Daily Inspiration: Meet Mike Hickman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Hickman.

Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a child, I would listen to singers, comedians and watch actors and memorize their songs, bits and scenes and put on little shows for my parents and friends. As I got older I began to naturally find funny things in everyday life and comment about them as well as found an increasing love of music and acting. I loved to sing, act and help people laugh. I began studying music in elementary school and through middle school and high school, I found that I really wanted to use the arts to bring people refreshment and help people enjoy life. In late high school, I wanted to go even further and use the arts somehow to minister to people and help them know God. I began singing in churches and speaking. In college, I honed skills through being a music vocal major and also performed in musical theatre. In addition to traveling around performing and ministering through music I was a worship leader, youth pastor and drama instructor, using the arts locally in the church while still traveling as a solo artist and also with bands. After college I continued doing the same and later I dove in deep as a comedian, singer and actor, pursuing any opportunity I felt led to perform at or audition for.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an adult, I was met with various obstacles and struggles. I found that, although there are times I wish those struggles never existed, some of them helped push me in the right direction after recovering and helped teach me how to overcome. They also helped me seek God deeper and understand that I can’t do much in my own power but with God all things are possible. Some of my struggles included divorce early in my 20s and bankruptcy, just to name a couple. In my 30’s, I met the love of my life and we married. Then just eight years ago, our son died tragically in a shooting. My wife, daughter and I had no idea how we could go on with life, work, school, etc. It was through God, family and friends that healing began to come and still is. Long story short, after a time, as a comedian, musician and actor, I felt it was time to move forward in the arts but with greater purpose than ever before. I felt what it was like to deeply hurt through and through and realized there are others who are hurting on many levels. I was led to now use my talents in the arts in every way I can to help those who are hurting. As a comic, I have it in me to help hurting people laugh, as a musician, I can help people enjoy a few moments of relief and fun and as an actor, I can help those who I am on a set with, cast and crew, receive encouragement, laughter, and listen to them unload things that burden them and perhaps give them some encouragement from my experiences, while also keeping in mind the audience of the project I am on, whether, tv, film, commercials, etc. and expanding my circle of influence to help a wider audience. All the while doing what I enjoy and feel called to do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I enjoy and am honored to be a part of what I call a “trifecta” in the arts. I am a comedian, actor and musician. As a comedian, I travel nationwide performing in various venues most of which are churches and faith-based organizations, fundraisers, events, etc., but I also perform in some clubs and corporate events. I am a member of the Christian Comedy Association and my comedy is clean and family-friendly. My Dry Bar Comedy Special recently released where anyone can see my show to get a sense of what I do.

At the end of my shows, I don’t just end with a laugh, I also take a few moments to offer life encouragement and something special for the audience to pass on to others. You can follow my Facebook fan page @mikehickmancomedy or book at www.mikehickmancomedy.com. As an actor, although starting in live and musical theatre, I now mostly do commercials, film and television. I would still perform in live theatre if the right opportunity comes along. You can find my IMDB at www.imdb.me/mikehickman and you can follow my Instagram @mikehickmanofficial.

As a musician, I play several instruments but my main instruments are vocals, keyboard and trumpet. I perform solo as well as with my wife at various venues including restaurants, private parties, public events, street performing (busking), etc. I sing but also do jazz, blues, showtunes, classics, Latin and popular songs as well as originals. My wife, Benae, is also a great singer of blues and classics especially.

What’s next?
As a comedian, I will continue to tour, write material and enjoy bringing laughter, refreshment and hope. My latest tour is now booking venues. If a church, event or organization would like to host a date, they can get information at www.mikehickmancomedy.com. As an actor, I am looking forward to some upcoming releases of films I have been a part of and continue to audition for what’s ahead in film, tv and on the commercial front. All the while continuing to hone my talent. As a musician, I am always rehearsing and learning new songs, writing and looking for more opportunities to perform and watch people, smile, dance, reminisce and enjoy moments of refreshment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mikehickmancomedy.com
• Instagram: @mikehickmanofficial
• Facebook: @mikehickmancomedy
• Twitter: @hickmancomedy
• Youtube: @hickmancomedy
• Other: TikTok @mikehickmanofficial