Southern Ontario Extravaganza

Janice V. Rodriguez

Janice (first name rhymes with Denise), is a Chicago based entrepreneur, producer, podcaster and comedian. In the ‘before times,’ as a founder of a boutique national brand ambassador staffing agency, she led the growth of a successful small business for 15 consecutive years. In late 2016, Janice, a self-proclaimed workaholic, decided to strike a better work/life balance by allowing herself the time to do the one thing she always wanted to try - standup comedy. Five years later, Janice regularly performs at Chicagoland area showcases and now during the pandemic, for national audiences online. She has performed at comedy clubs Zanies, Improv, The Drop (South Bend), Laugh Factory, Comedy Shrine and Jackie Knights (St. Augustine, FL). Janice has also graced the stages of several well-known comedy festivals such as Chicago Women's Funny Festival, SheDot (Toronto), Lady Laughs (Madison) and LaughFest (Grand Rapids). Janice is also a founder and producer of Las Locas Comedy, a comedy showcase that features Latina/Latinx comedic talent and other favorite ‘locas’ of any background. Las Locas Comedy, selected as a Chicago Reader ‘Recommended Event’, is now currently enjoying a national audience through their virtual streaming shows.  Janice always aims to bring a fresh perspective to topics related to her culture, Indiana upbringing and her professional and personal lives. She's also really tired.