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 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) 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!
Christi presents regular Keynotes on the power of improvisation and play alongside Chris Gethard and Laughing Together. She’s been fortunate enough to present 2 years in a row at the Student Mental Wellness Conference and champions humor as a tool for confidence, healing, and resilience.
Christi 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 innovative comedy education. 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 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; supporting youth through creative mentorship and community engagement. She is also a proud member of Hudson Valley Women in Business as well as the Resisterhood Community Choir; currently working to raise funds for the Ulster Immigration Defense Network.
Past Teaching Experiences:
Higher Education:
Sarah Lawrence College & Hunter College (adjunct professor), Muhlenberg College & SUNY Oswego (Workshops)
Non-Profit & Community Organizations:
Laughing Together, 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.