Jess is the founder of PACSA (Laughs) - the Pan-Asian Comedy School Aotearoa, funded by Foundation North via the Asian Arts Fund. The first of its kind, PACSA helps diverse creatives to segue into stand-up comedy, armed with training sessions, 1:1 writing and a graduation show.

It aims to address the deficit of these voices in the comedy industry (in the wake of eleven billed Pan-Asian performers at the NZICF 2023). PACSA (Laughs) follows the ‘Asian Comedy Takeover’ which debuted at Basement Theatre, and Ponsonby Social Club.

PACSA (Laughs) participants: LR - Ambika, Mia, Jenni, (Jess), Marzia, Shweta and Anjula - end of Term showcase, December 2023, MoveSpace.

“Jess embodies empathy, offering constructive feedback that focuses on our strengths while providing invaluable guidance to refine our sets, jokes, and comedic timing. Her respectful communication and understanding fostered a sense of belonging, motivating me to embrace my weaknesses as opportunities for growth. She instilled so much confidence in me,” - PACSA (Laughs) participant.
“Jess is incredibly supportive, generous and has a knack for making everyone feel safe. Safe to share, laugh and fail,” - PACSA (Laughs) participant.
“The course not only honed my comedic skills but also revealed a new career avenue that feels liberating. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I eagerly anticipate the exciting prospects ahead in this newfound creative journey,” - PACSA (Laughs) participant.
“I really enjoyed being forced to just *do it* and to build up to a whole show in such a short amount of time! To test out my comedy chops among a group of women who were more-or-less in the same boat I was in made for a safer space where I felt I could experiment more,” - PACSA (Laughs) participant.