Bridget McGuire is dressed like Captain Hook

Bridget McGuire is a storyteller and stand-up comedian based in New York. Her self-deprecating and conversational humor revolves around her life: anxiety, family, and dating –  all said in her hot Chicago accent. In addition to being a co-producer of All That Good Stuff, a stand-up comedy show, she works in advertising for Hearst magazines and has written for Women’s Health and Prevention about her life with OCD. Bridget’s solo show, Ballet Flats for Dinner will premiere at The Second City Chicago this March.

What were you like as a teen?
As a teen, I talked on the phone non-stop and played sports (aka sat on the bench). I had a big group of friends who were–and still are– hysterical. Everyone was funny. I had no comedy goals at all; I was focused on boys, hanging out with my friends, and sneaking cigarettes.
Did you have an un-sexy starter job?
I’ve been working since I was 14, earlier if you consider babysitting and I’ve stayed friends with the people I met in all my jobs. Some provided so much material. I worked at an art school as an admissions counselor and you had to wear pantyhose…in 2007. I wore capris without pantyhose and was forced to go buy nylons. They only had a white pair at 7-11, so I walked around the office all day, dressed like Captain Hook.
What is your biggest comedy achievement to date?
Honestly getting paid at clubs. I still can’t believe I get paid to do this.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it? 
I just wanted it so bad. I also made a couple of really good friends and they made it more fun to go to mics, etc.
Have you ever dealt with trolls?
Try to ignore them and put on You Need to Calm Down by T-Swift after the show.
On your deathbed, what transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian? 
Write, hustle, but also live your life. You need a life outside of comedy to make comedy.
Best comedy advice you ever got?
“Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, just compare yourself to what type of comic you were the year before.” – Tom Dreesen
Worst comedy advice you ever got? 
Applying to shows I was not ready to do…
How has being funny helped you in your life? 
Make friends, make people feel more comfortable in awkward situations, makes life more fun
What specific things should a novice comic do to shape their voice
Write and look back at your life. Look at old journals, yearbooks, and listen back to your sets.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?
Two of my best friends, Patti Cella & Jacquie Casciani. They always told me I needed to write a book because of my funny and weird stories
What single word always cracks you up?
Not a single word, but my mom doesn’t say sex, she’ll say, “They went to bed together.”