As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Jennifer Giralo. The Phoenix, AZ native shares some of their favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how they always own the laughs.
Name: Jennifer Giralo
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @Jennifer_Giralo
Years in Comedy: 12
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Westside Comedy Festival, Denver Comedy Festival, Red Rocks Improv Festival
Comedic Influences: Hannah Gadsby, Maria Bamford, Chris Gethard, Hasan Minhaj, Bo Burnham, Zahra Noorbakhsh, & Teresa Lo
Favorite Comedy Album: Bo Burnham “Inside”
Favorite Comedy Special: Hannah Gadsby “Nanette”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Thor 3: Ragnorak
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Parks & Recreation
Favorite Comedic Character: Leslie Knope
Favorite City to Perform In: Phoenix, AZ
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Sexism, codependency, self-care, therapy, & cartoon crushes
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: Audiences that banter and engage with me! It makes the show so much fun.
Favorite Comedy Club: Neighborhood Comedy Theatre and ImprovMANIA
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve been performing comedy for over 12 years. I started in improv and have found my way into stand-up in the last 3 years. I’ve always loved being funny, but improv helped me hone that and blend acting and comedy into one! It definitely inspires my stand-up as well.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember how I was surrounded by supportive people. That’s the only way I’d be able to try it and keep doing it.
How would you describe your comedic style:
I’m very dry and sarcastic. Observational and pointing out the absurd in sexism and patriarchal norms. Also educational? I like to talk about the Karpman Drama Triangle and the Bechdel Test.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
If I tell someone a funny story or if I have a funny premise pop into my head, I write it down immediately. It basically goes on a notes page I label “needs writing.” Then once written, those move to an open mic notes page to try at mics where I record myself trying them and adding to them live onstage. And then if I like them after several tries and edits, I get to try them in a show.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Arizona has so much comedic talent, it’s overwhelming in the best way possible. We also have such amazing supportive people here and people and venues creating opportunities for so many folks!
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I think if you’re performing authentic content that you are passionate about and performing in spaces that energize you and challenge yourself where you want to, you’re successful in comedy!
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Brandi Bigley, Keith Ellis, Steena Salido, Guy Hannah, Mary Upchurch, Tara Shakespeare, Diva Danielle Williams, Zahra Noorbakhsh, & Teresa Lo.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Opening for Chris Gethard November 2021 at CB Live.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
I learned to keep pushing forward. We definitely learn more from our failures than our successes. I also learned to try to be kinder to myself, talk to myself like I would a good friend.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
I think they are surprised. Most of the time they admire the bravery it takes to perform comedy!
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s been exciting to challenge myself to really go for it because stand-up comedy is a dream of mine. I truly feel like I am living a dream. The other thing I am passionate about is lifting up marginalized voices and providing opportunities/creating safer spaces in comedy for diverse voices. I co-founded Do Better Comedy with Brandi Bigley (anti-racist, anti-misogynist, LGBTQIA+ friendly respectful comedy, creating safe spaces for all genders). We create open mics, workshops, and shows that highlight our talented, diverse community and encourage new people to try comedy. www.DoBetterComedy.com @DoBetterComedy on IG.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
I would love for comedy to be more mindful about diversity on lineups and to listen to people when they give feedback about how to create safer spaces in comedy. Also, book more women.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Maria Bamford’s book You are (a Comedy) Special talks about writing and performing comedy that you truly enjoy. And I love that advice. Also, it’s an amazing book.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
“Codependent Comedy: Please Like Me”
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
I recently met THE Grinch at Universal Studios. Okay, I didn’t meet them, but I did look at the 2-hour line.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
In the hallway of the Arizona Science Center.
A Jennifer Giralo Fun Fact:
I have my motorcycle license! No bike…yet!
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
I’d love to headline, performing at comedy clubs, produce shows, and increase the amount of female/diverse comedic bookers in the industry.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
I would say start writing down funny thoughts, maybe posting them on social media or sharing them with friends, then maybe get to an open mic you feel safe at surrounded by friends and peers.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think the future of comedy is optimistic. Things are changing and growing to include more types of comedy and diverse stories where people feel seen and heard in comedy. There’s still so much more to do.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
I’d write a crossover episode of Parks and Recreation and The Office.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
Stand Up Live Phoenix with Brandi Bigley, Zahra Noorbakhsh, & Teresa Lo.
What’s next for you:
Producing more shows through Do Better Comedy, headlining, lifting up others.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
It helps alleviate stress. It connects us. Find the joy.
Watch Jennifer Giralo at Laugh Local Live:
Follow Jennifer Giralo’s comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @Jennifer_Giralo
