of offers that include phrases like “cash in the envelope after you perform in this alley.” GigSalad helps cut through that noise.

💜 Read about how GigSalad makes booking easier: 10 Reasons to Book Your Gigs on GigSalad

Client communication

GS: For many performers using GigSalad, responding to leads can be a learning curve. Are there any techniques or practices that you follow to increase your chances of bookings?

ZM: Be professional. Be quick. Be yourself. GigSalad always says the first person to respond usually gets the gig. I’d add: the first person to respond politely and without typos gets the gig.

GS: You have many great reviews from clients. Are there any suggestions you make before the event or questions you ask to ensure that the event goes as smoothly as possible?

ZM: I always do a call with the client ahead of time. It’s my chance to ask questions, set expectations, and gently explain that a three-hour comedy show is a war crime. (Most shows should be an hour, maybe 90 minutes tops.) I’m honest about what works and what doesn’t. If I think stand-up might not be the right fit, I’ll say so. I’d rather turn down a gig than force it.

🤝 Find tips here for building lasting relationships: How to Get Repeat Business and Why It Matters

Words of wisdom

GS: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you were just starting as a comedian, what would it be?

ZM: Listen to every set, write out every joke, word for word, and go on a walk every day (not to a pizza place).

🎤 Interested in starting your comedy career? Read this: How to Get Stand-Up Comedy Gigs

🌟 Looking for more inspiration and tips? Check out last month’s talent spotlight with Bob Cates of Comedy in Motion!

Zac Maas has come a long way from a comedy stage set in a pizza shop to a chart-topping album and cross-country tours. We’re grateful he took the time to share his journey with us and look forward to seeing the success of his new endeavors! 🎤✌️