Today we’d like to introduce you to Shyloh Blake.
Hi Shyloh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I am a Minneapolis stand-up comedian.
I come from a really funny, prank-loving family. I was a very hyperactive, obnoxious, and disruptive kid, who would often tell people I was going to be a comedian to explain my rowdy behavior. I enjoyed making people laugh but I was an absolute menace.
Joining the speech team in high school helped me get comfortable with being on stage and receiving feedback. I owe a lot to my speech coach because she solidified the importance of creativity and confidence.
I started stand-up, like everyone else, by going to an open mic. The first place I went was the Muffin Top Cafe. I didn’t know the show was canceled, so the barista took pity on me and listened to my jokes. I’m not sure if that counts. The next one was at The Black Heart of Saint Paul, which was a really supportive room. It went really well and I’ve been devoted to comedy ever since.
I progressed to being a paid performer locally at Comedy Corner Underground, Laugh Camp, and House of Comedy. In June 2022, I was a finalist for House of Comedy’s contest, “Funniest Person with a Day Job.”
So, yeah, that’s how I got to where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been a lot of challenges.
I got divorced right after I started comedy, and had to move into my mom’s house. Only a few weeks later, the pandemic hit and I was trapped there in quarantine. I still live with my mom.
Comedy fell apart during the pandemic because venues closed. The shutdown happened when I was finally starting to get invited to perform on bigger shows. Everything I booked was canceled in a single day. So I took as much stage time as I could on outdoor and virtual shows. I even hosted and produced a virtual show. Virtual shows were the worst! All I knew at the time was that I needed to create my own opportunities. It was an unconventional way to get established in comedy, but it was worth all the effort.
I had a new girlfriend and I thought things were getting better, but then she dumped me. I didn’t have time to be upset because my grandma died from Covid the next day. That was the first time I had to make people laugh while I was grieving.
It’s been tough, but some of my biggest struggles now get my biggest laughs.
My mom kept referring to my divorce as my “Big D.” I was living “La Vida Air Mattress” for months before I got a real bed. I found myself ugly-crying in a vacant Golden Corral parking lot because there was nowhere else to go. To top it off, the Taco Bell cashiers started talking to me like we were close friends.
Comedy has changed me in subtle ways. I even wear makeup on stage now. I didn’t brush my hair before comedy but now I wear EYELINER! There is so much to learn on the business side. Things change rapidly so you have to be resilient. It’s exhausting but I love it! The camaraderie gets you through because comedians are in this together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a traditional, autobiographical stand-up comedian. I write about my personal experiences, which is what allows me to connect with audiences. It’s always honest, even when it’s not 100% true. I try not to take myself too seriously. It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself. It feels good after a show when people tell me, “I really needed that!”
The last few years have been hard, but I stayed focused, kept an open mind, and managed to start working professionally. I never imagined three years ago that I would be getting paid to travel and work in comedy clubs.
Locally, I co-host an open mic with Denzel Belin and Betty Bang on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at The Saloon in Minneapolis. This show is really important to me because it’s an inclusive performance space for queer folks and allies. Although it’s an open mic, we include a few featured performers and are always close with a drag performance. It has been phenomenal so far!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are a lot of people that deserve credit! Minneapolis is a really strong, inclusive, diverse scene. All of the comedy clubs have open mics to develop talent. House of Comedy motivated me to level up and has been very encouraging. We have many mainstream, alternative, and LGBTQ+ shows in the area. Sarah McPeck gave me a ton of stage time. It is always an honor to do her “WENSGAY” shows at Sisyphus Brewing which are always packed and easily the hottest crowd in town. “Monday Night Comedy Show” is the best place to develop material because the audience appreciates it when performers take risks and get weird. They are always ready for the ride. Plus, the local headliners have been very generous with feedback and knowledge.
I have an amazing support system outside of comedy. My friends and family endure never-ending texts and balance me out. They understand the amount of time and energy I need to dedicate to my career. I’m really fortunate to have so much love and support in all corners of my life. It gives me everything I need to stay grounded and focus on my future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shylohcomedy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shylohblake/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShylohBlake
Image Credits
Studio photos by Christie Richardson Photography.
Stage photos by Shyloh Blake and Bjorn Ryan-Gorman at Bangerz Comedy in Portland, Oregon.
