We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandi Bigley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi, what do you want your legacy to be?
I’m hoping folx will remember I was a funny and kind person. I don’t have kids so I may have to hire people to remember me. I’ll start a GoFundMe for that soon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Don’t beg for a seat at the table. Build your own table. That’s a paraphrased meme I took a liking to recently. That’s what we’re starting to do. We started Do Better Comedy with a mission to create safe spaces for all genders in stand-up. Do Better Comedy produces anti-racist, anti-misogynist, LGBTQIA+ friendly, respectful comedy. We are beginning with an inclusive open mic and will grow into a resource for comics. I’m excited to see where it goes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Any friend of mine would know I should never plan a social outing. I’m an introvert. But some of my favorite spots for entertainment are ImprovMANIA, The Bridge Improv Theater, Valley Bar, Yucca Tap Room, Crescent Ballroom, FilmBar, Stray Cat Theatre. I like to eat at The Coronado PHX, Urban Cookies Bakeshop, Thai E San, Fez, Belly Kitchen and Bar, Welcome Diner. Truthfully my favorite is eating Salad & Go alone in my living room.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Valley Youth Theatre and Bobb Cooper were a huge part of my theatre upbringing. They instill a work ethic that is undeniable. Transitioning from theatre to comedy is something I’ve always wanted to try but never had the nerve until recently. Seeing people who look how I (want to) look succeeding helped to motivate me. I admire Tig Notaro, Mae Martin and Cameron Esposito. My friend and co-producer Jennifer Giralo has always encouraged and inspired me. Together we co-founded Do Better Comedy to encourage more folx to try comedy and offer resources to do so. Anthony Thornton is hilarious and pushes me to be better each time I see him perform. Also, my mother is the most supportive and showed me how to be independent and hard working.

Website: BrandiBigley.com & DoBetterComedy.com

Instagram: @spinsteringout & @dobettercomedy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brandibigley

Image Credits
First photo by Jeffery Morel. All other photos by Jennifer Giralo.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.