It was certainly a barrel of laughs in San Antonio this past Thursday evening, courtesy of “Chona E“, also known as Joanna Estrada. The Southside born and raised comedian sold out her first two back to back shows as a headliner in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.
The show “Chona E & Friends” was held at the popular comedy venue Laugh Out Loud, which has been bringing cool comedy acts to the Alamo City for nearly two decades. It’s featured comedian greats such as Paul Rodriguez, Shawn Wayans, Cristela Alonzo and many others.
Image credit: Jay Bird
Joanna Estrada was born and raised on San Antonio’s Southside and a graduate of Southwest High School. Since Joanna’s high school days, drama was always an important part of her life. Wanting to continue in the industry and further her knowledge in drama, in 2002, she auditioned and was accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Located in New York City, the academy is a private, nonprofit college conservatory for the performing arts, whose alumni includes Jason Derulo, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Paul Sorvino and Tyne Daly. In the first year of acting school, she enrolled in dance classes, such as Dance and Movement for the Actor; voice production courses, like Voice Production and Speech, as well as Stage Combat classes. During the second year, Joanna focused more on the film aspect of acting, enrolling in courses such as Acting for the Camera.
Joanna’s comical influences include Chris Farley, Cheri Oteri, George Lopez, and Melissa McCarthy.
The comedian, actress, and plus-size model became a viral social media sensation a few years ago and has since collaborated with many comedians from throughout the nation and also joined the local Tex Mex Comedy Show Bean & Chisme.
Pictured (left to right): TikTok Sensation Alex “AJ” Rivas, Comedian Michelle Cantu, Editor in Chief of Live from the Southside April Monterrosa, Comedian Joanna Estrada, TikTok Sensation Jose Not Juan, & Comedian Samantha Najera
She was also featured on KSAT’s “Real San Antonian” and shared her story with SA Live’s Jen Tobias-Struski.
In true Latina pride, Estrada gracefully thanked her husband Billy, family, and fans for all their support at the end of the show. Estrada will be heading to perform at Chicago’s Best Stand Up Comedy Club Laugh Factory in October.
Make us proud Joanna and continue to soar in your ever-growing comedy career.
