History of Joy Market

At the first rehearsal of the 2025's Return of Joy Market, the team discussed what it means to perform in a 100% Asian American and Pacific Islander cast.
Some recurring themes emerged: having ancestors with you in the theatrical space, feeling seen among the cast, dealing with imposter syndrome in America, and embracing art among peers.
The word cloud represents the most commonly recurring words that came out of this conversation with directors and cast.
Some recurring themes emerged: having ancestors with you in the theatrical space, feeling seen among the cast, dealing with imposter syndrome in America, and embracing art among peers.
The word cloud represents the most commonly recurring words that came out of this conversation with directors and cast.
What is the Return of Joy Market?
Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions are partnering to produce Return of Joy Market, a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander stories, cultures, and artistry, and the opportunity to create a space where joy, resilience, and creativity take center stage.
Who are Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions?
Jet City Improv (JCI) is an improv theater with roots in the U District, that has been producing improvised comedy shows since 1992. Jet City Improv teaches improv classes, jams, and workshops, plus we produce improvised comedy shows on stages throughout Seattle. Jet City Improv’s mission is to educate, enlighten, and entertain audiences through the art of improvisation.
Pork Filled Productions (PFP) is an award-winning theatre group and the oldest Asian American theatre company in the Pacific Northwest. PFP envisions a bright universe informed by diverse experiences and perspectives, and populated by larger than life characters where everyone’s story can be told.
Our Mission:
Has this show run before?
Yes. Joy Market ran previously as a production of Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions in May 2023. We are delighted to bring it back to the stage as a variety show, expanding beyond improv comedy, featuring Asian American and Pacific Islanders.
Who is this show for?
Everyone! Every show features a guest performer, so audiences who enjoy live performance art including sketch comedy, dance, rap, improv, and stand-up comedy will love Return of Joy Market! See the show more than once to get a fresh experience each time.
What can I expect at a Return of Joy Market show?
A host will guide you through a magical market to experience improv based on your stories, as well as singing, dancing, and much, much joy in a community you get to be a part of!
What advice would Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions give to other theater producers who want to make the stage accessible?
Lift up new voices and create more opportunities for newer directors and performers alike. Prioritize inclusivity by offering affordable ticket options, providing ASL interpretation and captioning, ensuring physical accessibility, and actively engaging with underrepresented communities to co-create spaces that welcome everyone.
Theatre producers should know the AAPI population in King County is 20%, so there is local AAPI talent for your productions. Producers may need to think of new or unconventional ways to find and welcome these AAPI performers.
When can I see Return of Joy Market?
May 1-24, 2025. See the calendar here: https://jetcityimprov.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/PatronTicket__PublicTicketApp#/events/a0O8Y00001AvrAUUAZ
Where can I see Return of Joy Market?
West of Lenin, a black box theatre in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle.
203 N 36th St #204, Seattle, WA 98103
Where can I purchase a ticket to Return of Joy Market?
Ticket link: https://jetcityimprov.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/PatronTicket__PublicTicketApp#/events/a0O8Y00001AvrAUUAZ
How else can I support Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions?
You can learn about Jet City Improv’s outreach efforts or make a tax deductible donation to our 501(c)3 nonprofit organization at this link: https://www.jetcityimprov.org/donate.html
You can make tax deductible donations to Pork Filled Productions at https://porkfilled.com/wp/donate/.
Is there a page for media assets?
Yes, you can find media assets at https://www.jetcityimprov.org/media-assets-return-of-joy-market.html.
Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions are partnering to produce Return of Joy Market, a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander stories, cultures, and artistry, and the opportunity to create a space where joy, resilience, and creativity take center stage.
Who are Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions?
Jet City Improv (JCI) is an improv theater with roots in the U District, that has been producing improvised comedy shows since 1992. Jet City Improv teaches improv classes, jams, and workshops, plus we produce improvised comedy shows on stages throughout Seattle. Jet City Improv’s mission is to educate, enlighten, and entertain audiences through the art of improvisation.
Pork Filled Productions (PFP) is an award-winning theatre group and the oldest Asian American theatre company in the Pacific Northwest. PFP envisions a bright universe informed by diverse experiences and perspectives, and populated by larger than life characters where everyone’s story can be told.
Our Mission:
- Produce and develop genre plays
- Promote Asian American and POC artists
- Imagine fantastical, inclusive, and fun universes
Has this show run before?
Yes. Joy Market ran previously as a production of Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions in May 2023. We are delighted to bring it back to the stage as a variety show, expanding beyond improv comedy, featuring Asian American and Pacific Islanders.
Who is this show for?
Everyone! Every show features a guest performer, so audiences who enjoy live performance art including sketch comedy, dance, rap, improv, and stand-up comedy will love Return of Joy Market! See the show more than once to get a fresh experience each time.
What can I expect at a Return of Joy Market show?
A host will guide you through a magical market to experience improv based on your stories, as well as singing, dancing, and much, much joy in a community you get to be a part of!
What advice would Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions give to other theater producers who want to make the stage accessible?
Lift up new voices and create more opportunities for newer directors and performers alike. Prioritize inclusivity by offering affordable ticket options, providing ASL interpretation and captioning, ensuring physical accessibility, and actively engaging with underrepresented communities to co-create spaces that welcome everyone.
Theatre producers should know the AAPI population in King County is 20%, so there is local AAPI talent for your productions. Producers may need to think of new or unconventional ways to find and welcome these AAPI performers.
When can I see Return of Joy Market?
May 1-24, 2025. See the calendar here: https://jetcityimprov.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/PatronTicket__PublicTicketApp#/events/a0O8Y00001AvrAUUAZ
Where can I see Return of Joy Market?
West of Lenin, a black box theatre in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle.
203 N 36th St #204, Seattle, WA 98103
Where can I purchase a ticket to Return of Joy Market?
Ticket link: https://jetcityimprov.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/PatronTicket__PublicTicketApp#/events/a0O8Y00001AvrAUUAZ
How else can I support Jet City Improv and Pork Filled Productions?
You can learn about Jet City Improv’s outreach efforts or make a tax deductible donation to our 501(c)3 nonprofit organization at this link: https://www.jetcityimprov.org/donate.html
You can make tax deductible donations to Pork Filled Productions at https://porkfilled.com/wp/donate/.
Is there a page for media assets?
Yes, you can find media assets at https://www.jetcityimprov.org/media-assets-return-of-joy-market.html.