dax@daxjordan.com

The Case of the Church Comedy Show

Client: Pastor Tracy Kariya of the West Hollywood United Church of Christ

​

Inclusive Transformation: The story revolves around the need to foster inclusivity within a progressive church community. The stakes were high, given the potential challenges: the risk of offensive content and financial concerns. The goal was to showcase the church as a space where individuals could express themselves freely while providing Pastor Tracy with a groundbreaking stand-up comedy opportunity, fully aligned with the church's core values.

​

Challenges Conquered: We faced a series of critical challenges. The foremost was the necessity to metamorphose a traditional church into an engaging and welcoming entertainment venue. Additionally, the need to reduce potential judgment and guide Pastor Tracy through her performance anxieties weighed heavily. Complexities in booking, promotion and ticket sales demanded astute navigation.

​

A Stage for Transformation: The opportunity here was twofold. First, it was the chance to demonstrate that the progressive church could curate a relaxed, expressive environment, living up to its reputation. Second, it marked Pastor Tracy Kariya's debut in stand-up comedy, within an atmosphere of support and inclusivity.

​

The Ingenious Blueprint: We devised a multifaceted solution to surmount these formidable challenges. A meticulously planned rearrangement of the church's layout and an upgrade to the sound system were crucial to creating an inviting entertainment space. Dax's active contribution to promotional efforts, organization of security and ticket checkers, and curation of a diverse line-up of comedians comfortable with the church setting were pivotal. His guidance and coaching played a pivotal role in helping Pastor Tracy overcome her performance anxieties.

​

A Resounding Success: The emotional outcome was profound. The comedy show proved to be a resounding success, with Pastor Tracy Kariya delivering an exceptional performance. Importantly, the church not only covered all performer expenses but also generously donated surplus funds to a local charity. Dax Jordan's efforts transcended the physical transformation of the church space; they effectively lowered barriers of judgment and created an enduring, inclusive experience for all attendees. This case study serves as an exemplar of how strategic planning and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity can yield remarkable results in even the most unconventional of settings.