The Hideout Theater

Holy 1960s Batman, Batman! is currently playing Saturdays at 8pm. Every show features a guest villain, and the fifth guest, and the villain for the Marathon, is Shana Merlin. She’s the founder of Merlin Works, an Austin school of improvisation, a founder of Girls Girls Girls: Improvised Musicals, and one half of Get Up, a powerhouse Austin Improv duo. Let’s talk to Shana!

Roy: As one half of Get Up (alongside Shannon McCormick, the first guest villain), you often perform awesome, epic tales. What’s your approach to playing villains in those shows?

Shana: My approach is twofold. 1) Make a big, broad character choice so I have something to hold on to when I come back to play the character in later scenes. 2) To show another side to the villain so they have moments of being human and sympathetic.

Roy: What are you most looking forward to in playing the villain for batman ?

Shana: The puns! I will PUNish Batman with my words!

Roy: What do you hope is your villain name ?

Shana: Mrs. Penguin.

Roy: why is this interview so short?

Shana: Because I am short! And evil…..

Roy: Thanks, Shana!

Buy your tickets to Holy 1960s Batman, Batman! right now. There are still a few shows left, but they’re going fast!