by Hanna Singh
A young Ruston native is taking the comedy world by storm.
For Garrett Nelson, comedy started as a quiet curiosity. Today, it’s become a passion that has taken him from open mic nights in Shreveport to winning a regional comedy competition in less than a year.
Nelson grew up in a rural community outside of Ruston and attended Quitman High School before moving into Ruston to study at Louisiana Tech University. He made himself at home in Ruston, embracing the college town lifestyle.
“I like Ruston. It’s safe, quiet, and has a little bit of everything,” Nelson said. “A lot of my family is here, so it’s always felt like home.”
Though he’d always enjoyed comedy, Nelson didn’t seriously consider a career as a comedian until recent years. He explained how he made the jump into the comedy world as a young entry.
“Comedy was always something I was interested in, but I never really considered it a serious possibility until the recent ‘comedy boom,’” Nelson said. “Seeing more opportunities for new comedians made me realize there was a real pathway for people like myself.”
Nelson started on this pathway with open mic nights across Louisiana. From there, doors began to open as he started getting bookings across the South on a regular basis
For Nelson, what’s special about comedy isn’t just the stage time, it’s the process behind it. He described the behind the scenes elements that bring him joy.
“I love the writing process. Figuring out how to make certain jokes work is like solving a puzzle,” Nelson said. “There’s nothing better than cracking the code and hearing the audience react.”
His comedic charm comes from his lived experience, sharpened by his knack for storytelling. He credits his upbringing for many of his bits, explaining how growing up in the country gave him plenty of unique experiences to draw material from.
And while he’s only a little over a year into his comedy career, Nelson has already seen promising success. Only months after entering the Shreveport comedy scene as a newcomer, he went on to win first place in the city’s annual comedy competition, against more than 40 regional comidians. Most recently, he swept the competition at LoCo Fest 2025.
A regular performer for “Don’t Take This Serious Comedy” and the “Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club”, Nelson continues to serve up laughs for audiences in North Louisiana. Founder of “Don’t Take this Serious Comedy”, Chris Luker, praised Nelson’s impressive new talent and drive.
“Garrett is one of the most promising young talents we’ve ever had in our area,” Luker said. “He proved that when he swept the competition at LoCo Fest 2025. Garrett is one of those talents that you book as much as possible, because one day you won’t be able to afford him.”
After winning this competition, Nelson has no plans to slow down any time soon. He explained how the recognition has fueled his drive to keep performing and improving his skill.
“Winning reassured me that this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” Nelson said. “I know it takes years to truly make it, but I want to take comedy as far as it’ll let me. I think there’s a lot ahead of me, and I’m excited to see where it leads.”
Outside of comedy, Nelson stays connected to Ruston through his work at Nelson & Company, his family’s business that specializes in custom furniture and kitchen remodels. He enjoys being a part of something creative in his hometown, whether through his comedy or helping with the family business.
With a hometown foundation, a growing reputation in the comedy world, and a passion for his skill, Garrett Nelson is moving up in the entertainment industry. Nelson is proving that talent and heart can be found in small towns and ordinary places.
