The following is an interview with Megan Hayes (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) and Trent Ward (Over the Line Productions) of MegaTrent Comedy, a comedy duo that will soon be premiering their new show, Clam Bake Weenie Roast, at the Working Stage Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. In this interview, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor Dillon chats with Hayes and Ward about the impetus for forming their troupe, the talented performers who will be joining Clam Bake Weenie Roast, what audiences can anticipate from the show, and the myriad of upcoming projects in their future!
Barbra Dillon, Fanboy Comics Managing Editor: Your comedy show, Clam Bake Weenie Roast, will be premiering this summer in Los Angeles at the Working Stage Theatre. For our readers who may be unfamiliar with the show, how would you describe its premise?
Megan Hayes: Clam Bake Weenie Roast is a fun and edgy Variety Show. Actors are going to be playing multiple roles with videos and a live musical number . . . and you know . . . lots of clams and weenies!
Trent Ward: It’s a live sketch comedy show spoofing pop culture, hipsters, sexual relationships, as well as current films and TV shows.
BD: You are quite a talented team with years of experience on stage and screen! What can you tell us about how your comedy troupe was formed, as well as any other individuals who may be taking part in Clam Bake Weenie Roast?
MH: That’s a great question! Trent and I started our team, because we have the same sense of humor, love writing, and creating our own work. And, we’re friends. It was a no brainer.
TW: Yeah, Megan bugged the crap out of me to restart my live sketch shows. So, here we are. It’s mostly a new cast. We have Alexia Dox from Hulu’s Quick Draw and Ravi Naidu from Homeland, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Mindy Project, and the upcoming CBS drama, Zoo.
BD: What style of comedy can readers anticipate from your show, and which creators or performers have inspired your work?
MH: We’re both very inspired by old SNL . . . The Carol Burnett Show . . . Steve Martin . . . I’m also very influenced by my Southern upbringing. Our show is not for the faint of heart!
TW: We like to push the envelope politically and sexually. Some more of our influences are Mel Brooks, George Carlin, In Living Color, Harold Ramis and John Landis.
BD: Megan, having worked on the big and small screens in projects like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Halt and Catch Fire, what do you find most rewarding (or challenging) about working in the theatre in front of a live audience?
MH: Well, I only do roles in projects that contain “Catch” and “Fire” in the title! Just kidding! I have a background in theatre. I trained at NYU, so I love being on stage. The most rewarding thing about performing live for me is the relationship we develop with the audience. Each audience is different, so each show is different . . . and you can’t take back or change what happens. There’s no net. There’s no take two!
BD: Trent, your work with Over the Line Productions has spawned a myriad of comedy films and music. What can you tell our readers about the company, and what appeals to you about the various mediums through which you have created new comedic work?
TW: I studied sketch comedy writing at The Second City Chicago under the late great Mary Scruggs, so I’ve always loved doing live theatre, but I consider myself a filmmaker first and foremost. I love creating humor visually and musically — so bringing those two together gives me the most satisfaction.
BD: Do you have plans to take the show to other venues either in LA or across the country following its run at the Working Stage Theatre?
MH: We hope that Clam Bake Weenie Roast sweeps the nation! We’re planning on doing a variety show on a regular basis. Next up, will be our Halloween-themed show. We would love MegaTrent to one day have a show on TV.
TW: The ultimate goal is to have a music variety show in the vein of Carol Burnett or Benny Hill.
BD: Are there any additional projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
MH: I’m going to be in the Max Steel movie that’s coming out in theaters this summer. Additionally, I’m a storyteller in Los Angeles and am working on my one-woman show, Classy/Trashy, about growing up a minister’s daughter in the South. Trent and I are also working on more sketch videos and shorts together.
TW: I’m continuing to build my comedy YouTube channel and producing more Scuzz Twittly albums and videos at www.ScuzzTwittly.com.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about and purchase tickets for Clam Bake Weenie Roast?
MH: You can purchase tickets at www.megatrent.com!
TW: And you can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope @megatrentcomedy.
