This stand up comic recalls her favorite life lessons as only her mother could tell them.

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Carlease! AKA Carlease Burke, has been performing on the West Coast since relocating from New York in 1985.

While singing and dancing her way through international waters on the Sitmar Cruise Line, she had the opportunity to get a feel for the “other” coast.  That journey turned out to be her passage from Off Broadway to Hollywood. 

Once here in L.A., Carlease started performing in children’s theatre with the South Coast Repertory Company, Tim Busfield’s Fantasy Theatre and the Rock Salt Company, part of the Mark Taper Forum.  She then went on to recur on the soap opera, The Young and The Restless.

Many years and countless roles later, Carlease’s resume continues to grow.  She’s even found time to return to school for an A.S. degree in sign language interpreting.

Carlease! (the comic), has tickled funny bones in comedy clubs across the country.  She is a favorite at Gay and Lesbian Pride Festivals in Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach and Philadelphia.  She’s graced the stage at The Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival and headlined with Olivia Cruises and Resorts.

Carlease Burke (the actress), has recently been spotted on the small screen in commercials for Macy’s, Verizon and First 5 California.  She has a recurring role on Desperate Housewives and is scheduled to guest star on Without a Trace.  Her feature film work includes The Terminal with Tom Hanks, directed by Steven Spielberg and The Toolbox Murders directed by Tobe Hooper.  Look for her this April in In Her Shoes with Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette.

Ms. Burke is one of the recipients of a 2005 NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet.

Carlease is in the process of re-writes for her solo play, Go To Your Womb, conceived last summer in the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival’s solo writing workshop taught by Che’Rae Adams.

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