We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jil Chrissie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jil thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Every project I’ve worked on carries deep meaning, blending humor with tough issues. One recurring theme in my work is mental health and how society handles it. Mental illness often leaves us unsure about how to react or help our loved ones dealing with it.

In my two-track EP, ‘Stories Out Tha Cut,’ I tackle the tendency to avoid mild to severe mental illness, specifically in public places like bus stops or dinner cafes.

My latest work, ‘Stage Pains,’ is a collection of comedic vignettes and eye-opening truths brought to life by me (and three talented voice actors by the names of Maggie Maye, Fizaa Dosani, and Morthyn Roc) as I embark on a journey through chaos and confusion, all in pursuit of a coveted ‘regular’ spot at a comedy club.

Many comedians deal with pain and anxiety, but it’s rarely talked about outside of the comedy world. As Nina Simone once said, ‘An artist’s duty is to reflect the times,’ and that’s what I aim to do.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m from Denver, Colorado but these days, you’ll find me immersed in the epicenter of the entertainment industry, in the heart of Los Angeles. My journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to grace the stages of LA, delivering stand-up comedy performances three to four times a week. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of starring in two animated shorts featured on Comedy Central and releasing a storytelling EP independently called “Stories Out Tha Cut.”

One of the pinnacles of my career was in 2022 when I created and starred in ‘The Beetle,’ a short film that earned a coveted spot on Hulu’s ‘Your Attention Please,’ hosted by comedian Craig Robinson.

Currently, I’m thrilled to return with my sophomore solo show, ‘Stage Pains,’ November 9th and 10th, 2023. My 2019 debut solo act, ‘Comedy Hoe,’ achieved immense popularity locally and even took center stage at the prestigious Hollywood Fringe Festival. Teaming up with my exceptional producer, Tj Bledsoe, we not only clinched an encore producer’s award but also succeeded in selling out seven unforgettable shows across three weekends in the City of LA. We even experienced an unexpected surge in demand with a sold-out performance in my hometown of Denver, Colorado.

Now, we’re gearing up for an exciting milestone as we prepare to record ‘Stage Pains’ as a comedy special on November 9th and 10th, independently, at the iconic Broadwater Black Box, on Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles. Everyone is invited and can secure their spot in the audience for a mere $15 through Eventbrite.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can empower artists and creatives by championing independent endeavors as fervently as, if not more than, well-funded industry-backed projects. In 2023, we’re witnessing an unprecedented revelation of exploitative contracts and harmful work environments. As the dynamics of the creative industry evolve, an increasing number of artists are choosing complete independence. Embracing ownership as the new standard, society can truly engage with artworks through television and various other media on a profoundly personal level.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In the past, my primary aim was simply to step onto the stage and hone my craft. However, with ‘Stage Pains,’ I’ve evolved into both the author and the storyteller, fiercely guarding the sanctity of my artistic expression. My ultimate objective is to release projects in the future with minimal external interference, not because I reject assistance, but because an excess of perspectives can sometimes dilute or even obliterate the original intent of the work.

Throughout this creative odyssey, my aspiration is to illuminate the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit, not just of myself, but also of those who can empathize with the complexities of navigating mental health in a world perpetually demanding our attention and vitality.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jilchrissie
• Youtube: Jil Chrissie