#satx comedy

[thepradaenchilada]

I get by with a little help from my theatre friends

What a wonderful surprise to see my San Antonio theatre fam come out to our Pride Show Sunday night! These fabulous folks each have a special place in my heart and I feel 100% blessed to know them.

Thank you to the kind and thoughtful Joe De Mott for organizing the gathering.

Unfortunately for me, I had to run to another show immediately after my set so I didn’t get a chance to catch up, but performing for everyone was an absolute joy. To have the love and support of your friends is a great thing, and I feel like the luckiest non-gender specific individual in the continental United States!*

Continued thanks to Michael DeRamus for giving local and regional performers the opportunity to showcase their work. The positive, nurturing energy you put out into the world is noticed and appreciated. I did miss seeing your opening dance, though! Everyone had great sets. I look forward to sharing the stage again soon.

As always, thank you to Rocky's Tavern for having us.

Until next time, my friends. It warmed my heart to see you. ❤

*Not including Alaska or Hawaii.

📸: Sarah Moczygemba

[jadeestebanestrada]

Pride laughs

Only a couple of nights left in June and we’re still beaming with Pride! Don’t miss The Lucky Duck Comedy Series’ maiden voyage Thursday night! I’ll be steering the ship while Lacy Lansford and Angel Pitts, who I performed with in The Last Gays of Summer last year, rock the stage. Dylan Sullivan (Netflix Is a Joke, Lights Out with David Spade) is our headliner! Hope to see you there!

Tickets: Eventbrite

[estradacreative]

A word of thanks 🌹 In mid-August, the stars aligned over the world premiere of Un Nuevo Capitulo: An American Novela, a comedic play that I was asked to direct for Aria Creative Productions. The production played its final performance on Sept. 25 at Black Potion, a new gaming venue in San Antonio’s Deco District. A little backstory: The play, written by Patricia Zamora, had an online reading in December 2020, in which I played the role of Ricky. Then, almost a year later, the play was selected for an in-person staged reading at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in November 2021, which I was asked to direct. During my short tenure as the artistic director of the Overtime Theater, I advocated for the play to be presented in May of this year. Later, when I became the new artistic director of Aria Creative, we offered to produce the play for a two-week run at Black Potion San Antonio, opening on Sept. 15, in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. After all parties were in agreement, we moved forward with the project. We cast the show in early August and rehearsals began right away. When I tell you that each rehearsal was an absolute joy, I do not exaggerate. Patricia’s play left ample room for me to explore what I love most: physical comedy. And these actors were ready to get to work. First and foremost, thank you to Nicole Erwin, the executive producer of Aria Creative, for always encouraging me in my directorial and choreographic endeavors. I look forward to our next theatrical adventure! Thank you also to Blanders McFlanders, who was always there to help this production when we needed it. You are, and always have been, our rock. Thank you to our talented cast for coming to rehearsal and trusting my direction every step of the way. This cast so was special, I need to break this down: Sharon Beales, you are the perfect Blanca and your willingness to ask questions and take this character to the next level was inspiring.  Your wonderful audition for this role will be a story I will share with many directors and casting directors in the years to come. Important: Remember to be patient and kind with yourself when working creatively. Those who are watching only see your beauty, talent, and strength. Melissa Martinez, you were Lorena from the moment you stepped into the Guadalupe Theatre. Thank you for bringing every bit of your talent and ability to this role. You are loved and appreciated. Yvette Cardenas, I couldn't be more proud of your work during this overall process. I believe the moments you had to improvise during rehearsals helped deepen your understanding of your Jenny’s journey. Both Nicole and I were thrilled to watch your artistic growth. And you and Melissa were the perfect showgirls. May you always find the music that inspires you to keep dancing. Julio Alberto Sepúlveda, you were a dream to work with during Backstage Fairytale and during this show. Thank you for skillfully bringing Ricky to life and for giving him a backstory and a sense of humor that our audiences found both endearing and entertaining. Your Donald Trump is hilarious. You need to put that on your resume. Janie Sauceda, you are a beacon of light to so many of us in our local theatre community, and after working with you on the project, it's easy to see why. From the moment you picked up this script in November of last year, you have earned every laugh and you've won every heart. Your portrayal of Wela was the anchor to this Latino-theatre offering by being the story’s connection to a cultural and linguistic past. Thank you for agreeing to join us on this journey. May you always take your time and use all of your counts in the dance of life. Jake Reese, as a member of my stand-up comedy family, it made me happy to work with you in this group setting. You were the solid leading man Nicole and I were hoping for. Thank you for growing with us and participating in this wild comedic experiment and for offering your valuable feedback. Joe De Mott, I have no notes for you. Ha! Just kidding. Thank you for starring in The Back-Porch Gang and for sharing your talents with us to help tell this story. Thank you also for your patience throughout the process and thank you for trusting my direction. The back pats always got laughs! Comedy looks good on you, Joe. Please keep it up. Karen Ross Garrett, the Grand Dame of the Acting Masterclass Series, you were comedy magic on the Black Potion stage. Thank you for helping to develop the role of Linda at the Guadalupe Theatre and for agreeing to play her in this world premiere. Both you and Joe were a match made in comedy heaven. It was a thrill to watch you two at work. You both made us proud during the course of this brief, but meaningful, run. Renee Kristian, you were so wonderful to work with during our reading of Heart-Land that I couldn’t have envisioned a finer actress to take on the role of Tatiana, who turned out to be a powerhouse character in this play. Thank you for your dedication to this show and for your positive energy that always inspired me as a director and choreographer. #burst Lacy Lansford, thank you for agreeing to play the role of Billie. When you said yes, I knew that we had all the pieces of the puzzle to be a success. All we had to do was to slowly put it all together. Like with Jake, it made me happy to be working with a member of my stand-up tribe on a comedic play, knowing that this intensive bootcamp was, in many ways, applicable to our work on the mic. Thank you for your help, guidance, and beautiful performance, as both an actress and front-line dancer. Patricia Zamora, you have grown so much since you first stepped foot in my acting class. To see you branch out as an actress, singer, dancer, and playwright has been wonderful to witness and I hope that you will share many more chapters of your creativity with the public. Thank you for the opportunity to grow as a director and comedian. Rick Zamora, we are so grateful to you for being there for us and for always being encouraging. Nicole and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Dan Timoskevich, thank you for helping this production rise to the occasion with your music and lighting contributions. Thank you for your rehearsal-week feedback and for sharing your wisdom and experience with us. We are grateful that you are part of our theatre family. During rehearsal week, Crystal Don, who played Blanca in the reading at the Guadalupe Theatre, her sister Steph, and comedian Michelle Cantu came to see our dress rehearsal. Thank you for taking the time to offer us the feedback that helped prepare us for opening night. Thank you to Enrique Cortez and the staff at Black Potion San Antonio for opening your doors to this theatrical production. We hope many more shows will play this wonderful stage. Thank you to photographer Paul Casanova Garcia for capturing such beautiful moments in this show. This production will long be remembered through the eye of your lens. Thank you, Gibbs Saad, for setting the tone for the show through the incredible poster you created for us. You are one of Texas’ finest graphic designers and it was an honor to have you work with us. Thank you to Kurt Gardner of ArtScene SA for interviewing Patricia and I about the show. Thank you also to Deborah Martin of the San Antonio Express-News for coming to see the show. It’s always great to see you. Massive thanks to the ATAC judges who attended the show. Thank you to Kerry Valderrama of Alamo City Studios for providing the space for us to hold our initial auditions and for being a friend to Aria Creative. We appreciate all you do for the San Antonio arts community. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to artist Juan Miguel Ramos, who created a commemorative art piece in honor of the original cast of Un Nuevo Capitulo: An American Novela (pictured). It was an honor to work with you and include you and your art in this show’s history and the kick off to this year's Hispanic Heritage Month. I’ll go ahead and keep this short and just end this note here. 😊 I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have explored comedy with some of San Antonio’s finest actors. I will remember all of you fondly and will never forget all the wonderful laughs we earned from the people who came to see us. It is my hope that this shared experience will embolden the next chapter of your artistic journey.

Jade Esteban Estrada

[actingmasterclassseries]

Student in performance: Denise Swain

This weekend, The Back-Porch Gang will play Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18. Don't let this hilarious new comedy pass you by! Starring Acting Masterclass Series alum Denise Swain. 

Photo: Ashton Simmons

[thebryanpowell]

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE NOT EXPECTING

New short film premiering in SAN ANTONIO Texas at the ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE (park north) WEDNESDAY JULY 25th! 

[satx-rated]

⚡️Greetings and Welcome to the SOCIALLY DISTANCED Electric Fiesta!⚡️🤠 This Thursday - Saturday, October 29th – 31st get ready for the Electric-Fiesta Week(ender) ⚡️Thursday: Non-Essential Comedy + Rocky Horror Picture Show (The Ultimate Variety Show!) ⚡️Friday & Saturday: EDM Drive In Volume 2 ⚡️ Tickets on Sale Now (Link in bio)! https://loop1tickets.com/Electfest/TheElectricFiesta/c/d5rEKL7WR/⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #sanantonio #satx #texas #savibes #sacurrent #samagazine #purosanantonio⁣ #satxrated #sabestfoodpics #sanantonioeats #yessanantonio #texasfoodie #safoodie #sanantoniofoodie #texasfood #visitsanantonio #sanantoniofood #igsanantonio #satxblogger #traveltexas #sathingstodo #SATXOPEN #edmlife #edmdrivein #electricfiesta (at Freeman Coliseum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7Iu41H4dI/?igshid=1iwdsv52aiw7v

[anastasiautopsy-blog]

Last night was my first time watching PS I love you. I never ever watch love movies... comedy (not rom/com) and horror is the only things that peak my interest if I ever put something on. Now I watched it to see if I felt something. Ya. Something as in lovey dovey emotions lmao. (I’m far from a hopeless romantic) .... end results... crying like a kid not wanting his friends to see and being pissed off every time that weird bartender Daniel made any sort of eye contact with the main girl. Screw you Daniel. Do y’all watch Romances? . —————————————————- . I love my Suicide Bunny fam! If you want sick merch and reallllllly good vape juice feel free to DM me! 😎 . 📸 @w0lves_blo0d . —————————————————- . #tattooedgirls #inkedgirls #girlswithink #vapepics #inkedbabes #necktattoo #inkedmag #girlswithplugs #altgirls #tattoo #vapejuice #tattoos #vegan #tattoomodel #inkedmen #dreads #vapemodel #altmodel #tattoo4life #sanantonio #satx #inkedvapers #vape #notblowingsmoke #cloudporn #dreadlockstyle #anaautopsy #vapemodel #inkedlife #welovedreadlocks (at San Antonio, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvptZnzlC0W/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vkz7oizk986f

[grizlybexar]

#Repost @mercuryprojectsa • • • So excited for the main gallery to be turned into a performing art stage next week! Also can’t wait to host a pop up exhibition in the front galleries! Join us on August 11 at 2PM to view works by David Grinnell @grizlybexar -He will have paintings and prints on display and for sale starting at 2PM. The @bexarstage Portrait of an Audience Member show starts at 3PM. See our event on Facebook for more info. #art #artgallery #performance #improv #comedy #satx #southtownsatx #southtownartsdistrict #fun (at Mercury Project) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8tMp0DKE-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ak3r5rfynu3c

[chorizosuelto]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Śukrāchāryadev (@shukraacharya108)

#Openmike ##satx#tx#sanantonio#texas#rap#music#comedy#folk#magic#wednesday# (at Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex)

[thepradaenchilada]

Rainbow connections

Tonight I’ll be slinging jokes and chasing rainbows at Rocky’s Tavern. Happy Pride, San Antonio!

[jadeestebanestrada]

A word of thanks 🌹

In mid-August, the stars aligned over the world premiere of Un Nuevo Capitulo: An American Novela, a comedic play that I was asked to direct for Aria Creative Productions. The production played its final performance on Sept. 25 at Black Potion, a new gaming venue in San Antonio’s Deco District.

A little backstory: The play, written by Patricia Zamora, had an online reading in December 2020, in which I played the role of Ricky. Then, almost a year later, the play was selected for an in-person staged reading at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in November 2021, which I was asked to direct.

During my short tenure as the artistic director of the Overtime Theater, I advocated for the play to be presented in May of this year. Later, when I became the new artistic director of Aria Creative, we offered to produce the play for a two-week run at Black Potion San Antonio, opening on Sept. 15, in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. After all parties were in agreement, we moved forward with the project.

We cast the show in early August and rehearsals began right away. When I tell you that each rehearsal was an absolute joy, I do not exaggerate. Patricia’s play left ample room for me to explore what I love most: physical comedy. And these actors were ready to get to work.

First and foremost, thank you to Nicole Erwin, the executive producer of Aria Creative, for always encouraging me in my directorial and choreographic endeavors. I look forward to our next theatrical adventure!

Thank you also to Blanders McFlanders, who was always there to help this production when we needed it. You are, and always have been, our rock.

Thank you to our talented cast for coming to rehearsal and trusting my direction every step of the way. This cast so was special, I need to break this down:

Sharon Beales, you are the perfect Blanca and your willingness to ask questions and take this character to the next level was inspiring. Your wonderful audition for this role will be a story I will share with many directors and casting directors in the years to come. Important: Remember to be patient and kind with yourself when working creatively. Those who are watching only see your beauty, talent, and strength.

Melissa Martinez, you were Lorena from the moment you stepped into the Guadalupe Theatre. Thank you for bringing every bit of your talent and ability to this role. You are loved and appreciated.

Yvette Cardenas, I couldn't be more proud of your work during this overall process. I believe the moments you had to improvise during rehearsals helped deepen your understanding of your Jenny’s journey. Both Nicole and I were thrilled to watch your artistic growth. And you and Melissa were the perfect showgirls. May you always find the music that inspires you to keep dancing.

Julio Alberto Sepúlveda, you were a dream to work with during Backstage Fairytale and during this show. Thank you for skillfully bringing Ricky to life and for giving him a backstory and a sense of humor that our audiences found both endearing and entertaining. Your Donald Trump is hilarious. You need to put that on your resume.

Janie Sauceda, you are a beacon of light to so many of us in our local theatre community, and after working with you on the project, it's easy to see why. From the moment you picked up this script in November of last year, you have earned every laugh and you've won every heart. Your portrayal of Wela was the anchor to this Latino-theatre offering by being the story’s connection to a cultural and linguistic past. Thank you for agreeing to join us on this journey. May you always take your time and use all of your counts in the dance of life.

Jake Reese, as a member of my stand-up comedy family, it made me happy to work with you in this group setting. You were the solid leading man Nicole and I were hoping for. Thank you for growing with us and participating in this wild comedic experiment and for offering your valuable feedback.

Joe De Mott, I have no notes for you. Ha! Just kidding. Thank you for starring in The Back-Porch Gang and for sharing your talents with us to help tell this story. Thank you also for your patience throughout the process and thank you for trusting my direction. The back pats always got laughs! Comedy looks good on you, Joe. Please keep it up.

Karen Ross Garrett, the Grand Dame of the Acting Masterclass Series, you were comedy magic on the Black Potion stage. Thank you for helping to develop the role of Linda at the Guadalupe Theatre and for agreeing to play her in this world premiere. Both you and Joe were a match made in comedy heaven. It was a thrill to watch you two at work. You both made us proud during the course of this brief, but meaningful, run.

Renee Kristian, you were so wonderful to work with during our reading of Heart-Land that I couldn’t have envisioned a finer actress to take on the role of Tatiana, who turned out to be a powerhouse character in this play. Thank you for your dedication to this show and for your positive energy that always inspired me as a director and choreographer. #burst

Lacy Lansford, thank you for agreeing to play the role of Billie. When you said yes, I knew that we had all the pieces of the puzzle to be a success. All we had to do was to slowly put it all together. Like with Jake, it made me happy to be working with a member of my stand-up tribe on a comedic play, knowing that this intensive bootcamp was, in many ways, applicable to our work on the mic. Thank you for your help, guidance, and beautiful performance, as both an actress and front-line dancer.

Patricia Zamora, you have grown so much since you first stepped foot in my acting class. To see you branch out as an actress, singer, dancer, and playwright has been wonderful to witness and I hope that you will share many more chapters of your creativity with the public. Thank you for the opportunity to grow as a director and comedian.

Rick Zamora, we are so grateful to you for being there for us and for always being encouraging. Nicole and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Dan Timoskevich, thank you for helping this production rise to the occasion with your music and lighting contributions. Thank you for your rehearsal-week feedback and for sharing your wisdom and experience with us. We are grateful that you are part of our theatre family.

During rehearsal week, Crystal Don, who played Blanca in the reading at the Guadalupe Theatre, her sister Steph, and comedian Michelle Cantu came to see our dress rehearsal. Thank you for taking the time to offer us the feedback that helped prepare us for opening night.

Thank you to Enrique Cortez and the staff at Black Potion San Antonio for opening your doors to this theatrical production. We hope many more shows will play this wonderful stage.

Thank you to photographer Paul Casanova Garcia for capturing such beautiful moments in this show. This production will long be remembered through the eye of your lens.

Thank you, Gibbs Saad, for setting the tone for the show through the incredible poster you created for us. You are one of Texas’ finest graphic designers and it was an honor to have you work with us.

Thank you to Kurt Gardner of ArtScene SA for interviewing Patricia and I about the show. Thank you also to Deborah Martin of the San Antonio Express-News for coming to see the show. It’s always great to see you.

Massive thanks to the ATAC judges who attended the show.

Thank you to Kerry Valderrama of Alamo City Studios for providing the space for us to hold our initial auditions and for being a friend to Aria Creative. We appreciate all you do for the San Antonio arts community.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you to artist Juan Miguel Ramos, who created a commemorative art piece in honor of the original cast of Un Nuevo Capitulo: An American Novela (pictured). It was an honor to work with you and include you and your art in this show’s history and the kick off to this year's Hispanic Heritage Month.

I’ll go ahead and keep this short and just end this note here. 😊

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have explored comedy with some of San Antonio’s finest actors. I will remember all of you fondly and will never forget all the wonderful laughs we earned from the people who came to see us.

It is my hope that this shared experience will embolden the next chapter of your artistic journey.

Jade Esteban Estrada

[kinyohq]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kinyo (@kinyohq)

Im grateful that i get to stand on the same stage where I saw #davechappelle live. Hosting is about transforming the air in the room into a medium for community. its like comedy for dummies, but more functional than art. Thats why I like it. Its one of the weirdest gigs, because youre highly visible, but also sort just a prop, or a human app app, or a pilot. In a room full of artists the job gets easier, its just about shating the love! FULL CLIP ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE.... LINK IN THE BIO. #hosting #events #sanantonio #satx #stage #audience #passion #inspiration #rawartists #rawreflect #rawsanantonioreflect #RAWSANANTONIO https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHuL0OnQiv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qa3ylwuskfog

[originalpresto]

Sign was the comedy that most of satx food life is... cruel jokes. Messssican food followed by authentic Chicago food, ultimately just part of the comedy club! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[jadeestebanestrada]

Summer gays

This Sunday, don’t miss The Last Gays of Summer comedy show at The Dakota East Side Ice House in San Antonio. The lineup: Cuzin Berto, Jennifer Marroquin, Lacy Lansford, Jake Reese and yours truly. Though tan lines inevitably fade, the laughs we share will last forever.

[jadeestebanestrada]

Backstage Fairytale, a staged reading

As the fourth installment of the 2022 New Play Development Series, Aria Creative Productions will present a staged reading of Michael John McGoldrick’s play “Backstage Fairytale.” The event will take place at 7 p.m. May 25, 2022 at Alamo City Studios in San Antonio, Texas. The reading will feature Amy Abrigo, Julio Alberto Sepulveda, and Melissa Martinez. Directed by yours truly.

Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

Graphics: Gibbs Saad

[thepradaenchilada]

The naughty list

Hark! A hilarious Christmas miracle is about to descend on Freetail Brewing Co.! Join us tonight for First Thursday Comedy Night, a nutcrackin’ holiday show guaranteed to make your season bright. Cuzin Berto hosts.  

Photo: Brent Kosadnar