Jiaoying Summers (Comedian, Actress) | Renegades
Paving her own road in the comedy world
Welcome to Renegades, a series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way.
This week, we interview comedian, actress, podcaster, and founder of The Hollywood Comedy Jiaoying Summers. Summers discusses her origin story, how her background as a first-generation immigrant influences her routine, and promoting representation in comedy. She is set to perform at the legendary Apollo Theater in NYC on November 9th.
What did you want to be when you were growing up, and how does that compare to what you do today?
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a poet and read my poetry to everyone. Now I'm a comedian. I think it makes sense. I want to express my feelings, make art and communicate with people. I want to make them feel happy and loved. I guess I am a born storyteller with an ear for joy.
You started in comedy not too long ago, and have had a meteoric rise in just a few years. Tell us more about your journey. What motivated you to pursue comedy, and what specific moment made you realize this was the career for you?
I started comedy in November of 2019, when I just had my first baby. My marriage was falling apart, my acting career was severely affected in a negative way because of my accent. As I auditioned for John Singleton back in 2016 for his TV show "Rabel", he discovered my comedic talent and strongly suggested I try stand-up. He said, "You will be a major star in comedy if you seriously devote yourself to the craft.” I had never tried stand-up until 2019. I thought it would be impossible for me to command the English language on stage, and now I'm doing this for a living!
I remember getting a booked spot at the Hollywood Improv audition mic right before the pandemic hit in 2020. Reeta Piazza, the talent manager at Hollywood Improv told me, “There is something here that's very special, don't give up, you have it! Keep working and find your voice." I bought my own small clubs so I could work 10 hours a day on stage. I also worked very hard on posting my jokes on TikTok, trying to find out what was connecting with my audience. All the jokes that rack up over 1 million views: I try them on stage and write more material around them.
Having my own club gives the luxury of putting over 10 thousand hours under my belt which is much faster than the traditional routes. I believe in "paying my dues," but I don't believe in "play by the rules." I don't have 10 years to find my voice and to become good. I need to be fucking amazing in a few years, because I need to take care of two young toddlers as a single mom without child support. I need to earn my voice in comedy so I can speak on the pressing issues about the rising Asian hate crimes.
What are some of the ways you’ve used your specific brand of comedy to change perceptions of Asian Americans? Why do you think comedy is such an effective vehicle for addressing issues that impact our community?
I fought very hard for my brand and my voice. Some club managers and show producers wanted me to look more cartoonish, dress up as a geeky Asian girl, or talk a lot about sex for shock value. I said no to all of these ideas even when it cost me a job opportunity. Yes, I am a fresh off the boat, first generation Chinese American woman. I have a point of view as a human, about politics, racism and female inequality, being a daughter and a single mom. I chose to talk about things that are true and matter to me and the world. I don't need to worry that I will stop being Asian just because I talk about things that are not too pretty to say for a small framed Chinese woman. I'm strong and I'm here to wreak havoc. It is about time.
You founded The Hollywood Comedy and The Pasadena Comedy, both in Los Angeles, and produce shows promoting representation in comedy. What inspired you to start your own comedy club, and what was the process like to get here?
I joked about it. People ask me, “How can you own two comedy clubs in two years in comedy?” I tell them that's what happens when you don't marry for love.
I knew I needed to get on the stage as much as I could to get better at this comedy game. I want to make sure I train myself like an athlete and buying a club was the best solution. I want to make it good, fast and furious. The club is not just for me, but also a hub for my community. As a woman of color with an accent, the possibility of making it in comedy is like getting struck by lighting. because stage time for us is extremely rare, and if you are new, it's almost impossible to get on stage. But you can't get better if you don't have stage time. We have monthly diversity shows such as: "These Asian People,” " Asian Male Lead," "Asian Female Lead" and Arabic, Black, Latino, Jewish shows. I love giving everyone a chance to grow and chase their dreams.
I invested money in renovating a clothing shop into a little charming underground theater comedy heaven for comics. I run a business, managing 20 open mic hosts is heavy lifting, but I make it happen and we are going strong. My club "The Hollywood Comedy" was voted by the LA Times as, "One of the best places to do comedy in LA!"
The LA Times describe us as:
“The Hollywood Comedy (THC), sits on Melrose Avenue, a coal-black theater wedged in a crevice of a bustling business district. Its glowing red sign evokes the edge of a punk club — and, in a way, it is. Comedians and crowds come in from 2 p.m. to midnight to book stage time and share laughs, dirty jokes and Doritos from the mini concessions bar. When Summers discovered the place, it was a prim, all-white dress shop that she transformed into a club for L.A.’s comedy misfits.”
- Nate Jackson
Your weekly podcast, Tiger Milf, touches upon topics like comedy, relationships, sex, motherhood and career, often with other iconic comedians and guests. What’s one thing you want people to take away from your podcast?
Tune in to the Tiger Milf Podcast every Monday morning, I want people to have a great laugh on their way to work on Monday, and understand all of the imperfect things that happen in life, big or small, we can find the humor in it and laugh it out. Be nice to yourself, forgive yourself and choose happiness. I believe we all can have it all, I believe in keep fighting and thriving.
You’ll soon be the first Chinese-American Comedian to headline at The Apollo in New York City during New York Comedy Festival on November 9. How are you feeling as you prepare for your show at this iconic venue? How does this show stand out from other shows on your tour?
I'm extremely humbled and thrilled to be the first Chinese American Comedian to headline The Apollo Theater during the New York Comedy Festival. Patton Oswalt was on my podcast a few weeks ago, he urged me to not do any comedy the night before The Apollo performance, so I don't over prepare. Obviously, Patton knows I'm on stage almost every night. This show will highlight my comedic combat of Asian Hate and explore more deeply my personal experience and trauma as a 1st generation immigrant, single mom and a woman of color in comedy.
What guidance or insights would you offer to up-and-coming comedians, especially those hailing from underrepresented backgrounds and aspire to establish themselves?
Get on stage whenever wherever you can, work harder than anyone you know, keep pushing and never give up. All of the things that seemed to be a roadblock, will be the bricks that build you up. Just to believe in yourself and the unique voice you have representing the unrepresented.
Lightning Round
Daily habit: I wake up early every morning and I snuggle with my baby boy Winston and daughter Margo. I walk my dog in the neighborhood with a cup of coffee in hand. I watch the news, read the paper and write down my thoughts on what's happening in the world. I try to do one nice thing per day for the people who love me.
Most used emoji: 😭
Most productive time of the day: All the time, I'm a soldier.
Favorite comedian: Joan Rivers, George Carlin
Fun fact: I love plants and gardening. I’m a poet with a thousand Chinese poems.