In the heart of our community stands a woman who wears many hats and is a testament to versatility and connection. Shanan Kelley is a comedian, writer, emcee and yoga instructor, among other roles. She brings an authenticity to all she does and her passion for building community clearly drives her work.
Balancing these roles is not always easy, but Kelley is dedicated to using her unique skill set to uplift others and foster a sense of belonging and togetherness. Her journey is a reminder that humor, creativity, and heart can be powerful tools for making a difference.
When asked to name her primary professions, Kelley says, “I usually start by saying I’m a writer and entertainer. But I am also an emcee for conferences, awards shows and fundraisers, and a benefit auctioneer.” Notably, through her work as an emcee and benefit auctioneer, Kelley has helped redistribute millions of dollars for purpose-driven organizations in Central Oregon and along the west coast. She is also a yoga instructor at Groove Yoga.
Kelley might be best known locally as the creator and host for “The Night Light Show,” Bend’s longest running comedic variety show that she started in 2013. Featuring scripted content and audience interaction, this show serves as a showcase for Kelley’s talent as a comedian, entertainer, writer and facilitator and can be experienced seasonally each year.
Kelley grew up in Washington and attended college at the University of Washington in Seattle where she studied theatre. “I received excellent training for the stage and screen and began acting and performing in Seattle,” notes Kelley. Her first experience doing stand-up comedy was at age 22. “I think growing up in a funny family is how all of this got started.”
To support herself while she was pursuing acting, performing and writing, Kelley decided to go back to school to become an esthetician. At the age of 25, she had an opportunity to open her own skin care studio. “It was successful pretty quickly and I spent several years in spa management and ownership, and performing took a back seat.”
A trip to Bend 15 years ago to reopen a business whose doors had closed brought Kelley here. And, she stayed, creating a home, crafting a career on stage and off, and building relationships that sustain her and bring others together with a real sense of community.
With a heart-centered approach to life, Kelley fully embraces every opportunity that has appeared before her, even those that lead to what some might have seen as detours along the way. “I’m at a point in my life right now where I’m reflecting a lot on my different decisions. I do think that you could make a case for just allowing things to come to you. It’s amazing, but there are certainly things I would have never pursued, but that just came my way and fit my skill set,” Kelley remarks.
“If I had to name my skills, I would say I am a good listener, a good writer, I have the skill of humor that can go in many different directions,” she states. “But I think I am also really good at holding space for people to be together and connect with each other.” One thing she really enjoys is on-stage moderation facilitation, whether it’s a panel or one-on-one interview. “It’s really such an interesting way to story tell, and inclusive to the audience.”
Everything Kelley does really comes down to managing the energy in a room. “Whether it’s one-on-one, a yoga class with 30 people or an event with 500 people, it’s all the same skill set, just a different context,” she explains. Indeed, her personal and professional life is all about human connection. “My responsibility is to hold the highest vision for us. When I remind myself of that, I immediately feel peace and I can move forward.”
Obviously, laughter is essential in Kelley’s life. But what sets her comedic style apart is that she uses her gift not just to entertain, but as a tool for good. “Now that I am older and have more life experience, it has become really important to me to use the opportunities I have on stage to present something meaningful.”
“Comedy, in my opinion, is the most noble of professions and I feel extraordinarily lucky to be able to relate to people in this way,” Kelley states. “Laughter is so healing — emotionally, but also physiologically. It also brings people together in a really special way. It helps us stay in the room when things are uncomfortable. It breaks the tension. It’s how we get through the stressful times. I was acting as a caretaker for my dearest friend at the end of her life and while it was very serious and sad and all of the things…we also laughed together a lot. I’ll never forget that.”
As for her future goals, Kelley is in the final stages of writing her first feature length screenplay. “It’s an idea I’ve been sitting on for almost a decade, so it feels good to finally be bringing it to life and I hope this is a shift towards more opportunities to write my own projects,” she remarks.
“I really want to be able to take good care of myself and my family so we can enjoy our time together. I want to invest in my community. I want to live a good life. I want to become a good friend, as friendships are one of the greatest gifts we are given while we are here,” adds Kelley.
In today’s world, it is rare to find someone who can so effortlessly meet others where they are, offering connection through kindness, humor and integrity. Kelley has a remarkable ability to tap into the humanity all around us, finding inspiration and reminding us that laughter isn’t just a momentary escape — but a bridge to understanding, healing and growth.
ShananKelley.com
Thank you to the following contributors:
Locations: Tower Theatre & Scalehouse Gallery
Fashion: Hot Box Betty
Jewelry: Coya Jewelry
Artwork: Michael Boonstra
Shanan Kelley serves as Director of Development for the Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, a local nonprofit founded to honor the life of local artist, musician and activist Kaycee Anseth who was a dear friend of Kelley's. This organization offers grants to Central Oregon artists. For info: KayceeAnsethLegacyFoundation.org.