Sketch to Stand-up: Sam Zito on breaking from the screen to the stage

Zito brings his zesty punchlines to the stage across the next three months.

Sam Zito is a name that has become synonymous with the social media game through his quick 60 seconds or less comedy sketches. From doing hilariously relatable POV reels to witty physical comedy bits, the fast-rising Australian comic has built a platform for his humour. Now he is shedding the screen, and moving into the live domain as a more permanent pathway, building a name as a nationally recognised stand-up comedian. It’s a transition that takes responses from viral to intimate, from evolving to immediate.

Sam Zito I’m Happy Either Way Tour Dates

8 February – Fremantle

10 – 15 February – Perth

1 March – Melbourne

18 – 21 March – Adelaide

11 April – Sydney

9 May – Brisbane

30 May – Canberra

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

 

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“It’s a completely different ball game. Rather than quick sort of relatable sketches, standup relies on instant feedback and can be intimidating,” Zito explains. “I think the first couple of times I did a big show I vomited before going out. I did that maybe three times. It’s daunting but my psychologist said it’s exposure therapy. Once you do it enough you get used to it.”

Taking his talents to his friends first as a test audience, and then to open mic nights, set Zito up what could have either been a brutal awakening or a supportive embrace. Thankfully, the latter was the case, armouring Zito for the big guns. 

“Those first shows went really well so it encouraged me to continue. The third show was a flop but I had confidence already from the first two to keep going.”

Onwards and upwards. The last two years have seen Zito sink into the live comedy circuit under the warm wings of giant funny fronters Luke Kidgell and Blake Pavey on their respective national tours, and joining dedicated humour celebrations, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and its regional counterpart, Geelong Comedy Festival. 

 

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Following the success of his festival forays, Sam Zito is now embarking on a national tour, taking his standup show I’m Happy Either Way to audiences in Fremantle, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra. Having already kicked off regionally with a show in Bendigo, the comedian presents a vulnerable yet deeply hilarious show, built from his own personal experience.

“The show took one year to write, one year to perform, and now it’s time to take on tour,” he says.

“The actual show is about me being a substitute teacher and then also just unrelated teaching things like me having a bit of a mental breakdown. It’s funny, I promise,” he laughs.

Equal parts funny and also true, the show doubles as a shoutout for mental health organisations including Beyond Blue. For this upcoming tour, Zito has committed to sharing profits from ticket sales with mental health organisations, aiming for $1000 to go towards the support services. 

You know what they say – laughter is the best medicine so why not treat your mental health to an evening of laughs with Sam Zito and see the flow-on effect of your support. 

For full ticketing information and purchasing to see Sam Zito on tour, head here.