Cheyenna Sapp — who performs under the name Shy Sapp — is a comedian whose style she describes as raw, unfiltered, and “either very self-aware or very delusional.” Raised on the Indigenous comedy of Don Burnstick and now inspired by the fearless energy of Luenell and Ali Wong, Shy brings a sharp, theatrical wit to everything she does, whether she’s doing a full British accent in a bit about dating colonizers or trading swear words in Indigenous languages with fellow comics in Aotearoa.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Raw, unfiltered, and either very self-aware or very delusional.
Who are some of your influences?
Luenell and Ali Wong.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Don Burnstick, the uncle of Indigenous comedy.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Steph Tolev.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I listen to Doja Cat while getting ready. Then I practice, I pace, and I panic internally.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Performing in Aotearoa was the best ever, because 1. it’s beautiful there and 2. I got to meet and work with amazing comedians from several different Indigenous nations. We taught each other swear words in our languages.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
My favourites are the most inappropriate ones, so I can’t say them here. But, I’ve been doing a bit lately about dating colonizers, and it’s fun because I get to be theatrical and do a British accent.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
TikTok and Reels – my algorithm shows me new comics often. My favourite clips are of the crowdwork comedians, which I’m also super jealous of because it’s a skill I have yet to master.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I feel right at home in Winnipeg; it’s like a bigger Saskatoon. Saskatoon gets its name from the Cree word for berries. Winnipeg gets its name from the Cree word for muddy water. It’s always those damn Crees. (I’m Cree)
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I will be headlining a show at The Basement Speakeasy in Winnipeg on June 27th and also at the Edmonton Fringe Festival August 13 – 23rd.
Where can we follow you?
My website. Links to my socials as well as upcoming events can be found here.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Anna Linassi from Saskatoon and Jeff Gobeil from Winnipeg.
