Meet Charlette San Juan | Theatre Artist, Producer and Stage Manager.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlette San Juan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlette, what role has risk played in your life or career?

In 2019, I took the biggest risk of my life and uprooted my life to pursue my dreams in America. My dream is to become a Stage Manager and have a fruitful and sustainable career in theatre. Pursuing a career in theater, especially as a Stage Manager, is incredibly rewarding but can also be challenging due to its competitive and unpredictable nature.

In the theater world, risk-taking is often part of the journey. It’s about taking on new projects, collaborating with different people, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of performances.

In many ways, theater thrives on risks—exploring new narratives, experimenting with staging techniques, and working with diverse talents. As a Stage Manager, it was risky to pursue comedy. There aren’t a lot of comedy clubs that offer an AEA contract, which makes Second City a unique and great workplace.

As a producer, I gladly took the imperative risk of producing an All-Asian stand-up show. Every single comedian on the show is of Asian descent. This is an important step towards the betterment of the industry, a way to diversify and emphasize the talent of Asian comedians, not only in Chicago but nationwide.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

It has always been my mission and priority to showcase my heritage. I hold degrees in Master of Arts Management from Columbia Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. During my tenure as a theatre artist in the Philippines, I have worked with national theatre companies such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. As well as being mentored by the late National Artist, Tony Mabesa. I carry these experiences as I strive to acquaint myself with the theatre industry in the United States. Coming to America, I had high aspirations of learning about the theatre practice here. Pursuing the dream of practicing theatre in America has been challenging as it is rewarding. Ultimately, the dream is to contribute to changing the landscape of American theatre. To leave the streets of Manila has been liberating. To live in a new land, live in a new city, live for a new and bigger purpose. There is a privilege in all of this; the opportunity to contribute to diversifying the theatre scene in Chicago and all over the nation. In my attempt to seek opportunities in this new land, I found profound wisdom; the privilege I carry is my tool in my mission and pursuit. As an artist, I am aware of the lack of visibility in this discipline. There’s a gap in the system; as a Pinay, I aim to push for further representation for my people in the field of theatre.

In my mission to advocate for diversity and visibility, the goal is to take responsibility and to be vulnerable to allow people to understand me and my culture. I am a representation of the country I am from. In my attempt to follow my dreams, I aim to become a receptacle of my culture and blaze a trail for Pinays who want to pursue this path as well. To be able to provide a landscape and opportunities, to continuously advocate for access and visibility for women of color, especially to Pinays. To live and to leave. To live this mission, and to leave a trail for anyone who wishes to pursue the same path I am trying to conquer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend from middle school came to visit me in the Summer of 2022! Of course, I picked her up from O’Hare, you can tell I love her because I picked her up from the airport! Took her to my fave brunch spot, Kubo! They offer classic Filipino breakfasts. Later that day, we took a cruise boat to see Lake Michigan and the skyline. This is a sunset cruise that goes around the lake– you’ll be able to see the beauty of the city skyline, away from the noise. Then, we went to a neighborhood bar after, Derno’s, the best late-night food in the city! Over the next few days, I would take her to the zoo, Grant Park, and the Art Institute. At night time, it’s one show after the other, Laugh Factory shows are always a killer. The Second City never fails to make me laugh my heart out, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre never disappoints, and of course, the many Broadway shows that come to Chicago. There’s something about watching a show, watching the performers, being immersed in the audience– I believe these things are just the easiest way to get to know the city and its people– be connected to the community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shout-out goes to the Asian community in the comedy scene of Chicago. There are plenty of upcoming as well as veteran comedians of Asian descent who have not been getting proper recognition and enough stage time. My job is to change that. I want to be able to provide opportunities and pave paths for Asian comics in the scene. I wish for them to create meaningful connections with the audience as well as among each other, through the shows I am producing. I want to celebrate Asian talent.

Website: charlettesanjuan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mscharlettesj/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlettesanjuan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharletteSanJuan/

Image Credits
Photo credit to Fel of @BeautyByFelisadae