Austin comedy biography
About Shana Merlin
Shana Merlin has been a central builder of Austin improv as a performer, teacher, and institution founder. After years of teaching the form, she established Merlin Works in 2003 and developed it into a sustained training home for introductory and advanced improvisers.
Her performing work includes the improvised musical ensemble Girls Girls Girls and the duo Get Up. Through classes, faculty development, stage shows, and touring work, Merlin helped make formal improv training a durable part of Austin's comedy infrastructure.
Comedy Austin includes teachers and theater builders alongside performers because the scene's depth comes from the people who create stages, methods, and communities where new work can grow.
Selected work
Credits and appearances
- Merlin Works
- Girls Girls Girls
- Get Up
- Austin improv education
