Bio

Shirley Blazen is an award-winning comedy performer and theatrical director who is infamous for her burlesque, comedy, and clowning. Chicago's Screwiest Showpony and self-proclaimed Hostess with the Mayo-stess, Blazen is committed to delivering high-energy hijinks and creating inclusive spaces for subversive performance art in the second city.

She's internationally recognized as the headliner of Critical Strike Nerdlesque Fest, a feature of the Fierce! Queer Performing Arts Festival, Chicago Women’s Funny and Nerd Comedy expos, and is the winner of Master of Lipsync at 2020 Burlypicks.

Shirley is the Executive Director and Choreographer of The Screwbelles, a womxn and nonbinary slapstick sketch ensemble, and co-creator of Chaotic Erotic’s Love Circus, Shirley is a prominent figure in Chicago's neo-vaudeville revival.

Blazen has directed over 50 unique theatrical productions, garnering press in the Chicago Reader, Voyage Chicago, and Third Coast Review. Shirley’s production efforts include fundraising over $1,500 in charitable donations for Chicago community organizations that support underserved women, children, and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Shirley is currently in production for season 1 of Clown House for OFTV, directing Love Circus Cabaret, and performing wherever zany shtick can be peddled.