Ryan Mason is one of those local success stories that contradicts the belief that nice guys finish last.
An industrious newcomer to the Milwaukee comedy scene four short years ago, he swiftly emerged as a favorite among audiences and comedians alike. An interview with Ryan outside the Milwaukee Comedy Festival three years ago is one of the most viewed videos on Milwaukee Comedy’s YouTube channel.
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“It is crazy to look back three years and see how much has changed with the comedy scene here in Milwaukee,” Ryan says. “Comedians have left for different cities, and we’ve had a ton of new people start to do standup here in Milwaukee. I think that is pretty cool, and I look forward to seeing what these talented people go on to do. Milwaukee is a great place to start performing.”
Among the comedians leaving Milwaukee in that time was Ryan himself, who moved to Madison, got married, became a dad and then moved back.
“Basically, I tried to cram all major life events into one year,” Ryan says. “I have so many new and exciting experiences to share on stage now, which is one of the reasons I am so glad to be back at the Milwaukee Comedy Fest. I did enjoy my time performing in Madison when I lived there, though. I had the chance to meet a great group of comics living and performing in Madison, many of whom performed at the showcase I run there called the Capital Comedy Show.”
Ryan Mason – 8 p.m. show, Sunday, Aug. 9
From cutting his teeth on Milwaukee open mics, Ryan has become an award-winning comedian, performing in large venues across the Midwest and beyond, including recently at the Memphis Comedy Festival. He’s back to host the final show of the 10th Milwaukee Comedy Festival, featuring Madison’s Geoffrey Asmus and headliner Brian Posehn at Turner Hall Ballroom.
“Opening for Brian Posehn is going to be super cool,” Ryan says. “I love his work in both standup and acting. I was a big fan of the Sarah Silverman Program, but Brian has been on so many shows that I love, from Mr. Show to Bob’s Burgers, New Girl, and Steven Universe.
“Performing at the historic Turner Hall is always great. It is far and away my favorite place to perform. They do such a great job of putting together an experience for audiences and performers that is guaranteed to be a ton of fun.”