Doug Motel was voted by the members and visitors of Universe Spirit as our November Humorist Artist of the month.
Born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Doug made his theatrical debut at the age of 12 as an Urchin in the Atlantic City Community Theater production of THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT, THE SMELL OF THE CROWD (that year he also got his first paid gig as a bratty kid playing on the beach in the feature film THE MONEY co-starring Danny Devito).
Throughout his teens, Doug played many roles in community and regional theatre (most notably in the acclaimed production of OLIVER! at New Jersey’s historic Gateway Playhouse).
As a 6’ tall 16 year old, he had the opportunity of working as Brian Dennehy’s stand-in on ABC television’s BIG SHAMUS LITTLE SHAMUS filmed on location in Atlantic City.
After a season at Hope Summer Repertory Theater in Holland Michigan, Mr. Motel moved to Manhattan and at 18 was immediately cast as "The Thug" in THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER at The Quaigh Theater.
Throughout the 1980’s Doug was performing his unique brand of thought provoking humor in virtually all of New York’s comedy clubs and in funky downtown spaces.
Doug moved to Los Angeles by 1990 and though appearing in films such as the THE WAITING GAME, (winner San Diego International Film Festival: Audience Award, Best Independent Feature) and in national television shows such as Fox TV’s live action version of THE TICK (fans know him as the evil Russian villain of the pilot episode) and in popular legitimate theaters like West Hollywood's Coast Playhouse, it is in meeting and performing for people in unusual settings like a dude ranch in Montana or at the tiny Center for a Course in Miracles in London that Doug feels most satisfied.
Mr. Motel is the author of three critically acclaimed solo plays including MICK IN AMERICA, MIND SALAD (L.A. Weekly award nomination for writing and performing) and SHIVA ARMS (winner L.A. Weekly award for writing and performing and winner Theatre LA Ovation award for Best Writing of a World Premier play). He also wrote the libretto and co-wrote the lyrics with John Kroner, for GENIE! The long running musical at the Alhambra Casino Theater in Aruba.
Last season Doug directed Broadway vet and Tony Award nominee Robert Cuccioli in the stage readings of his play Praestigum that features the stories of Judas, Benedict Arnold and James Wormley Jones.
Project Coach
Doug Motel is a Project Coach who has been providing individuals and companies with the support and encouragement to help complete goals and projects. Would you like your own personal project manager guiding you through your desired accomplishments? more
Storyteller and Inspirational Speaker
Doug Motel is an artist whose work addresses the issues that confront people searching for deeper meaning in their everyday lives. An experienced film and television actor, nightclub comedian and acclaimed "downtown theatre" solo performer, his passion is in bringing his message of hope, and the healing power of humor directly to people in need of theatre that will inspire them to make real and lasting changes in the way that they experience their lives.
Audiences from London and New York, to Montana and Hawaii have related to Doug’s stories (described as "dramas told through very funny characters") and their themes such as addiction, grief and the struggle for enlightenment, in all kinds of settings. Learn about his award winning theatre: Mind Salad and Shiva Arms
Tommy Westerfield said in THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN that Doug’s work is "Zen farce in which gut-wrenching laughter and gut-wrenching tears are poignantly indistinguishable".
Personal Growth Workshops
For the past 15 years Doug has presented his unique combination of performance, lively dialogue, meditation, and thought provoking exercises in workshop format for groups and organizations all over the U.S.
Teaching people to "laugh while they learn", Doug has found a wholly satisfying way to touch people in rehabilitation facilities, people with life threatening illness, caregivers & volunteers and in business environments. More
Raise Money for Your Organization
Doug Motel’s solo plays Shiva Arms and Mind Salad have been used as centerpieces for performance based fundraisers with great success. Find out how your community can build an event around a solo performance and or workshop and raise needed funds in a way that will always be remembered. Contact
Please visit www.dougmotel.com to find out more about Doug and how to invite him to your city for a show. Here you can also sign-up for Doug’s free newsletter,