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.
Christi made her television 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, B*tch! 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) and Christi has starred in national television and radio campaigns for IKEA.
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!
Comedy
Christi is a trailblazer in innovative comedy education. She designs and leads workshops and programs that help performers and professionals discover and amplify their authentic voices, build confidence, and communicate with heart and humor. Christi is currently collaborating with The Stand in NYC on the first-of-its-kind comedy residency, where comedians train in presence, instinct, and how to truly hold a room.
In addition to her on-going work with nonprofit organizations Laughing Together, founded by her mentor Chris Gethard, and Stand-Up! Girls, Christi is on the Board of Directors for Mentor Me, teaches at the Center for Creative Education, is a member of Hudson Valley Women in Business. Past Teaching Experiences:
Higher Education:
Sarah Lawrence College & Hunter College (adjunct Comedy professor) Muhlenberg College & SUNY Oswego (Workshops)
Non-Profit & Community Organizations:
Actor Therapy NYC, Double H Ranch / Serious Fun Camps, New Alternatives for Children, New York Kid’s Club, Rhode Island Youth Theatre
Youth & Creative Collectives:
The People’s Improv Theatre (creator of the Womxn+ in Stand-Up Program) The LaughtHER Collective (Co-Founder & Artistic Director), The Stand, Written In Brooklyn ‘Comedy Camp’, Q.E.D.
Education
Christi delivers keynotes and workshops on the power of improvisation, play, and presence, collaborating with artists and organizations including Chris Gethard and Laughing Together. She has presented for two consecutive years at the Student Mental Wellness Conference, where her work centers humor as a tool for confidence, resilience, and real human connection.
She regularly works with youth groups, using stand-up comedy as a tool for self-expression, communication, and voice-building. Her programs create space for young people to take risks, trust their perspective, and learn how to say what they mean — clearly, confidently, and without apology.
As a coach, Christi has worked with hundreds of comedians and professionals, helping them sharpen their craft, strengthen their presence, and build sustainable careers. Her students have gone on to work with platforms including Netflix, Showtime, Comedy Central, and Saturday Night Live, and have been recognized at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Most recently, Christi delivered her first TEDx talk, exploring how comedy builds confidence and resilience — especially for women — and what it takes to stay present when you’re being seen.
Speaking & Coaching
When I am not performing or teaching comedy, you can find me singing with the Resisterhood Community Choir, raising funds for the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, crafting, or cuddling with my 2 chonky cats and 1 handsome husband!