Kia ora, interested Pan-Asian creative!
Thank you for taking the time to read and complete this Expression of Interest form for the Pan-Asian Comedy School aka 'PACSA (Laughs)', Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
PACSA (Laughs) was founded in 2023, catering solely for women and non-binary Pan-Asian creative diaspora in Auckland. Now, for 2024, the school aims to open up to all members of the Pan-Asian diaspora!
Please note, this EOI is not a confirmation of participation. Sadly, the funding received from Foundation North via the Asian Arts Fund was for one cohort of students only (which took place October - December 2023).
That said, I'm looking at ways to subsidise attendance again, and to host more classes in the new year.
FYI, you need to attend classes in person, because we will be looking at performance techniques, so that means only residents of Tāmaki Makaurau - BUT if you are in a different region, it would be great to know that too.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the school involve? What am I committing to?
This is an EOI form, which means I'm interested in YOUR availability and interest.
Frequently Said Things:
'But I'm not funny/I don't want people to think I think I'm funny.'
Jess says, 'YES YOU ARE, and yes you DO! That's why you clicked on the link, oh-ho!'
If you got this far into the EOI, I'm guessing you have some form of creative expression in your life already. Acting, writing, performing - that's what a comedian does. That's what you do. Come and do it more, tapping into a new form of creativity.
'But the comedy industry is just white dudes making dick jokes...'
Jess says, 'And you're okay with that..?!'
Come step up, find your voice, and do something you're really scared of. I promise that you already have half the talent in your little finger than a lot of privileged men who just woke up one day and thought. DAMN. I'm a funny dude. Give me that microphone.
'But like, why should I listen to you?'
Jess says, 'I have ten + years in the creative industries, across comedy, film, TV and theatre, which is why I was able to secure this grant. I've taught creative writing and performance, and been through the ringer myself as a lonely comedian in the Auckland comedy circuit; I know there is strength in numbers, and I also know that half the battle in getting diverse voices on stage is arming you with the self-confidence to get there. That's what I hope to do! There will also be other guest speakers from the industry.
This will happen over ten hours (2 hours a week), and a little bit of writing homework, 1:1 writing and feedback sessions, and a PAN-ASIAN COMEDY SCHOOL END OF TERM SHOW! :o
Oh, I scared you. Please keep reading.
The end of term show will take place in a safe, welcoming performance space and you'll be alongside others who have been through something just like you!'
Note: this course will be taught in English, however if you speak other languages and want to incorporate them into your stand-up routine then this is something we'd support.
More info:
Jess Karamjeet is an Auckland-based comedian who started performing four years ago. She attended the NZ Comedy School 2020, and taught comedy for two years to 100+ students via a role of speech and drama teacher.
Jess is a screenwriter and musical comedy performer, having toured her duo show Grief-Sex-Race within the Auckland Fringe Festival (PANNZ touring award winner) and she took two different shows to Melbourne and New Zealand Comedy Festivals in 2023.
She's performed at Edinburgh Fringe, and was chosen as 'One To Watch' by the New Zealand Comedy Trust in 2022. In 2021, she authored a comedy syllabus taught in drama classes to over 900 students each year. She also taught that syllabus, and has developed this content based on those guinea pigs.
Alongside comedy, she's a screenwriter, reviewer, and works to improve representation within the arts. In 2021 she authored the New Zealand Comedy Guild motion to diversify representation on the board. She is a disabled, queer, British Indian immigrant and continues to uplift marginalised voices within her arts practice.
For more content visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL1iOYJPR_A
If you have any further questions, please contact Jess Karamjeet either at jessica-karamjeet@outlook.com or via social media @jessKaramjeet
Thank you!
DEADLINE FOR EOIs: THERE IS NO DEADLINE! But please complete before you forget :) Also feel free to SEND TO YOUR FRIENDS.
