Category: News

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LATINA COMEDY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO CHICAGO FOR AN EXCITING THIRD YEAR


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Info:
Janice Rodriguez
Latina Comedy Festival
773-330-2520
[email protected]
latinacomedyfestival.com


Latina Comedy Festival Returns to Chicago for an Exciting Third Year

The team behind Las Locas Comedy, Chicago’s only monthly Latina stand-up comedy show, is back with an expanded 3rd Annual Latina Comedy Festival from October 3rd-5th, 2024, across multiple venues in Chicago.

Chicago, IL September 9, 2024 – The Latina Comedy Festival, produced by Las Locas Comedy, returns to Chicago from October 3rd-5th, 2024 with expanded showcases at multiple venues across the city including Laugh Factory in Lakeview, The Den Theatre in Wicker Park, Chicago Dramatists in River West and Lincoln Lodge and Surge Billiards in Logan Square. The festival will feature the best Latina standup comedic talent from across the country including Chicago native Gwen La Roka (HBO Max), New Yorker by way of Puerto Rico, dancer, actor and comedian Suni Reyes (New York Comedy Club), and San Antonio comedian and TikTok start Chona-E (LOL San Antonio). A panel of industry representatives and comedians recently reviewed comedian submissions and selected 45 amazing performers from across North America to perform at this year’s festival.

In an industry where Latinas represent less than 1% of comics booked at comedy clubs across the country (The Comedy Club Database), Las Locas Comedy has been committed to elevating diverse female voices in comedy. Celebrating its seventh year, Las Locas Comedy continues to expand their programming to include this annual festival to showcase comics from across the country – a feat made possible by the network they’ve built across the country with Latina comics from cities such as L.A., Austin, San Antonio, New York, Denver, and Miami.

The first iteration of the festival in August 2022, showcased 18 locally-based Latina and nonbinary Latinx/e comics performing short, rapid-fire sets at the Lincoln Lodge in Logan Square. In addition to our flagship ‘Marathon Show’ at Lincoln Lodge which will happen at 5pm on Saturday, October 5th in this year’s festival, producers have grown the festival to include 7 total showcases which will give selected performers multiple opportunities to perform to a Chicago audience.

Our three day festival, happening in the heart of Hispanic Heritage Month, will also include networking events as well as educational workshops for the comedians to grow their craft and connect with each other and industry representatives. Audience members will have an amazing opportunity to see heavy hitters and up and coming Latina comedians from across the country in talent-packed showcases. The festival’s highlight happens on Saturday, October 5th at Chicago Dramatists with a special headlining showcase by Marcella Arguello, star of the HBO/Max comedy special Bitch, Grow up!. Full performer lineups and individual showcase tickets are now on sale via the Latina Comedy Festival website.

Las Locas Comedy believes the fight for representation creates a ripple effect in the comedy scene, propelling underrepresented talent to national comedy clubs and beyond. “There is so much amazing Latina comedy talent here in Chicago and across the country. Showcasing that talent through the Latina Comedy Festival platform will give comedians exposure to new audiences as well as introduce festival attendees to comedians they have not yet had the chance to see,” said Las Locas Comedy founder and Executive Producer of Latina Comedy Festival, Janice V. Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, and their crew of “Locas” have proven time and again that there is a market for comedy written and performed by Latinas in an industry that continues to be dominated by a white male narrative. Five out of 6 of last year’s showcases were completely sold out and we received local and national news coverage. The positive feedback from last year’s event and the growth of this year’s Latina Comedy Festival continues to prove that audiences want entertainment from diverse voices.

Showcase tickets and performer information are available at LatinaComedyFestival.com/tickets and more “loca” content can be found on social media at @laslocascomedy and @latinacomedyfestival.

About Las Locas Comedy
Las Locas Comedy is a Chicago-based monthly comedy showcase centered around Latinas and female comics of color. The show was founded by comedians Janice V. Rodriguez and Soli Santos in 2017 to provide a platform for Latina comedians and female comedians of color. The debut show was standing room only and their popularity has continued to grow with each subsequent show. Las Locas Comedy received the inaugural Lady Laughs Comedy Award for Best BIPOC Show, has been Chicago Reader Recommended, dubbed a “Must See Comedy Event” by Red Eye and selected to perform as part of Steppenwolf’s Lookout Series in 2019 and 2023. In 2022, Las Locas Comedy’s 5th anniversary show was also selected to be a WBEZ produced community event.

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Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V. Rodriguez, (first name #rhymeswithDenise) is a Chicago based entrepreneur, comedian, founder and producer of Las Locas Comedy, a comedy showcase that features Latina/Latinx comedic talent and our favorite locas of any background. For a full bio, check out: janicevrodriguez.com
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LAS LOCAS COMEDY BRINGS FIRST-EVER LATINA COMEDY FESTIVAL TO LOGAN SQUARE

Las Locas Comedy brings first-ever Latina Comedy Festival to Logan Square

Las Locas Comedy, a Latina-focused monthly stand-up comedy show, is celebrating National Latina Day by hosting the first-ever Latina Comedy Festival on Saturday at Lincoln Lodge in Logan Square. The 90-minute showcase will include from performers with a wide range of comedic styles; including well-known names like Eliana La Casa, Deanna Ortiz and Soli Santos, [...]

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LAS LOCAS COMEDY MAKES HISTORY WITH THE FIRST ANNUAL LATINA COMEDY FESTIVAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact Info:

Janice Rodriguez

Las Locas Comedy

773-330-2520

[email protected]

laslocascomedy.com

 

Las Locas Comedy Makes History With The First Annual Latina Comedy Festival

Las Locas Comedy is Chicago’s only monthly Latina stand-up comedy show. After four years of standing-room-only shows across the city, the show graduated to a highly-coveted spot at the world-famous Laugh Factory Chicago in 2021. Now, they’re leveling up once again by putting on the first ever Latina Comedy Festival.

Chicago, IL August 15th, 2022 – Las Locas Comedy hosts the first annual Latina Comedy Festival at The Lincoln Lodge (2040 N. Milwaukee Ave.) on Saturday, August 20th, 2022 at 6 pm. Voted Best BIPOC Show by Lady Laughs Comedy in 2020, Las Locas Comedy is proud to present over 15 local Latina/e comics in one night. From heavy hitters like Eliana La Casa (Comedy Central Latinoamerica), Deanna Ortiz (The Lincoln Lodge), and Soli Santos (Zanies) to up-and-coming talent like Hilary Jimenez (Laugh Factory), Remy Gonzalez (Laugh Factory), and Anna Lucero (The Lincoln Loft), the festival welcomes a wide range of comics and comedic styles.

In an industry where Latinas represent less than 1% of comics booked at comedy clubs across the country (The Comedy Club Database), Las Locas Comedy is committed to elevating diverse female voices. Now in its fifth year, Las Locas Comedy is expanding their programming to include an annual festival in honor of National Latina Day. The first iteration of the festival will present short, rapid-fire sets on one stage in an hour and a half from a total of 18 local Latina and nonbinary Latine comics. Producers have plans to grow the festival each year to include multiple dates, stages, and comics from across the country. A feat made possible by the network they’ve built across the country with Latina comics from cities such as L.A., Austin, New York, Denver, and Miami. 

Las Locas Comedy believes the fight for representation creates a ripple effect in the comedy scene, propelling underrepresented talent to national comedy clubs and beyond. “In this political climate and with the specific issues facing the Latinx community today, we thought it was really important to give a voice to Latina talent as well as have a platform where we could discuss important current events and cultural issues through comedy,” said Las Locas Comedy founder and producer, Janice V. Rodriguez 

Rodriguez, Martínez, and their crew of “Locas” have proven time and again that there is a market for comedy written by and performed by Latinas in an industry that continues to be dominated by the white male narrative. “It was so refreshing to see women of color on stage putting on a hilarious set and filling the room with such positive energy,” says one fan in a review on the group’s Facebook page. “It’s a must see show and I plan to spread the word and keep going to shows to give my support.”

Tickets are available at www.LasLocasComedy.com/tickets and more “loca” content can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube at @laslocascomedy.

About Las Locas Comedy

Las Locas Comedy is a Chicago-based monthly comedy showcase centered around Latinas and female comics of color. The show was founded by comedians Janice V. Rodriguez and Soli Santos in 2017 to provide a platform for Latina comedians and female comedians of color. The debut show was standing room only and their popularity has continued to grow with each subsequent show. Las Locas Comedy is currently produced by Rodriguez and comedian Jess Martínez . Las Locas Comedy received the inaugural Lady Laughs Comedy Award for Best BIPOC Show, has been Chicago Reader Recommended and dubbed a “Must See Comedy Event” by Red Eye and selected to perform as part of Steppenwolf’s Lookout Series in 2019.

 

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Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V. Rodriguez, (first name #rhymeswithDenise) is a Chicago based entrepreneur, comedian, founder and producer of Las Locas Comedy, a comedy showcase that features Latina/Latinx comedic talent and our favorite locas of any background. For a full bio, check out: janicevrodriguez.com
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LATINA COMEDY SHOW CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF ELEVATING DIVERSE FEMALE VOICES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact Info:

Janice Rodriguez

Las Locas Comedy

773-330-2520

[email protected]

laslocascomedy.com

 

Latina Comedy Show Celebrates Five Years of Elevating Diverse Female Voices

Las Locas Comedy’s fifth anniversary show at the world-famous Laugh Factory serves as a testament to the independent comedy show’s staying power as well as its commitment to elevating diverse female voices in an industry that continues to be dominated by the white male narrative. 

Chicago, IL January 11th, 2022 – Chicago’s only female & Latinx focused stand up comedy show celebrates their five year anniversary at Las Locas Comedy Presents: Chingona Comedy Hour at Laugh Factory on Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 at 8 pm. Las Locas Comedy has consistently sold out it’s live shows since its inception as an independent showcase in 2017 and also thrived throughout the pandemic. In just the past two years, Las Locas Comedy was able to reach a national audience with virtual shows and digital content, was awarded “Best BIPOC Show” by Lady Laughs Comedy, landed a highly coveted spot at Laugh Factory, and doubled the size of their in-person audience from 60 to over 130. 

The show also has a lot to look forward to in 2022 and will continue to adapt during these uncertain times. Rodriguez and assistant producer Jess Martínez have plans to expand Las Locas Comedy programs to include co-ed storytelling, bilingual comedy, and nation-wide in-person performances.

The all headliners anniversary show features Chicago’s own Gwen La Roka (HBO), Soli Santos (Zanies), Stephanie Weber (Lincoln Lodge), Audrey Jonas (Laugh Factory), Janice V. Rodriguez (Las Locas Comedy), and Patti Vasquez (The Patti Vasquez Show). 

In an industry where Latinas represent less than 1% of comics booked at comedy clubs across the country (The Comedy Club Database) and where the lifespan of an independent comedy show can be as short as one month, Las Locas Comedy has established itself as the primary platform for locas and “honorary locas” (other women and women of color in comedy). With their new show location at Laugh Factory, Las Locas Comedy is celebrating all the chingonas in our lives. Chingona, a Mexican slang term once used against women thought to be difficult trouble makers or unladylike, is now a modern feminist battle cry among women carving their own paths without regard for those whose feathers may get ruffled along the way.

Las Locas Comedy believes a unified front in the fight for representation creates a ripple effect in the comedy scene, propelling underrepresented talent to national comedy clubs and beyond. “In this political climate and with the specific issues facing the Latinx community today, we thought it was really important to give a voice to Latina talent as well as have a platform where we could discuss important current events and cultural issues through comedy,” said Las Locas Comedy founder and producer, Janice V. Rodriguez 

Rodriguez, Martínez, and their crew of “difficult trouble makers” have proven time and again that there is a market for comedy written by and performed by Latinas. “It was so refreshing to see women of color on stage putting on a hilarious set and filling the room with such positive energy,” says one fan in a review on the group’s Facebook page. “It’s a must see show and I plan to spread the word and keep going to shows to give my support.”

Tickets are available at www.LasLocasComedy.com/tickets and more “loca” content can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube at @laslocascomedy.

About Las Locas Comedy

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Picture of Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V. Rodriguez, (first name #rhymeswithDenise) is a Chicago based entrepreneur, comedian, founder and producer of Las Locas Comedy, a comedy showcase that features Latina/Latinx comedic talent and our favorite locas of any background. For a full bio, check out: janicevrodriguez.com
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LAS LOCAS COMEDY CELEBRATES “CHINGONA” HISTORY MONTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact Info:

Janice Rodriguez
Las Locas Comedy
773-330-2520
[email protected]
laslocascomedy.com

Las Locas Comedy Celebrates “Chingona” History Month

While COVID-19 continues to devastate the comedy industry nationwide and bars that regularly offer their space for live comedy are closed, comedians have had to find new ways to stand out in a saturated online marketplace. Las Locas Comedy not only manages to hold their own in this new space, but thrives in front of a new, nationwide audience. 

Chicago, IL (March 15th, 2021) – Las Locas Comedy celebrates Women’s History Month with Las Locas Comedy Presents: ¡The Chingona History Month Show! on Saturday, March 20th, 2021 at 8 pm CST online. Simply put, a chingona is a badass woman that gets shit done, a Mexican slang word turned battle cry for Latinas everywhere. Local chingona and Chicago favorite, Gwen La Roka, headlines this special night of comedy.

When The Comedy Club Database reported that less than 1% of comics booked at 55 comedy clubs across the country were Latina, they quantitatively solidified the need for Las Locas Comedy in an industry historically dominated by the white male narrative. The producers at Las Locas Comedy know that Latinas are neither first nor alone in the fight for representation in standup comedy so they weren’t surprised to find that the same report stated that less than 6% of comics booked were women of color. While Las Locas Comedy boasts primarily Latina lineups, they also make space for “Honorary Locas,” other women of color, on their lineups. They believe a unified front in the fight for representation at the grassroots level creates a positive ripple effect in the comedy scene, propelling underrepresented talent to national comedy clubs and beyond.

Founder and producer, comedian Janice V. Rodriguez, believes it is imperative to keep moving forward despite, and sometimes in spite of, the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think it is more important than ever that we’re out here making people laugh while continuing to talk about important issues. Embracing the online format has allowed us to reach more people in different areas across the U.S. and stay active in the community versus just going dark because we can’t meet in person. It’s important that we’re still talking to our community through comedy,” said Rodriguez. “In this political climate and with the specific issues facing the Latinx community today, we thought it was really important to give a voice to Latina talent as well as have a platform where we could discuss important current events and cultural issues through comedy,” Rodriguez added. 

Their loyal following of “#Locas4Life” has not gone dark either so their efforts to adapt to the new normal have paid off. Their September virtual show drew an audience of over 60 people, comparable to sold out, in person performances. Their ticket sales have proven time and again that there is a market for comedy written by and performed by Latinas. “It was so refreshing to see women of color on stage putting on a hilarious set and filling the room with such positive energy,” says one fan in a review on the group’s Facebook page. “It’s a must see show and I plan to spread the word and keep going to shows to give my support.

Tickets to Las Locas Comedy Presents: ¡The Chingona History Month Show! and booking information are available at www.LasLocasComedy.com. Follow Las Locas Comedy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube at @laslocascomedy for more “Loca” content. 

About Las Locas Comedy

Las Locas Comedy is a Chicago-based monthly comedy showcase centered around Latinas and female comics of color. The show was founded by comedians Janice V. Rodriguez (janicevrodriguez.com) and Soli Santos in 2017 to provide a platform for Latina comedians and female comedians of color. The debut show was standing room only and their popularity continued to grow with each subsequent show. Las Locas Comedy is currently produced by Rodriguez and comedian Jess Martínez. Las Locas Comedy received the inaugural Lady Laughs Comedy Award for Best BIPOC Show, has been Chicago Reader Recommended and dubbed a “Must See Comedy Event” by Red Eye.



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Las Locas Comedy was founded in 2017 to give a space to Latina/Latinx comedic performers (and their like-minded #honorary locas). We believe in uplifting underrepresented voices from the feminine/femme perspective through comedy and storytelling.
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LAS LOCAS COMEDY CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS OF ELEVATING LATINA VOICES WHILE STILL THRIVING DURING A PANDEMIC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact Info:

Janice Rodriguez
Las Locas Comedy
773-330-2520
[email protected]
laslocascomedy.com

 

Las Locas Comedy Celebrates Four Years of Elevating Latina Voices and Is Now Thriving During a Pandemic

While COVID-19 continues to devastate the comedy industry nationwide including comedy clubs, live sketch shows, and independently-run stand up shows that use currently closed bars and nightclubs as their venues, comedians and show producers have had to find new ways to perform online and make their shows stand out in a now crowded virtual marketplace. Las Locas Comedy has successfully met that challenge and now celebrates its 4th year of comedy with an all-online platform.

Chicago, IL, February 9th, 2021 – Las Locas Comedy celebrates four years of Latinax standup comedy with Las Locas Comedy Presents: ¡The Cuarto Anniversary Show! on Saturday, February 20th, 2021 at 8 pm (Central Time) on Zoom. The show has an all-star lineup of Las Locas Comedy fan favorites including the creator of Lady Laughs Comedy, Dina Nina Martinez, and Lincoln Lodge cast member Stephanie Weber.

While the move to virtual stand up comedy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been met with both praise and criticism, Las Locas Comedy has taken advantage of opportunities that the physical boundaries of a “normal” world do not allow, including booking out of state comedians and celebrating their anniversary virtually. 

Founder and producer, Janice V. Rodriguez, believes it is imperative to keep moving forward despite, and sometimes in spite of, the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think it is more important than ever that we’re out here making people laugh while continuing to talk about important issues. Embracing the online format has allowed us to reach more people in different areas across the U.S. and stay active in the community versus just going dark because we can’t meet in person. It’s important that we’re still talking to our community through comedy,” said Rodriguez. “In this political climate and with the specific issues facing the Latinx community today, we thought it was really important to give a voice to Latina talent as well as have a platform where we could discuss important current events and cultural issues through comedy,” Rodriguez added. 

Their loyal following of “#Locas4Life” has not gone dark either and their efforts to adapt to the new normal have paid off. Their first virtual show in September drew an audience of over 60 people, comparable to sold out, in-person performances. Their ticket sales have proven time and again that there is a market for comedy written by and performed by Latinas. “It was so refreshing to see women of color on stage putting on a hilarious set and filling the room with such positive energy,” says one fan in a review on the group’s Facebook page. “It’s a must-see show and I plan to spread the word and keep going to shows to give my support.”

Aiming to shatter the white male narrative that continues to dominate the standup comedy scene at large, Las Locas Comedy boasts primarily Latina lineups at the grassroots level. The producers recognize Latinas are neither first nor alone in the fight for representation in standup comedy, so they also make space for “Honorary Locas,” other women of color in comedy, on their lineups. Las Locas Comedy believes this unified front in the fight for representation creates a positive ripple effect in the comedy scene, propelling underrepresented talent to national comedy clubs and beyond.

Tickets to Las Locas Comedy Presents: ¡The Cuarto Anniversary Show! and booking information are available at www.LasLocasComedy.com. Follow Las Locas Comedy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube at @laslocascomedy for more “Loca” content. 

About Las Locas Comedy

Las Locas Comedy is a Chicago-based monthly comedy showcase centered around Latinas and female comics of color. The show was founded by comedians Janice V. Rodriguez (janicevrodriguez.com) and Soli Santos in 2017 to provide a platform for Latina comedians and female comedians of color. The debut show was standing room only and their popularity has continued to grow with each subsequent show. It is currently produced by Rodriguez and comedian Jess Martínez. Las Locas Comedy received the inaugural Lady Laughs Comedy Award for Best BIPOC Show, has been Chicago Reader Recommended and dubbed a “Must See Comedy Event” by Red Eye.

 

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Twitter
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Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V. Rodriguez, (first name #rhymeswithDenise) is a Chicago based entrepreneur, comedian, founder and producer of Las Locas Comedy, a comedy showcase that features Latina/Latinx comedic talent and our favorite locas of any background. For a full bio, check out: janicevrodriguez.com
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LAS LOCAS COMEDY AWARDED BEST BIPOC COMEDY SHOW AT LADY LAUGHS COMEDY SUMMIT

Las Locas Comedy is honored to be the recipient of the 2020 Lady Laughs Comedy Awards Best BIPOC Show award.  As part of the Lady Laughs Comedy Summit on November 7th, 2020, the Lady Laughs Comedy Awards were given to the top female identifying/queer/non-binary/trans comedians across the USA who are making an impact on stage and in their communities. This award is a great recognition of the hard work of the past four years that went into creating Las Locas Comedy productions and developing a mission to support Latina/Latinx comedic talent by providing live and online platforms for talent development, Latinx focused media and performance opportunities.

This award is a highlight of a very busy November which includes the season finale of Las Locas Live and  our fundraiser for Pilsen Food Pantry, ¡The Almost Done With 2020 Show! which goes live on Saturday 11/21/20 at 8pm CST. Tickets are still available via the Tickets menu link above.

Las Locas Comedy will forever be grateful for the recognition by our peers of our efforts to diversify the comedic landscape while creating inclusive opportunities for Latina/x performers.

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Picture of Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V Rodriguez

Janice V. Rodriguez, (first name #rhymeswithDenise) is a Chicago based entrepreneur, comedian, founder and producer of Las Locas Comedy, a comedy showcase that features Latina/Latinx comedic talent and our favorite locas of any background. For a full bio, check out: janicevrodriguez.com
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LAS LOCAS COMEDY SELECTED FOR STEPPENWOLF WINTER 2019 ‘LOOKOUT’ SERIES

By KT HAWBAKER CHICAGO TRIBUNE 
NOV 01, 2018  3:40 PM

Steppenwolf's winter 'Lookout' series features Sam Bailey, Sonal Aggarwal and 'iLookOut for Locas'

On Thursday, Steppenwolf announced the lineup for their winter 2018-19 LookOut Series, offering a dramatic way to stay warm in the city's dreariest months. The season will begin in December, with "Diversions" from Unexpected Outcomes (Dec. 13). Grammy winners Matthew Duvall and Lisa Kaplan will unveil their alter-ego Ex Why in a double-bill with the [...]

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