Christi Somers (formerly Christi Chiello) is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, educator, TEDx speaker, and writer whose work spans TV, film, and innovative comedy education.
Comedy & Performance Highlights
Christi made her national TV debut roasting Jimmy Carr on Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and has appeared on Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring, This Joka with Will Smith, TruTV’s Late Night Snack, Chris Gethard Presents, IFC’s Comedy Crib, and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network.
Her solo show It’s Christi, Bitch! at Joe’s Pub was praised by The New York Times and called a “must-see” by Time Out New York. Named a “New Face of Comedy” by the International Just For Laughs Festival, Christi appeared in the comedy special Dead Moms Club alongside Bob the Drag Queen, starred in the musical Foreverland at Manhattan Theatre Club, and made her film debut in the SXSW-premiering Molli and Max in the Future. Her voice acting credits include Pinkalicious & Peterrific (PBS Kids) and Teenage Euthanasia (Adult Swim).
Christi’s roast battles are enshrined at the National Comedy Center, and her jokes appear in the MacMillan anthology Eating Salad Drunk. She currently writes for some of the biggest comedians working today and tours nationally as the opening act for Nicole Byer.
A passionate mental health advocate, Christi speaks regularly at the Student Mental Wellness Conference and champions humor as a tool for confidence, healing, and resilience.
Christi has led keynote speeches at SUNY Oswego and has coached hundreds of comedians and professionals, offering personalized guidance to sharpen craft and build sustainable careers. Her students have gone onto work for Netflix, Showtime, Comedy Central, Saturday Night Live and win “Best Newcomer” in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Recently, Christi delivered her first TEDx talk, sharing insights on how comedy builds confidence and resilience; especially for women.
Speaking & Coaching
Beyond performing, Christi is a trailblazer in comedy education and mental health advocacy. She designs and leads workshops and coaching programs that help performers and professionals discover and amplify their authentic voices, build confidence, and communicate with heart and humor.
Christi has taught and collaborated with a diverse range of communities, including:
Higher Education:
Sarah Lawrence College, Muhlenberg College, Hunter College, SUNY Oswego
Non-Profit & Community Organizations:
Laughing Together, The Center for Creative Education, Actor Therapy NYC, Double H Ranch / Serious Fun Camps, New York Kid’s Club, Rhode Island Youth Theatre, Stand-Up! Girls NYC
Youth & Creative Collectives:
The People’s Improv Theatre (creator of the Womxn+ in Stand-Up Program), The LaughtHER Collective (Co-Founder), The Stand, Written In Brooklyn, Q.E.D.
Christi also serves on the Board of Directors for Mentor Me, supporting youth through creative mentorship and community engagement.
Her work empowers youth and communities through comedy and social-emotional learning, helping individuals find their voice, build resilience, and embrace vulnerability.