Felipe Esparza didn't have a Plan B. Just like when his family came to this country from the coastal village of Sinaloa, Mexico, they didn't give themselves options. “If I didn't do comedy, I'd be homeless. Stand-up is my bread-and-butter,� he says. Now, fortunately, Esparza doesn't need a Plan B. He is firmly entrenched in the Improv roster of strong headline comedians. Esparza is a comedian through-and-through. He told his first joke 30 seconds into the interview. “I live in a tough neighborhood. A new restaurant just parked in front of my house.� Esparza threw himself into comedy more than 20 years ago and was launched on a national sellout tour a little over a year and a half later with Paul Rodriguez, when he only had 10 minutes of material. Not bad for a beginner. He is known for his good head of hair and catchphrase, “What's up, fool,� which is also the name of his popular podcast that started in April of last year. He was the winner of the 2010 “Last Comic Standing� on NBC. “I didn't get to keep much of that money,� he says. “My baby's momma took it.� His three children are “scattered,� he says. “After losing all that money from ‘Last Comic Standing,' I'm done with baby mommas.� He has released a one-hour comedy special on NetFlix called, “They're Not Going to Laugh at You.� And now he comes to Pittsburgh Improv this weekend to work on a new hour of material. “Seventy-five percent of my show is new every time I step on-stage,� he says. Esparza reminds people of Mitch Hedberg with his joke-driven act framed by the long hair, albeit with a Latino flair. The most important lesson he learned in stand-up: “Get a deposit.� Comedian Matt Wohlfarth is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media. Details Felipe Esparza When: 8 p.m. March 26, 7:30 and 9:45 March 27, 7 and 9:30 p.m. March 28 and 7 p.m. March 29 Admission: $17, 21-and-over Where: Pittsburgh Improv, Waterfront, Homestead Details: 412-462-5233 or pittsburgh.improv.com Email Newsletters TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.