Today we’d like to introduce you to Quincy Carr.
Hi Quincy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Although I don’t remember the exact date(s) of how my comedy career started, I do know it was sometime during March of 1999, or as I like to call it “The late 1900’s”. It’s safe to say that’s when the comedy bug bit me. I recall, one year after my US Navy career ended due to medical reasons. I was working as a telemarketer for 7-8 months when my co-worker asked if I had ever considered stand up comedy, based on my personality in the workplace. A few weeks later we had a team building outing at a Virginia Beach karaoke bar. The purpose was to encourage being comfortable using our voice and personality with talking to customers that will help us secure more sales to keep our jobs. Initially, I was hesitant to do it because I battle with insecurities as a stutterer and didn’t want to be embarrassed. But after being told EVERYONE has to perform, I chose to perform Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ and because I knew I couldn’t sing, I was hoping to distract the audience with my physical reenactments of the entire music video while trying to sound like MJ. When the song ended, the entire place was laughing from the entertainment and applauding the performance. That’s when my co-worker rushes up to me and said “If you don’t realize what God has blessed you with and consider trying stand up, you are missing your calling!” I took her suggestion and the next week I went to the Thoroughgood Inn, a local Virginia Beach comedy club (closed in 2006). I expressed my interest for trying stand up comedy and the manager told me I would have to come every Wednesday for 3 straight weeks to see my commitment to watching and learning. At the end of the 3 weeks, he let me know I would be on the list for the following week and be given 3 minutes! I practiced that whole week, and delivered a my first official stand up comedy routine and the rest is history. In 2001, I hosted my first professional booking at that club.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With over 2 decades in a business that went from being unpoliced, to the “cancel culture” comedy audiences. Yes, I have seen my fair share of positives and negatives along the way. I have suffered disappointments from being turned away from agency representation, banded from a major comedy club venue and of course getting boo’d earlier in my career. I also have turned those failures into successes I enjoy now with access to platforms and people I never would have imagined. My biggest obstacle I overcame was realizing my speech Impediment, as a Stutterer, did not hinder me. My first original comedy bit addressed it. I realized I don’t stutter when I’m around people I don’t know. It’s like my brain goes into a defense / shielding mode to protect my insecurities. But once I feel comfortable around those I know very well, my stutter is noticeable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Entrepreneur, Stand Up Comedian, Actor, TV Personality, Producer and Philanthropist. My comedy brand (Quality Comedy) is a registered trademark. I am known within my comedy community as a person who understands, and is intentional about conducting great business. I have spent half of my career using my access to create opportunities for my fellow comedy peers. While also reaching back to help others in need in nearby communities. I am mostly proud of the ability to be confident and successful in spaces that are not necessarily meant for me to operate in. That is what I believe truly sets me apart from others.
What are your plans for the future?
Get a really good comedy / action film on my IMDB credits, expand my non profit and do the unthinkable and open my own comedy club
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solo.to/quincycarr
- Instagram: @QualityComedyKing
- Facebook: @TheQuincyCarr
- Youtube: @QuincyCarr
- Other: https://solo.to/quincycarr
