The scene

The fantasy with amateur strip nights is that you’ll catch your buttoned-up neighbor on stage unbuttoning her blouse. The reality is that these “amateurs” are usually strippers from other clubs. Both showed up to the first “So You Think You Can Strip” contest, an open-mike for the spread-legged taking place Thursdays through April 16 at the Admiral Theatre (3940 W Lawrence Ave, 773-478-8111). Entrants competing for a $5,000 purse got about a minute to disrobe for the judges and audience. The newbies wobbled atop platform heels. The pros licked their own nipples. As she finished her randy routine, the first contestant—Isis—fell flat on her bare behind. One of the few true amateurs told us she was nervous and excited backstage as she adjusted the sweater she wears to work at a nurse-supply company over the crotchless panties she’d recently purchased at Lover’s Lane.

Click here to see more photos from the contest (WARNING, there’s nudity).