Not everyone feels comfortable standing on a stage in front of a room full of people and revealing true, personal stories about themselves – but some people do. These story tellers know that – in the world of story telling – there is no such thing as "Too Much Information" (TMI) nor is there room for rambling, pointless tales. 

In Milwaukee, Ex Fabula is a local story telling organization that hosts story slams every month. The first event of the season takes place on Thursday, Sept. 17. OnMilwaukee is a sponsor of Ex Fabula this year, and I have spun a few yarns on Ex Fabula's stage in the past.

The Moth, based in New York, also hosts story telling events in Milwaukee. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, The Moth will host an event with five storytellers – including myself – and also features a story slam every month that allows audience members to tell stories. (For all Moth events, go here.)

In all of these story telling events, the stories, which revolve around a theme, are usually engaging and emotional.

Recently, while attending my second Moth story slam at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, I realized that equally as entertaining as the story tellers – if not more – is The Moth's local story slam host, Christy Hall Watson.

Watson’s sharp wit, piercing insights and yet warm, honest demeanor blend into pure comedic gold. After a Moth event earlier this month, I knew I had to track her down off stage and find out more about her. I later learned that she imported her husband, once saved a flock of baby ducks and lives on the Christmas-crazy Candy Cane Lane. 

OnMilwaukee: So how long have you been hosting The Moth and how did you get this gig?

Christy Hall Watson: I’ve been hosting the Moth Milwaukee Slam since 2012. A friend of mine actually started the Moth here in Milwaukee, and she recommended me to the New York office. I had an onstage audition where I had to tell a story of my own, and a phone interview with the New York office, and I must have done something right, because three years later I’m still around and loving every minute of it.

OnMilwaukee: What is your past performance experience? Clearly, you must have background in stand up?

Watson: I have always been involved in the performance arts in some way. I started in improv and theater, moved to stand-up here in Milwaukee, and then began hosting burlesque and drag shows in the area. I co-managed my own burlesque troupe for a little while. Hosting is perfect for me. I do a little stand-up and a lot of improvisation and I spend my time on the stage, where I want to be.

OnMilwaukee: What else do you do when you're not hosting The Moth? 

Watson: I have a B.F.A. in Film and Video from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. A degree in analogue film and video. So, nope, I don’t have a full time job. Do you know of anybody hiring? Moth regulars will know that I babysit my nephews some days during the week, which is why I often do shows with the 'Peppa Pig' theme song in my head. If I’m not performing or babysitting, I’m probably watching "The Avengers."

OMC: Can you share some details from your personal life?

Watson: Sure. I grew up right here in Milwaukee and graduated from Pius XI High School. Currently I live on Candy Cane Lane, which is hysterical if you’ve heard my comedy. As I already mentioned, I have a B.F.A. I also attended Cape Fear Community College in North Carolina and earned my E.M.T. certification. It’s expired now. But I could probably still help if you were choking. And if I wasn’t laughing too hard. I am married to a wonderfully tolerant and talented man. He is British. Ladies, if you are looking for a man, import one. They are sexy as hell and come with a receipt.

OnMilwaukee: Whoa, whoa, whoa. You live on Candy Cane Lane? I don't mean to stereotype, but that's surprising to me – and completely awesome. Do you decorate your house?

Watson: The house with the Grinch pulling the lights off it, that's ours.

OnMilwaukee: What do you like about your gig with The Moth? Do you have a penchant for story telling yourself?

Watson: I come from a long line of storytellers, and I love telling stories, so the Moth was a perfect fit. My first Moth story ever was about trying to save baby ducks that were trapped in a sewer drain. Don’t worry, the ducks are OK. We got them out in time.

OnMilwaukee: How would you describe your style of comedy and joke telling?

Watson: The most accurate description of my comedy style that I’ve heard was when you called it "bawdy, brilliant, and borderline evil." Nailed it. My style is sarcastic and a little caustic and very true. You may not agree with what I have to say but you’ll still enjoy hearing it. I like to point out the stupidity in everyday life and I like to call people out on their bullshit, but my number one goal is always to entertain everyone at a show.

OnMilwaukee: What are some of your goals, short or long term?

Watson: Wow. That’s some question. I’d love to keep hosting the Moth; it’s an incredible event and made up of wonderful and dedicated people. Eventually I would like to be the go-to host for fun and alternative events in and around Milwaukee. Maybe I’ll start my own local late night talk show.

OnMilwaukee: What are your favorite places in Milwaukee?

Watson: Milwaukee has some fabulous places like the The Miramar Theater and the Alchemist Theater. There’s a lot of talent here. Mostly I like my couch, or being wherever my friends and family are. I can have enjoy myself anywhere. I guess my real favorite place is on stage in front of a crowd, making them laugh, think and maybe love me just a little. Or hate me a little. As long as we all have a good time.