Mz Juno (She/Her)
Production Company/Show Name: Inferno Burlesque / Finesse Fridays Burlesque
Location: New Orleans, LA
Show Frequency: Finesse Fridays is weekly; Inferno Burlesque is monthly.
Contact Information:
Inferno Burlesque: infernoburlesquenola@gmail.com
Finesse Fridays: mzjuno504@gmail.com
Application Process: Performers should reach out via email, including dates they will be in New Orleans, performance videos, and social media links.
Submission Requirements for Performers: Inferno Burlesque requires polished, well-seasoned acts for a large stage. Finesse Fridays focuses on performers with strong crowd work skills, improvisation, and comfort in a restaurant setting with audience interaction.
Preferred Performer Qualities: Classic, neo-classic, nerdlesque, boylesque, drag, and circus acts are all welcome.
Perks/Stipends for Traveling Performers: None at this time.
Social Media Links: Instagram @infernoburlesque, Instagram @thejunoproject_
Additional Information: Inferno is a sexy, high-energy show, while Finesse Fridays is an intimate floor show.
Dive Deeper with Mz. Juno
Producing is a labor of love. Take a moment to get to know a bit more about how Mz. Juno approaches the art of production.
Personal Motivation: What first inspired you to become a burlesque producer, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
Mz. Juno: “I was actually thrown into the position of producing. At the time, I never even thought about producing. I was so new that it just wasn’t on my radar. I’d only been performing for two years, had just three solid acts—all nerdlesque—and had only recently started taking classic gigs.
I was part of the burlesque troupe Bad Girls of Burlesque, which operated under the umbrella of the larger show Bustout Burlesque. These productions were run by a very problematic white man, and the last straw came when he allowed a white performer to wave a Confederate flag on stage (that’s a whole story ). Long story short, all the white performers bailed and called his production a ‘sinking ship.'
At a troupe meeting, we decided I would take over. Honestly, I don’t think anyone believed I could succeed. But when I saw that I could not only keep the show going but elevate it, I quickly learned I’m really good at producing. Now, it’s one of my biggest passions.”
Community Impact: How do you see Black burlesque challenging stereotypes or shaping perceptions of Black identity and sensuality?
Mz. Juno: “Black burlesque challenges literally everything. Ownership of our bodies is already such a radical statement; just our presence alone holds so much power. When I started, believe it or not, there were only four Black burlesque performers in New Orleans. Anytime I did a gig, if Black folks got close enough to ask me, the first thing they’d say was, ‘Where are the Black girls?’ or ‘Are you the ONLY one?’
I hated having to answer, ‘This is it .’ I quickly realized this city not only needs Black burlesque, but Black burlesque needs New Orleans.
Having Finesse has been the most educational experience. A lot of people don’t even know what burlesque is or what it means. Helping Black audiences see that burlesque isn’t ‘for white people’ or ‘old timey’ has been so healing—for them and for me.”
Hopes for the Future: What do you envision for the future of Black burlesque, both on stage and behind the scenes?
Mz. Juno: “I envision Black burlesque continuing on this upward trajectory. This year alone, we dominated the festivals and snatched all their crowns tf up .
I want to see more festivals produced by Black artists, and I want Black producers to think BIG! I went from never producing to being the only producer holding down three large venue residencies—House of Blues NOLA, The Fillmore NOLA, and Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola, FL—with shows drawing 300+ audiences. If I can do this, so many others in different cities can, too. It takes persistence. It took me two years to get into the Fillmore . Black burlesque needs to go BIG!
And New Orleans now has over 30 Black burlesque performers—and growing . That makes my heart so full.”
Producer Identity: How do you balance the creative and business aspects of producing burlesque? Which part is most fulfilling for you?
Mz. Juno: “As of now, there is no balance—but I’m working on it. I truly love what I do and who I work with, so I’m constantly creating, brainstorming, producing, and finding inspiration in literally everything around me.
I’m learning how to take vacations. I’m learning I can actually relax, but it’s a process. The ‘oldest daughter, strong Black woman’ trope has me by the neck sometimes. I just learned (last month years old!) that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone—I’ve already won. And that part alone fulfills me to the fullest.
I was grinding so hard I didn’t even realize I had surpassed my white counterparts years ago!”
