Kevin Yee is a multitalented comedian, writer, actor, and showrunner. This month, he’s bringing his talent to SXSW for the first and he’s overwhelmed. The festival hasn’t even started yet but we totally understand where he’s coming from! Keep reading to find out what brings Kevin Yee to SXSW for the first time ever.
SXSW Preview: A Guide To Not Dying Completely Alone
While it might be a long name for a show, A Guide To Not Dying Alone really packs a punch. It’s also the reason Yee will be in Austin for SXSW. The queer, Asian-centered pilot, which he both wrote and stars in, will be making its world premiere at SXSW’s Independent TV Pilot Competition.
A Guide to Not Dying Completely Alone follows a queer Asian writer who passes out in a gay bar bathroom, wakes up in the hospital, and realizes he is detached from society. Terrified of dying alone, he decides to change his life for the better and chronicles his journey in a self help book he writes called “A Guide To Not Dying Completely Alone.” A bitchy Eat, Pray, Love for 2023, this show is about mortality, forgiveness, and starting over, all from a queer Asian perspective. But it isn’t about our differences, it’s about what makes us similar. And it isn’t about dying, it’s about how to live.
Yee serves as creator, showrunner, and star. But that’s not all! It also stars Brittani Nichols (Abbott Elementary, Black Lady Sketch Show), Alex MacNicoll (13 Reasons Why, Transparent), Betsy Struxness (Hamilton Broadway), and Paul Wong (Crazy Ex Girlfriend).
After years of trying to get the pilot picked up (and plenty of near misses), Yee decided to take matters into his own hands. He made the project independently so he can bring it to festivals like SXSW.
While Yee might be a SXSW newbie, he’s not new to Austin. He’s performed here over the years while touring with Broadway and at comedy festivals. When asked what left a lasting impression, he lists the barbecue and the bats. Two of our absolute faves! Hopefully he’ll be able to make time to enjoy even more of this city this time around, though he’s sure to be busy while he’s in the ATX. “I’m already overwhelmed and I’m not even there yet!” Yee said.
More About Kevin Yee
Because Austin likes to “Keep it Weird” we asked Yee to tell us something weird about himself. Here’s what he had to say:
My usual go-to for “weird facts” about me is that I was in a failed 90s boy band. We were called Youth Asylum and were based in Los Angeles. We were one of those “put together” manufactured bands that were big at the time. We toured America three times, recorded an album, and had a music video that was a top-five hit on the Disney Channel. Then we were never heard from again!
– Kevin Yee
He also wants you to know that A Guide To Not Dying Completely Alone is NOT about dying. It’s about how to live; it’s a comedy about changing your life and not losing hope.
Don’t miss the world premiere of A Guide To Not Dying Completely Alone. Screenings will be Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on Sunday, March 12 and Thursday, March 16. More information can be found here.
This is an official SXSW event so it does require a badge. That said, if you want to see the pilot, check the theater the day of because sometimes they sell individual tickets to non-badge holders!
Follow Kevin Yee on social media
Instagram: @kevinyeedotcom
Twitter: @kevinyeedotcom
Website: https://www.kevinyee.com/
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- SXSW 2023: Celebrities Confirmed to Attend
Photos by Nina Menconi
