Know More Robert Mac

"I grew up outside Seattle, in a little town called Tucson, Arizona."

Well, technically, he’s correct.

Robert studied writing and graduated from the University of Arizona. As Robert explains, “I always wanted to write real bad, and now I can.”

He earned degrees in creative writing and media arts, graduating magna cum laude in both. His academic record speaks for itself:

“My brain is so dense with ideas … I’m probably the densest person in this room.”

Along the way, he developed an appreciation for Steve Martin and Steven Wright, the first comedian he saw perform live. (He is not interested in comedians without the first name Steve.) Their carefully written jokes helped shape his interest in making every word count. Getting those words onto a stage took a little more encouragement.

At an open mic in Tucson, Robert was too self-conscious to perform, so a friend went onstage and told Robert’s jokes. The audience laughed. Robert wanted those laughs for himself. The following week, he took the microphone himself.

Sometimes all a young artist needs is encouragement. Sometimes he needs someone else getting his laughs.

More than 30 years later, Robert’s career includes the Grand Prize in Comedy Central’s national Laugh Riots competition, appearances on Last Comic Standing, and performances at Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival. He has not one, not three, but two Dry Bar Comedy specials, Know More Robert Mac and Back to Lake Titicaca.

For another special, Mac to School, he returned to his home town. This time, HE told his jokes.

“I don’t want to sound elitist, because I’m better than that.”

Those years of writing and performing have given Robert a particular way of looking at the world. He cleverly connects dots you hadn’t noticed, brings back details you’d nearly forgotten, and keeps you guessing right up to the punchline. His material is witty and his understated delivery makes the surprises land all the harder. Once the pieces click into place, you’ll be laughing in your seat and congratulating yourself for keeping up.

“I’m a big fan of science. I follow it religiously.”