Pop Quiz Hot Shot 2025 dates coming soon!
Bio:
Kelsie is a joyful, silly stand-up and storyteller known for her exuberant, sometimes manic energy on stage. This “sophisticated toddler’s” comedic style blends sharp wit, authentic vulnerability, and boundless enthusiasm.
For over 15 years, she has been a staple of Chicago’s comedy scene as a comedian, storyteller, TV presenter, and instructor, making audiences laugh while fostering a sense of connection and empathy.
Kelsie is the founder and co-producer of the kates, a celebrated independent comedy showcase that highlighted the voices of thousands of women and non-binary performers. The showcase became a vibrant hub for Chicago's comedy community, empowering artists to find their voices and connect with each other.
As an instructor and Director of Marketing and Training Center Program Development at The Lincoln Lodge Training Center, Kelsie teaches students to hone their comedic storytelling and embrace their authentic selves. Her work demonstrates the healing power of humor, transforming personal narratives into shared moments of joy.
Whether on stage, in a classroom, or behind the scenes, Kelsie’s mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire audiences through comedy that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
Artist Statement:
Comedy is more than just entertainment—it’s a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment.
Through my work as a comedian, storyteller, and teacher, I aim to create spaces where laughter builds bridges, fosters empathy and reminds us of our shared humanity. My performances are fueled by joy, silliness, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability, offering a blend of unrestrained enthusiasm that invites audiences to laugh at life’s absurdities.
As the producer of the kates, I aimed to cultivate a community where folks could discover their voices and grow in a supportive, inclusive environment. Through these showcases, I witnessed the transformative power of comedy—not just as a form of expression but as a way for artists and audiences to process, heal, and connect.
My teaching extends this mission, equipping students with the tools to tell their stories authentically and confidently. I believe in comedy as a vehicle for empowerment—helping performers take their humor back into their homes, workplaces, and communities with renewed strength and resilience. At its core, humor reminds us of our ability to find light in life’s most challenging times. My work is dedicated to nurturing that light, one fart joke at a time.
Kelsie is a joyful, silly stand-up and storyteller known for her exuberant, sometimes manic energy on stage. This “sophisticated toddler’s” comedic style blends sharp wit, authentic vulnerability, and boundless enthusiasm.
For over 15 years, she has been a staple of Chicago’s comedy scene as a comedian, storyteller, TV presenter, and instructor, making audiences laugh while fostering a sense of connection and empathy.
Kelsie is the founder and co-producer of the kates, a celebrated independent comedy showcase that highlighted the voices of thousands of women and non-binary performers. The showcase became a vibrant hub for Chicago's comedy community, empowering artists to find their voices and connect with each other.
As an instructor and Director of Marketing and Training Center Program Development at The Lincoln Lodge Training Center, Kelsie teaches students to hone their comedic storytelling and embrace their authentic selves. Her work demonstrates the healing power of humor, transforming personal narratives into shared moments of joy.
Whether on stage, in a classroom, or behind the scenes, Kelsie’s mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and inspire audiences through comedy that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
Artist Statement:
Comedy is more than just entertainment—it’s a tool for healing, connection, and empowerment.
Through my work as a comedian, storyteller, and teacher, I aim to create spaces where laughter builds bridges, fosters empathy and reminds us of our shared humanity. My performances are fueled by joy, silliness, and a willingness to embrace vulnerability, offering a blend of unrestrained enthusiasm that invites audiences to laugh at life’s absurdities.
As the producer of the kates, I aimed to cultivate a community where folks could discover their voices and grow in a supportive, inclusive environment. Through these showcases, I witnessed the transformative power of comedy—not just as a form of expression but as a way for artists and audiences to process, heal, and connect.
My teaching extends this mission, equipping students with the tools to tell their stories authentically and confidently. I believe in comedy as a vehicle for empowerment—helping performers take their humor back into their homes, workplaces, and communities with renewed strength and resilience. At its core, humor reminds us of our ability to find light in life’s most challenging times. My work is dedicated to nurturing that light, one fart joke at a time.
