Tonight at Proud Larry’s, a stand-up comedian and Ole Miss alumnus is returning to Oxford for a night of comedy at its finest.
Matt Owens, originally from the small island of St. Simons off the east coast of Georgia, decided to attend Ole Miss after receiving an acting scholarship. He graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in theater, then continued to live in Oxford for nine years before relocating to New Orleans, where he performs regularly.
“I can’t wait to get back to Oxford,” Owens said. “I used to go to Proud Larry’s all the time to hang out and listen to music, so it will be great to get up on that stage and perform.”
Owens began performing stand-up comedy in high school and continued in college. As a college student, Owens participated in several plays and theater productions, but always craved more. Unsatisfied with simply performing content for an audience, Owens wanted more interaction. Stand-up comedy gave him the freedom to control the content and run his own show.
“There is no cast, no director, just you and the mic,” he said. “It’s intimidating, but exciting.”
Owens was determined to break down the fourth wall, create a real connection and engage with the audience. Since there were not many opportunities for comedy in Oxford, he would travel to Memphis on the weekends to perform.
“When you try stand-up, the audience lets you know right away if you can do it,” Owens said. “So when it goes well, there is nothing like it.”
Through his career, Owens went through different phases of comedic styles, from carefully constructed one-liners to rehearsed jokes, but he always strived to be better. He wanted to be more personal, more relatable to his audience. Now every time he walks on the stage he bares it all, telling stories from personal experiences. He says that his vulnerability allows the audience to identify with his life experiences and emotions, which creates a deeper connection.
“What really helped me connect with the audience and make people laugh is just being myself and telling the truth,” Owens said.
After moving to New Orleans, Owens’ career began to take off. He opened for Louis C.K. at Joy Theater in New Orleans and performed in New York City, touring in short bursts. This summer he toured around the east coast, and this fall he plans to hit college towns in Mississippi.
Owens did admit that in spite of all his success, he still gets nervous before he performs. To combat his nerves, he says a little prayer before he steps on stage: “For the love of God, please don’t let me bomb in front of all these people.”
In the future, Owens said his goal is to be able to perform in larger markets. He wants to take his passion for comedy and share it with as many people as possible. Even though his career is taking off, his heart still remains in the South.
“I don’t want to live in New York or LA. I want to live in the South,” Owens said. “I love Mississippi, I love New Orleans and I love my hometown.”
Owens explained that all he wants to do is make people laugh, and now he is able to get paid for it. He is happy with his career in stand-up comedy. He turned his passion into a career and encouraged others to do the same.
“When you can do what you are passionate about as a career, it’s an amazing gift.”
Honest, hilarious, and a whole lot of fun. Oxford is excited to welcome back Matt Owens, beginning at 9:30 p.m. at Proud Larry’s.
