#FESTIVALTALK by Gianni Fiasche

If you’ve never heard of comedian Debra DiGiovanni, this is your ultimate chance to check her out. The always funny comedienne is prepping for some of her biggest shows ever at this year’s Just For Laughs festival, and she can’t wait to perform! You may recognize her as one of the critics on MuchMusic’s “Video On Trial” or maybe you remember her from the fifth season of “Last Comic Standing”, whatever it may be, the comedienne is getting ready to take on JFL and nothing can stop her. I had the chance to speak with her last week, and here’s what she had to say:

GF: We’re looking forward to having back at the festival, are you excited to be back at Just For Laughs?

DDG: Oh yes, can’t wait! I took last year off and you don’t realize how much you miss it. I thought to my-self, “something is missing, oh yeah; it’s having to skip Just For Laughs!” I’m thrilled to be back, you just never get tired of it! It’s definitely a marker in your career when you can say you’ve performed at the fes-tival.

GF: You’re getting the chance to headline your own shows, what can we expect from you?

DDG: Yes, super excited about being able to headline, you know usually just do your 10-minute set, and you’re offstage. Now it will be fresh material, you know, stuff that’s been going on with me, I also moved to L.A. so that’s totally different. I write a lot, and it’s also changed a little bit, but I’ll also perform some of my favorite bits, which is also great to do.

GF: Describe yourself in three words:

DDG: Oh, I’d say joyous, frenetic, and weird. *Laughs*

GF: What would you be doing if you weren’t a comedian?

DDG: I’d be driving my friend’s crazy that’s for sure! But honestly, I’d probably be an artist or art teacher, I love to sketch and draw. I attended Ryerson University in their art program, so I think that would’ve been the goal if I wasn’t doing comedy.

GF: From your perspective, what kind of comedian are you?

DDG: I’d definitely say a personality driven comedian. I’m very honest on-stage, I want you to know who I am and I want to know who you are. I’m probably too truthful, but that’s okay.

GF: Describe your perfect date:

DDG: Oh, that’s a good one! Let me see, I always loved going for walks, I think that’s really nice. I’d also love to get something to eat, and then walk and talk. Talking is the way to my heart! Maybe this is juve-nile but I’d also love to go for ice cream, that’s a perfect first date and it’s cheap!

GF:  Your most embarrassing moment on or off stage:

DDG: Oh no, there’s so many to choose from! I still have moments from my youth that still make me cringe! I had a neighbor once, who I was madly in love with. I made such a fool of myself this one time, I put roses in his car, because that’s what every boy loves, roses! I’m blushing as I tell you this. *Laughs*

GF: Your favorite comedian?

DDG: Right now, it’s Maria Bamford, she’s perfect. Her new special is just the greatest!

GF: What inspires you to be a comedian?

DDG: Just life. Just walking around living our lives, there’s never a lack of inspiration.

GF: What song would you have played at your funeral?

DDG: *Laughs* Probably “Panama” from Van Halen! I’ll let everyone ROCK OUT! It’s just one of those songs that you can’t sit still to.

GF: Finally, what’s your next goal?

DDG: The next big goal is TV. I have to figure out a way to get myself a sitcom, or a talk show. I love stand-up but it would be great to do something with consistency and reach more people.

You can catch the amazing Debra DiGiovanni from July 24-29th performing at Salle Claude-Leveillee of Place des Arts. Tickets are going fast, so get yours quickly at hahaha.com. See you there!