In the heart of Chicago, Laugh Factory has become a household name in the city’s vibrant entertainment scene. The comedy club chain has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional stand-up shows featuring some of the most famous comedians and has garnered a loyal fan base.
Charlette San Juan, a producer at Laugh Factory, has always made it her mission to showcase her Asian heritage. She believes that one of the best things about the Laugh Factory is that it features a diverse set of comedians seven nights a week. Every month, the club highlights specific groups of minorities, ranging from the Latinx to the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I was inspired by this, and I decided it was time to produce a show centered around the Asian community and comedians,” San Juan said.
“Model Majority” debuted its first show in May 2023 to commemorate Asian American Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. After the show sold out of tickets, Laugh Factory decided to establish it as a regular event. Since then, every show has been highly acclaimed and has sold out.
The success of “Model Majority” can be attributed to its promotion of diversity and representation in the comedy industry. By showcasing the unique perspectives and talents of Asian comedians, the show challenges stereotypes and provides a platform for underrepresented voices. It fosters inclusivity and broadens the cultural landscape of comedy in the city, making it a significant addition to the local entertainment scene.
San Juan said the show’s goal was to fortify the relationships between Asian comedians nationwide and build a community of theater patrons who will continuously support the comedians and promote the show.“By building this relationship, we hope to provide opportunities for more Asian comedians in the scene,” she said.
Model Majority has been well received by the wider comedy community, and has attracted many other people of color to the shows.
“The show becomes a marriage of both Asian and American cultures,” she said. “The comedians are able to talk about sensitive and difficult topics and be able to approach them with humor.” The artists who participate in each show offer personal accounts of their upbringing and experiences as immigrants.
The third installment of “Model Majority” was held on November 22nd of last year, and the producers are currently planning to make it a monthly show this yearThe club is also considering expanding the show to other Laugh Factory locations across the nation.
As a producer, San Juan hopes to inspire young comedians to believe in their abilities and recognize that they, too, can achieve recognition and be celebrated like the comedians featured on the show.
“We want them to feel like they’re part of a community,” she said.
