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

Hi Maggie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel that my entire life has been about risks. I tend to be someone that takes a lot of risks, but I think that comes from what I’ve been through. I’ve been through some terrible experiences, including having an abusive spouse. The thing these experiences have taught me is that no risk is as scary as what I’ve already lived through. I took a huge risk moving to LA without a place to live or job. I took another risk after retiring from roller derby and beginning burlesque, only to end up being in charge of a surprisingly successful burlesque troupe.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are so many amazing burlesque performers out there, so I’m not entirely sure what exactly sets me apart. One thing about me is that I love trying new things – and I want to try EVERYTHING! During my burlesque career I’ve learned to eat fire, dance with fire fans, performed in a costume made entirely of balloons, learned how to film and edit my performances, and have learned how to even produce virtual shows thanks to COVID. I would say the biggest challenge so far is myself. It’s really hard to do this and not feel like an imposter at times. I constantly question myself whether my performances or acts are good enough. I then remind myself that this is something I enjoy and am surrounded by a very supportive community. One thing I’d like the world to know is that if there’s something you want to do, you should do it and not worry about what anyone else thinks. You’ve got one life, so may as well enjoy it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First place I would take them is Idle Hour. It’s one of the venues I perform at regularly (pre-covid of course), but it’s also an amazing place with a lot of history. The staff and food and beverages are amazing. We would also spend a lot of time on the beaches. I love how different all of the beaches here are from one another. I would love to take a tour of the city on one of the various tour busses and just spend the day as a tourist. I’ve only lived here a few years and feel like I hardly know the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people in my life that are deserving of a shoutout for all of the love, support, and help I’ve received. First and foremost, my aunt taught me how to have a voice and stand up for myself. My sister has always been there to cheer me on in my ridiculous endeavors. Lastly, my amazing troupe members: Lizzie LeGrande, Riveting Rosie, Cora Blimey, Sir Moose A Lot, Lance Burbank, and the GOAT have all been such an amazing team and chosen family to me. I don’t know where I’d be without them.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thebroadbrigade

Instagram: maggieputsomepantson / thebroadbrigade

Facebook: The Broad Brigade

Image Credits
Dave Wood Photo Michelle Alizabeth Blake Daniel Sliwa Safi Alia Shabiak

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