TAMALE ROCKS
RUFFLE AROUND THE EDGES.
COMEDIAN.
SKYDIVING MOTO BABE.
MOTHER OF SPANIELS.
HOWDY.
Nice to meet cha! I'm Tamale. I do a lot of things. Let's do something together.
Tamale is a stand up comedian and interdisciplinary performer who lives on the road full-time. She also travels internationally with her fierce eyebrows. Voted runner-up for Chicago’s Best Stand Up Comedian for The Reader, Tamale is a regular at The Laugh Factory, Zanies Comedy Clubs, and countless local and national showcases. She’s been featured in numerous national Comedy festivals, including Gilda's Laughfest in Grand Rapids, Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, Chicago Improv Festival, Sketchfest, and the Cleveland Comedy Festival. Tamale has also been featured internationally, performing at comedy clubs like The Pint and the Comedy Cellar in Dublin, Ireland, and in festivals like the Dublin Lesbian Arts Festival, where she was the International Guest of Honor. She got her start as one of the founding members of the still-thriving Charles Darwin Experience, University of Arizonas first improv comedy troupe.
A cast member of the groundbreaking R.E.A.C.H. (Risky Eclectic Artist Comedy Hour) at Second City, Tamale is an alumni of the Second City Conservatory Program, and now performs and teaches there. She’s also a graduate of I.O. Chicago and Annoyance Theater and created a unique improvised show incorporating the creation, presentation, and performer interpretation of artistic tiny hats called Tiny Hat Time. An interdisciplinary performer, Tamale created and produced the popular comedic variety show, Brass Chuckles Comedy. Tamale also helped to launch and proudly co-produced the popular showcase and open mic, Just Dickin’ Around.
She travels the world far and wide as a comedian and gender performer, co-producing the internationally touring gender performance group, the Windy City Blenders. Tamale is one the few members who has been on every one of their tours, traveling to Canada and Europe, then booking side tours of her own in Germany, Italy, Ireland, and more. She loves performing burlesque and drag, fire dancing and belly dancing, and often incorporates them into her comedy. She also performs and travels with Tamale and Safety Third, a performance troupe comprised of performers from several different cities. They practice remotely and join forces to perform in cities all over the country. Adventure first. Safety third.
She found a two-way mirror in a bathroom, documented it in a video that went viral with over 3.6 million views, and inspired the community mobilization that led to the change in privacy law in Berwyn, IL. Her solo show "Mirror Mirror in the Stall", which premiered in the Chicago Women's Funny Festival, comically shared the challenging elements of this experience.
With a BS in Agricultural Education and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media, her comedy explores a wide range of experiences and adventures. Tamale also loves to shoot guns, skydive, and ride her giant motorcycle with an eyelash …because she has a lot to prove. Check her out at TamaleRocks.com and around town as she rides her motorcycle (often in costumes) with her pals in Bikes and Mics!
Tamale knows how to read a crowd. If they want kind of a raunchier show, she’ll sense that and give it to them. If they’re a little more conservative, she adapts and has the ability to hit on the same topics and material without compromising who she is on stage. A fantastic host, Tamale brings a level of energy and professionalism to her comedy that every club needs. She’s truly a delight to work with.
Timmy Whitzell Co-Owner, The WIP Theater in Chicago, IL
We were fortunate to have Tamale perform 4 shows/2 weekends with us so I was able to see her delve into, with such style & grace, different types of audiences & connect with them. No matter the size of the audience that night, she brought it all & was able to draw the attention & laughter with each member. She has a beautiful spirit on & off stage & i am looking forward to working with her again.
Jessica R Avila, The WIP Theater in Chicago, IL
Tamale is delightful. I worked with her as a producer, and she was friendly, responsive, and receptive. As a performer – she closed the show and she killed. If I was writing Ebay-style reviews for hilarious humans, I would say A++++ Would Book Again.
Jenn Sodini, CHIRP Radio’s The First Time in Chicago, IL
Tamale is the epitome of the “whole entertainment experience”. It is rare for me as a producer to encounter performers who can bring every single angle of the comedy pyramid. From story telling, to top grade stand up, to even finishing off with a fire show…sweet sugared s**t…I think I just died and went to promoting heaven. Love this woman, and so should you!!
Tulin Waters a.k.a La Bomba, Rated HER in Madison, Wisconsin
Tamale is smart, hysterical, kind & a true professional. She’s the kind of a comedian who always punches up. And leaves you grinning. It’s a privilege to work with her!
Jacq Jones of 4-Play Baltimore, Podcast and Show