Brave has been performing in Miami for most of her career, drawing inspiration from the city where she grew up. On Saturday, November 23, she'll perform at one of the biggest stages in town, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
It's a big milestone for both Brave and the venue. She will be the first local comedian ever to headline a show at the Arsht Center's Carnival Studio Theatre. For a place that's hosted everything from Broadway shows to the world-renowned Miami City Ballet to legends like Andrea Bocelli and Gloria Estefan, Brave is still a huge get.
"We have been following her career dating back to 2020 when so many artists were performing virtually. Since then, we kept a close eye on her journey and are glad that the stars have aligned to bring her to the Arsht stage. She is brilliantly funny and witty, and we're proud to have the opportunity to showcase an emerging Miami comedian here at the Arsht," says Rae Lucas, programming director at the Arsht Center.
"The Arsht is such an intimate space. It's Miami's connection to arts and culture around the world," Brave says. "It's really surreal that I get to perform there."
Comedy Queen
While the Arsht Center show is a first for Brave, she's no stranger to big stages. Her career has taken her from here to New York City and around the country, both as a headliner and an opener for names like Ilana Glazer, Jared Fried, and Jessica Kirson. She's been featured on TV, radio, and print, appearing in publications like the New York Times and Elle.Named New Times' Best Comedian in 2021, Brave's comedy is made of raw honesty, vulnerability, and bold critiques of uncomfortable topics. She recently hosted "The Roast of P. Diddy" at Casa Tiki, entertaining big names like 50 Cent and raising thousands of dollars for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
She's not afraid to speak up about her views on feminism, LGBTQ rights, and politics, regardless of how her audience may feel about them. She's aware that her liberal takes may not always align with those of many Florida crowds, but she doesn't tailor her show to appease her audience. Instead, she hopes to speak directly to those who may need to see someone like them speaking up bravely and powerfully. Through this bold honesty and unfiltered yet good-natured crowd work, she's earned quite a following down here.
"The gems of Miami can get drowned out by its stereotypes. I'm proof that you can find your tribe here. I've felt a love and acceptance I never thought possible. There is a place for me here as a comedian," Brave says.
@brittanybravecomedy #standup #birthcontrol #femalecomedian #comedy #standupcomedy #crowdwork #jokes #womenshealth #fyp #fypage #girls #women #womenhumor #funnyclip ♬ original sound - Brittany Brave
Greener Pastures
Brave's Arsht Center performance is a big step forward for Miami's comedy scene. Though Brave admits this isn't quite yet a "comedy city," she believes it can be. Big names like Marcello Hernandez and Jenny Lorenzo have been putting Miami on the map recently, though they have had to move elsewhere to do it."There's a bit of a ceiling to how far comedians can go here," Brave adds.
She will be moving to New York City soon, and though she's sad to leave her hometown behind physically, she plans to bring Miami with her as far as she can go. Brave has been working on a documentary about the Miami comedy scene for the past two years, highlighting its promise and challenges. She'll be premiering the first 15 minutes of the documentary at the New York Comedy Festival on November 14, where she'll be headlining her own night.
"I plan to make the entire night Miami-themed," she shares, adding that she'll be bringing Miami comedians Ricky Cruz and Eli Rodriguez along for the ride. She hopes that her career can open doors for more and more acts from here, laying a foundation for Miami to become the comedy powerhouse it deserves to be.
Brave believes spending most of her career here has made her a better comedian. "Miami crowds are notoriously tough," she says. "We have to compete with clubs and DJs, so when a crowd chooses to see you, you have to earn it." She shares that on the road, many comics tell her that Miami is one of the hardest cities to perform in. "I cut my teeth here," Brave adds. "It's like spring training. Now, when I go across the country, I'm ready."
For her Arsht Center show, Brave plans to showcase some new material for her hometown crowd. Longtime fans and first-timers alike can expect the signature relatable, witty, and empowering humor that made Miami fall in love with Brave.
Brittany Brave. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, November 23, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-949-6722; arshtcenter.org. Tickets cost $30 to $45.
