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Ted's latest blogs/material
New Ted Videos From Comix
March 9, 2010
Punchline Magazine – Ted Alexandro: Internet film star
February 14, 2010
New article on Punchline Magazine: Ted Alexandro: Internet film star
Check out this awesome new video featuring Ted and Mark Douglas
February 12, 2010
Subscribe to his youtube channel ‘Key of Awesome’
Ted guest stars in the hilarious web series “John and Molly Get Along”
February 1, 2010
Into the Woods
December 14, 2009
1) a billion dollars
2) a beautiful wife and kids
3) to be able to fuck as many women as he wants
But you can’t do that in grown-up reality, Eldrick. You can have two out of three but not all three. I wasn’t surprised he cheated but I was surprised by the number of women. But I guess when you’re accustomed to playing eighteen holes there’s a certain amount of carry over to your private life. He is a creature of habit.
I was also surprised his affairs were exclusively with white women. I mean, we all knew the old, white men of corporate America have been sucking his cock for years but I had no idea nearly as many young, white women were.
If 2009 has taught us anything it’s that achieving legendary status comes with a price. The death of Michael Jackson coupled with the Tiger Woods story is a reminder that perhaps children should not have jobs by the time they’re four. Apparently it comes with some unforeseen consequences. The unrelenting drive of Joe Jackson and Earl Woods may have produced two geniuses but it also produced two troubled, damaged men with serious issues.
But America loves a story of redemption. Look at Kobe Bryant. A few years ago he was an accused rapist. Now he’s an Olympic gold medalist, an NBA champion and exemplary husband and father once again beloved by fans and corporate America, alike.
This is but a blip on the radar. If Tiger does his penance and returns to dominance, all will be forgiven. Dominance, after all, is what opened every door for Tiger. How many black men do you think are members in America’s exclusive country clubs (much less black guys named Tiger)? Probably fewer than the number of women he slept with. Dominance opened the door to the exclusive world of privilege that is golf and that door will remain open for Tiger because of that very dominance.
In the meantime he will attempt to put his life back together and work on Eldrick with the same focus he has worked on Tiger for thirty plus years.
Fast Food
August 25, 2009
I went to a McDonald’s audition yesterday morning. My friend, Tom, called and said that his commercial agent had seen a show of mine and was interested in representing me for commercials.
I had not gone on a commercial audition in about two years, probably. I had been through that process many years ago, going out on auditions almost daily, and I hated everything about it. I hated the subway ride into the city, the walk to the building, entering the front door, passing the doorman, taking the elevator, stepping out of the elevator and into their stupid office, being greeted by the dumb receptionist, signing in and sitting there amidst the desperation until your name is called.
I admit, this is a glass entirely empty approach but this was my experience. The energy around commercial auditions and agents never agreed with me. For some it is a perfect fit and they are in their zone and I salute them but for me it was an ill fit and it bothered me to my core.
Anyway, when I got the call from Tom and a follow up email from his agent I figured why not give things another try in the commercial realm. Enough time has passed and things can change, so open yourself up to it and see how it goes.
The email said that I would be going on an audition Monday morning for a McDonald’s commercial. This made things even more interesting, as I have not set foot in a McDonald’s in about eight years.
I did a corporate gig for McDonald’s in 2001 in Atlantic City, performing for their east coast operators. The gig went fine but the human resources guy, an uptight young prick, took offense to a couple of my Jesus jokes and got his panties in a bunch.
The crowd enjoyed the show and I even got emails from McDonald’s employees saying “Your performance was the high point of a boring, soul sucking weekend”.
But this one guy was offended and refused to pay me for the gig, withholding my check. McDonald’s, a multi-billion dollar corporation, refused to pay me for my comedy performance because this guy didn’t like a couple of jokes.
I eventually got my check months later and since that day I swore never to eat McDonald’s again. I have stuck to that and believe me it has improved my life immeasurably on many fronts.
So when this audition came in I thought “Ha, the plot thickens. Not only am I being offered a commercial audition but it is for McDonald’s, my sworn enemy.” But again, I figured maybe it’s time to let bygones be bygones and see if things have changed. If I get the commercial it can make me a nice chunk of change and I’ll have the last laugh.
I go to the audition and as soon as I enter the building I have those familiar feelings of discomfort and anguish.
I go up to the office and nothing has changed, it’s the same souless, desperate environment, a cattle call where nobody is valued. I sign in and wait to be called.
The arrogant asshole assistant guy comes out and says “Ted Alexandro, you signed the wrong list.”
There were two lists there and I signed both so I said “I signed both lists so you can remove me from whichever one is the wrong one.”
He calls a couple of other guys who arrived after I did, one of whom he seemed very chummy with. Then he calls me and a girl inside to audition. I introduce myself to the girl and we exchange hellos.
The obnoxious asshole says “Ted Alexandro, did you sign in on the computer?”
I had never signed in for an audition on a computer before and I had not this time.
“No. I didn’t realize we had to. It’s been a while since I’ve auditioned.”
After a loud, dramatic sigh he asks me to follow him into the hallway. He points to a computer and says “Sign in there. I’ll take you after you’ve signed in”. Then he takes another guy inside to audition.
I sit down at the computer and it’s asking for some sort of I.D. number, which I don’t have. I ask a couple of the other actors what the I.D. number is referring to and they tell me you have to get it from downstairs. I thank them and head downstairs to the main office to find out what my number is.
I arrive at the reception desk and I’m waiting for someone to help me. A minute goes by, then another and nobody is there. More and more I’m starting to think “What the fuck am I doing here in this toxic environment? I hate McDonald’s, I hate commercial auditions and I hate this whole process so why am I putting myself in this situation?”
I immediately decided to turn around and leave. I went back upstairs, gathered my belongings and walked out, feeling exhilarated.
When I exited the building I exhaled, feeling completely liberated and free. I felt light and giddy, like I’d just gotten away with something. I emailed the agency, thanking them for their kind consideration but I was not interested in commercials.
I had been tempted and I opened myself to the possibility, seeing if I had changed or my feelings had changed. But the answer that came back was an emphatic “No!” This is not my scene and I do not belong in that situation.
It was empowering to have a feeling, process it and immediately act on my instincts. When something feels wrong or feels counter to your instincts, it is important to say no and get out of there. I’m proud that I recognized it and followed through because every time you do that it further builds your integrity and your vision for who you want to be and what you want your life to be.
Another valuable lesson learned.
Ted on Letterman
August 2, 2009
2 In 1 Out
July 20, 2009
Hear Me Roar
April 25, 2009
I was walking through Washington, DC this morning and heard the pounding of drums as I approached Dupont Circle. The rhythmic pull drew me in from blocks away. As I entered the park I saw an all-womens drum line. People were gathering around as they played.
The women were fierce. There were probably close to forty women, ranging from their twenties to about their sixties and they exuded such energy, power and joy as they played. There was a primal thrust to their drumming as they swayed together and pounded their instruments, occasionally letting out a yell.
Their expressions varied, some beamed as they played and others were serious and focused, transfixed by the rhythm and the energy surrounding them. Each possessed their own style within the whole; some performed with a flourish and others were more contained and reserved. I stood, watched and listened, taking in the sights and sounds all around me. The crowd gathered around, some dancing, some swaying slightly, others standing still, watching intently.
After a few minutes I filled with emotion as I watched these women banging their drums, swaying en masse and shouting to the heavens. I experienced it as an offering of praise and gratitude to women; their beauty, their power, their strength. I thought of my mother and my sisters. I thought of life and childbirth and how it all emanates from a woman. I also thought about my own soulmate and offered that up to the heavens along with the hopes, dreams and passions of everyone else gathered in the park on a beautiful spring day, swaying to the sound of the drums.
These Dream Things Are Real, Man
April 20, 2009
“These dream things are real, man.”
George Carlin
Fifteen years ago I decided to become a standup comedian. I had just received my master’s degree in elementary education, which I was proud of but I knew in my heart that there was more I wanted to achieve and experience.
I set about pursuing a career in comedy by night while teaching music by day. I did both jobs for five years, gradually climbing the ladder in comedy to the point where I was starting to eke out a living. Finally, after that fifth year teaching I decided it was time to listen to my instincts and pursue comedy full time, letting go of the safety net of my day job.
Following my instincts is the single most important factor in shaping the life that has unfolded for me. The whispers inside that say “Yes, you can do this” and “Follow this direction” are sacred whispers, I believe, guiding you toward the path you were meant to take. I am grateful to my parents for instilling a faith in myself and in those instincts because it has given me the life I dreamed of and more.
My recent return from Egypt and Kuwait has me reflecting on this wonderful life that I have been fortunate to experience. As with any success, it has been a combination of hard work, luck and patience. Again, following my instincts has opened the doors to a life of beautiful people, places and experiences which have enriched me beyond measure.
I was thinking of some of those people, places and experiences:
- I have opened up for Chuck Berry, Smokey Robinson, Joan Rivers, Joy Behar, Dennis Miller, Jon Stewart, Louis CK. I have worked with countless talented comedians; beautiful, artistic, creative souls who have enriched my life.
- I have performed in more than half of the fifty states and internationally in Amman, London, Manchester, Cairo, Alexandria, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Montreal and Toronto.
As George Carlin said, “These dream things are real, man.” I know they are because I have seen it with my own eyes. At times it has been a struggle and I have had doubts and disappointments, nights where I felt defeated and wondered if I had what it takes. But I always continued on, knowing that the whispers inside were real and true. They were saying “You can do this, Teddy. It is in you.”
I am grateful for this indescribable life of wonder, opportunity, challenge and reward. The people I have shared the journey with and the experiences I have gathered have made me the person I am. The whispers within say “There is more on the way” and I know it is true. I will continue to work hard, follow my instincts and give thanks for every precious moment of this beautiful journey.
These dream things are real, man.