Clean-cut comedy.
by Anglia Walpool
Amusing, clean, and hilarious! Rogue Atlas performs observational comedy about growing up in Louisiana, life in the Central Valley, and family with relevance and grace. The talented Mr. Atlas has made his presence known here throughout the Central Valley with his charm and clever approach to comedy. When Rogue agreed to do a phone interview with me, I was very excited as I’ve always been impressed by his move-forward attitude and dedication at such a young age.
Born in Selma, Alabama the 25-year-old comedian began his career at the tender age of 13. Rogue was inspired by the likes of Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, Richard Pryer, and Eddie Murphy. I first met the performer at Cafe Via in Fresno while he was performing stand-up with TKO Productions, “Punchlines and Pasta.” Personally, I’ve never laughed so hard… and I had to know how it all started.
“I spent my childhood years growing up in Alabama, but my life took an odd turn when we moved to Louisiana. This is where I refined my talent. Anyone who has lived down south knows about the weather… there were constant hurricanes and storms. Most of the time my family couldn’t afford to evacuate or leave town, it forced us to group up with other family members to survive, ” Atlas shares, “With a house full of people and no lights or running water, there wasn’t much to do so we had to entertain ourselves. In my family everyone has a talent, mine is comedy… I found a great deal of relief and excitement telling jokes and stories when I was a child.”
Atlas found his way to the Central Valley after 3 days on a train and arrived the day after Christmas in 2012 with no place to stay and only $2,000 in his pocket. The only plan Atlas had laid out in front of him was to chase down his dream. So far, he’s laid down some serious groundwork having worked with other up and coming local talent such as Tim Kuckenbaker, Ray Yung, Tabitha Baker, and Terry Michaels just to name a few.
Recently, Atlas performed at Visalia’s The Fifth Quarter, a premiere sports bar, for the “Super Bowl Edition” comedy show on February 4th with Andre Covington, best known from the Greg & Dre morning show on Q 97.1. Atlas was also featured in “Wild N Out” an MTV show based on improvisational comedy that pits comics in a series of challenges. But don’t be surprised if you also spot him on some local television channels. As an aspiring actor, Atlas has appeared on a number of different local programs such as “The Alien” produced by Valley locals, Scott Seargeant & Jake Lomeli, and “Sick Wit It” a comedy show produced by Candles & Wine Productions airing on Comcast 96 and AT&T Uverse 99.
Rogue Atlas continues to build upon his growing reputation of a ‘clean-cut’ comedian. “My goal is to change the world one laugh at a time, there is no profanity in any of my acts. I want to bring something new to the table,” he explains.
Check out the comedian in action live at the Sanger Comedy Club inside the Starlite Dance Academy Saturday, April 1 at 8 pm. If you can’t make that one, be sure to follow Rogue Atlas on Facebook to stay up to date on what he’s got in store for his audience next.
