January 7, 2020

Meet Mara Chino of Level Up Variety Hour in Central Phoenix

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mara Chino.

Mara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a 33 year old mother of two beautiful children. I’ve been a plus size pinup and lingerie model for about seven years. I’ve walked several runways and been published in a few magazines. Also, I co-produce and perform with Level Up Variety Hour, a burlesque and comedy show. I’ve been performing burlesque for about a year and a half. My goal is to spread the message of body positivity and confidence! Everybody deserves to be sexy and beautiful in their own way. I’ve long dealt with issues with self-image, but through modeling and burlesque have found myself looking at myself in a different light.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s not been a smooth road, I’ve struggled with the balancing act that is life. With having a family, things don’t always line up for events or planning. It’s also been a struggle with my self-image as well. We all have those moments of self-doubt, but overcoming those is key.

Please tell us about your work?
Level Up Variety Hour is proud to feature many wonderful local burlesques, sideshow, and comedy performers. We specialize in nerd themed show at Bonus Round, a fantastic nerd bar in central Phoenix. Our shows are every even month on the 2nd Friday. Featuring acts with characters from TV shows, comics, movies and beyond. If it’s pop culture, it’s in our show. The producing team consists of myself, Frenchi La Frei and Joan D’snarc. We truly enjoy the unique crowd we get. We have regulars, all the way to those who have never been to see a burleque show. Having just started in March of 2019, we certainly are excited to be having the success we have been!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success… In the business of entertainment, I would say that that is based off of audience feedback. It’s been great seeing a strong presence of audience returning for shows. And also, return performers! We’ve had lots of performers return over and over to perform with us, because it’s just such a fun show and such a fun crowd! We just want to keep selling out those seats and getting the applause!

Pricing:

General Admission, online – $10/ticket
General Admission, at door – $15/ticket
VIP Tables – $60 (includes seating for 4, a draft beer for everyone at the table, 2 raffle tickets per person)

Contact Info:

Address: Show held at Bonus Round, 24 W. Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Website: www.levelupvarietyhour.com
Email: levelupvarietyhour@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/levelupvarietyhour
Facebook: facebook.com/levelupvarietyhour

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