Meet Liz Derr | Comedian

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

Hi Liz, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Northern NJ and the culture there is unlike anywhere else. I’m not a die hard New Jersey lover but being from there is it’s own unique brand of messed up. My surroundings paired with the fact that both my parents are autistic and I was victim to a lot of neglect, typically goes one of two ways, deep dark depression, or humor as a coping mechanism. I’m definitely both! Due to the fact that I had to laugh at the ridiculous situations that my life put me in as a coping mechanism, it set me up to make light of serious issues. My comedy not only discusses my childhood, but my addiction issues, my medical issues, and trauma. I think by talking about these very serious things and bringing light to it, helps people feel more comfortable with their own problems and opens the door for more thoughtful conversations as a society.

Long story short, I had a harder life and I am determined to turn it into a positive thing by making people laugh.

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.
When I started doing stand-up comedy I was still in active addiction. I realized if I was ever going to make anything of myself, I needed to get sober. It wasn’t some over night change, it took a lot of work. I joined a program and met a lot of really compassionate and caring people. They were there for me when I would stumble and make my way back, they helped hold the mirror up so I could see myself for who I really am, and helped me work the program so I could live a happier life.

With that, I was actually able to pursue comedy on a different level. I wasn’t drunk on stage making a fool of myself, I was on stage talking about what I’ve lived through and making light of the absurdities that life has thrown at me. My comedy speaks to my addiction quite often and no one really talks about it the way that I do. I’ve had complete strangers walk up to me after performing just to tell me how they loved how open and honest I was on stage. That they have never felt seen in comedy like I made them feel.

I noticed there are not many sober places to practice comedy. Because of that, I chose to start an open mic at Joe’s Coffeehouse in East Atlanta Village. It’s been going for some time now, reaching 2 years in October. It is every Monday from 5 to 7pm and is free and open to the public. Anyone can sign up and try it out, not just seasoned comics.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place I would take them are one of the many comedy venues here in Atlanta. I’d, obviously, bring them over to Joe’s Coffeehouse in EAV and show them the neighborhood. I’d likely force them to go to some live music as my brother is a drummer in quite a few different bands in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I had an eighth grade teacher who was also my wrestling coach, Mr. Hardin, who really supported me and looked out for me. When he was mentoring me, he didn’t know it at the time, but I was suicidal and without him, I would not be here today.

My first love, the late Greg Keating, sparked my love of comedy and encouraged me to try it. Without him, I am not sure if I would have made the leap into becoming a stand up comedian.

My college best friends, Liz, Pip, and Elliott, for supporting me through those crazy college times, encouraging my growth, mentally and spiritually, and for always supporting me, no matter what, with love and compassion.

My sobriety home-group and sponsor for helping me realize who I had the potential to become and supporting me through all the difficult times.

Website: lizderrcomedy.com

Instagram: @lizderbator

Image Credits
Lance Lowery Lola Scott Robert Wolfgang