Burst onto the scene and skyrocketed from there

All you have to do to break into comedy is storm into the MTV offices and wow a talent agent… All you have to do to break into comedy is storm into the MTV offices and wow a talent agent — that is, if you’re Mitch Hedberg.

Apparently, MTV liked what they saw in the scraggly Minnesota native — with their backing, Hedberg settled in much-warmer Florida, where he honed his comedic skills. Word eventually got around that a stoner-type comedian was taking comedy clubs by storm. An appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” turned on the afterburners to Hedberg’s career. Since then, he’s been one of the most sought-after and hard-working comedians on the scene.

His hellish work ethic has led him to produce, write, direct and star in the independent feature film, “Los Enchiladas!” Evidently, Hedberg has a knack for acting, as he’s also garnered an appearance on “That ’70s Show” as Frank, the manager of the Hub, as well as a cameo in Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous,” playing the Eagles’ tour manager.

Hedberg’s even been made into a cartoon. He once played himself in the poorly drawn yet ultra-funny “Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist.”

Comedy album collectors, don’t fear. Hedberg has released two discs chock-full of sidesplitting, gritty and downright hilarious material, titled Mitch All Together and Strategic Grill Locations.

Hedberg possesses a unique style of comedy — often appearing slightly tipsy on stage, he fires off a rapid string of unrelated material. This has become Hedberg’s trademark and will keep you laughing throughout the show. After all, this is the guy who once said, “I used to do drugs. I still do drugs. But I used to, too.”

Want to see Hedberg for yourself? Then head to the Byham Theater tonight to see Hedberg’s antics. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $35.75. For more information, call the Byham at (412) 456-6666 or check out Hedberg’s Web site: www.mitchhedberg.net