A black guy from Newfoundland ...
what else can we say really?


McClellan says "I guess when you're a black guy from Newfoundland a higher power is saying ... do comedy ... go on! I grew up performing for my grandmother in our living room, and she was the best audience ... it didn't pay much however!"

This dynamic performer is a combination of a unique upbringing, east coast charm, and a little edge. Seven blistering performances at the Hub Cap Comedy Festival had audience members going from venue to venue to watch more of this talented Newfoundlander. His wit, delivery, and unique facial expressions were evident in each of his fun and fearless sets. With his poised and personable delivery Trent McClellan is seen by some comedy critics as "the comedian young comedians should be watching."

The fact that he was approached by club management after his first ever performance was a sign of big things to come for Trent McClellan. “Up to that point I had really only ever performed for my grandmother when I was a kid but I figured why not give it a go and luckily it worked out" says McClellan. "My grandmother loved and appreciated a good laugh ... and I loved providing them ... it worked out well." Fortunately, his grandmother wasn't the only person who enjoyed his comedic prowess, as soon western Canada would enjoy his comedic wit as well. “My move to Calgary was partly to try standup comedy for the first time and I was fortunate that comedy world welcomed me and opened its doors."

Word continued to spread about this new-found talent and then radio opportunities came calling. His material hit the airwaves on Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio, and CBC Radio's "So You Think You're Funny". Radio has its challenges in McClellan's mind ... "I rely a lot on facial expressions in my shows so radio negates that; so I have to emphasize the words a little more ... however it’s a great opportunity to get your stuff out there ... friends were calling me the first time they heard my stuff on the radio and that was a pretty cool moment."

His radio success paved the way for many Canadian comedy festivals. He was summoned to the Rocky Mountain Comedy Festival, PEI Comedy Fest, Moncton's Hub Cap Comedy Festival, and CBC Television's Halifax Comedy Festival. Television raised the stakes for McClellan. "TV performances are special because once they are out there you can't take them back so you want to make it count. I was happy with my television debut ... but I'm sure in 20 years I'll think that my shirt was awful ... lol." McClellan later went on to shoot his first national comedy special in 2008 for CTV and the Comedy Network and left to a standing ovation! McClellan says that was a surreal moment: “there are times in this business when you are actually floating above yourself and looking down and watching things happen..and that Comedy Now taping was one of those moments ... unforgettable.”

When he is not playing clubs and theatres, McClellan's versatility gives him the opportunity to do corporate comedy as well. "It's a different ball game, ensuring that you keep the comedy clean is always a great exercise for any comedian", says the Newfoundlander. The cleaner corporate comedy combined with unleashed club shows allow McClellan the avenue to express both sides of his personality. "I feel I have a sinister side that sneaks out to play in clubs and then my mellow side shines in corporate shows ... in an ideal show I get to introduce the audience to both."

So what is next for this rising star in the Canadian entertainment industry? "Well, I would really love to play colleges and universities next as that demographic is a large part of my fan base. It would be nice to bring a show to them and show my appreciation of their support. It also provides me the opportunity to expose my comedy to more people in Canada. After that ... I think it will be time to explore possibilities in America ... as Canadians we owe them our sense of humour ... lol."