Life & Work with Evan Mills of Chicago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Mills.

Hi Evan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you so much for having me. I grew up in a small town in Michigan and moved to Chicago for college to study film. I discovered the world of sketch comedy at the Second City while pursuing my degree, which completely changed my trajectory. I applied to work there at Second City as a host, working five to six nights a week, immersing myself in the comedy theater scene as much as possible. This helped me learn the craft and study by watching the performers up on stage do the same show every single night. During that time, I created my music duo group, “Evan & Mary-Jane,” where we went on to be featured in the Break Out Comedy Festival, LA Laughter Comedy Fest, and the 2018 Comedy Central Showcase.

I worked at Second City for two and a half years before gaining the courage to audition for their conservatory program. I went on to receive the Bob Curry Fellowship Program in 2017 and shortly after booked my first theatrical show with Second City at the Kennedy Center in D.C. in a show called “Generation Gap.” I also performed at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” When I returned to Chicago, I was asked to join their National Touring Company and was able to travel all over the U.S. until the pandemic hit. During my time in D.C., I wrote “Queer Eye: The Musical Parody” and put it up in the summer of 2019. We did a two-month, sold-out run and brought it back for Pride month to another month of sold-out shows. During the pandemic, I spent months rewriting and rebuilding the show with my co-creator and music partner Heidi Joosten, and in the summer of 2022, we put it up in the Second City UP Theater, where it is still currently running. Once theaters started picking back up, I was offered to join the Main Stage cast at Second City, famously known for its list of alums who have also performed on that stage, such as Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Keegan Michael-Key, etc. I am now in my second show, the 110th revue, “Do The Right Thing, No Worries If Not.”

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been the easiest road to get to where I am today. I went through a lot of rejections and a lot of being told “NO” throughout my journey. There were a lot of moments of self doubt and questioning my career and artistic goals, but I never felt like giving up or quitting—being told “No” and getting rejected only made me want to work harder to prove that I could make it in this industry. I worked on my material and wrote my shows when I didn’t have anything going on, and I grew as a writer and performer by doing my own thing until I built a healthy resume that I was proud of. As a Gay, Half-Filipino man, I felt there was not enough representation for me to look up to, and I wanted to be that person for those like me coming up in the scene.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a current cast member for the Second City’s Main Stage 110th Revue, “Do The Right Thing, No Worries If Not.” It is a show written and performed by myself and five other ensemble members. We perform eight shows a week, six nights a week. Outside of performing in that show, I am known as a lyricist and musical comedian. I wrote a full two-act musical, “Queer Eye: The Musical Parody,” and also spend time working on my own music. I recently did a cover of “A Little Bit Alexis” from Schitt’s Creek, and an original song called “Sissy Boy” that are both out on YouTube and Spotify.

I believe that what sets me apart from others is my unique point of view. I like to introduce myself as a gay, Filipino, left-handed, only child with divorced parents and a gay dad. Growing up, it was just me and my imagination, but I think that’s what helped me get to where I am today. I write what I know and enjoy writing things that make me laugh, and if it reaches and affects others, I feel I’ve done my job.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think it’s incredibly important to support other artists and collaborate with those who inspire or share similar artistic visions and humor as you. What helped me immensely was going to people’s shows and chatting with them afterward. Learning about what they do and how they got their shows, their journey into the comedy community and just getting to know them as people and performers. I would book myself in variety shows and network with those participating. I got to know the people in the community and paid attention to what was happening around me. I can’t stress enough: see what others are creating outside of your bubble. What you’re doing is important, but it’s called the comedy “community” for a reason. It might seem daunting and competitive at first, but don’t let that deter you from creating work that is true to you.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to those you admire and want to work with either. They’ll never know you want to work with them if you don’t ask. It may seem like everyone knows what they’re doing, but the truth is, I think everyone is figuring it out at their own pace. We’re all in the same room together, so working with others helps you both grow as artists. Networking is a lot of work on your end, and some people think they will move up without putting in the work. Committing to this industry takes a lot of time and hard work, and you have to have the energy to go out to theaters and socialize. If you love what you do, it won’t feel like work, and I truly believe that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Awkvanmills
• Twitter: @Awkvanmills
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5epWFhYZdg5UIRNS–woWQ
• Other: Tik Tok: @Awkvanmills

Image Credits
Orange backdrop photo: Elias Rios Live Footage singing: Sarah Larson Main Stage Photos: Tim Schmidt Home Studio Look: Ben Michael