Feature Friday - Tina Cruz
Name
Tina Cruz
Pronouns
She/Her
Bio
Tina Cruz is a multidisciplinary artist, comedian, and writer known for her sharp, introspective humour that skillfully explores the intersections of cultural identity, family dynamics, and personal experiences. She is the founder and co-producer of the weekly show @comedyonmackay and has performed at notable venues across Canada and the United States. A seasoned performer, Tina has honed her craft through training at The Second City and Montreal Improv.
Instagram
@tinatellsjokes
Where in Montreal are you located?
Rosemont
What do you love about that neighborhood?
What I love about my neighbourhood is that it is quiet and that I am able to practice the clarinet in my apartment. It is mostly French speaking here, so I am always able to practice my French.
What’s your favourite art space in Montreal and why?
I’d definitely say the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal. There’s something about walking through those halls — especially the contemporary exhibitions — that makes art feel intimate, like it’s speaking directly to you. It’s one of the few places where I feel completely present, like I can breathe and just let the work hit me. But honestly? My favorite art spaces are anywhere in Montreal where I can create and share. Whether it’s a gallery, a backroom, or a noisy open mic with a barely working mic stand — if there’s a chance to connect through art, that’s home for me.
Describe your art in your own words.
Art is that thing that makes you feel like you're not completely insane... or at least that someone else is too, and they had the audacity to frame it. For me, as a multidisciplinary artist, art is how I make sense of the world — especially when everything feels loud, messy, and relentless. It’s my way of translating chaos into something I can hold, something I can share.
What have you been working on recently?
I’ve been deep in developing my 30-minute standup set — making sure Comedy on Mackay doesn’t literally or emotionally catch on fire. On top of that, I’m creating a one-woman musical comedy show that blends standup, poetry, music, visuals, and sound into one slightly unhinged but beautiful experience. I still have two albums waiting to be released (yes, they’ve been in standby mode — don’t judge me), plus way too many hours of recording and editing on the go. As part of my work as a Banting Fellow at Concordia University, I’m also curating and composing two spoken-word and music recordings that explore the intersection of poetry, performance, and sound.
What inspired you to get into stand up comedy?
I was going through a really difficult time in my life, and comedy gave me a kind of perspective I didn’t expect. It offered me a platform of expression that I couldn’t quite reach through music alone. There’s something about standing onstage, saying the truth out loud — even the messy, painful parts — and hearing people laugh. It’s healing. It’s honest. And it’s a reminder that even when things feel heavy, you can still find light in it... or at least squeeze a punchline out of the chaos.
What inspires your joke writing?
My life is what fuels my joke writing — the weird interactions I have with people, the places I’ve lived, and all the awkward moments I wish I could’ve escaped but now turn into material. If something makes me cringe, spiral, or question my life choices... it’s probably going in the set. Comedy helps me process all the messiness and make it something worth laughing at — for myself and everyone else who’s just trying to survive the day without unhinging completely.
Who is your favourite comedian right now?
John Mulaney is an absolute genius — his timing, his phrasing, the way he builds a story like it’s a symphony of bad decisions... I’m obsessed. I also really love Ali Wong’s early work. She was raw, unapologetic, and absolutely ruthless in the best way. Watching her felt like permission to be unfiltered and hilarious. And Taylor Tomlinson? She’s scary good. The way she tackles mental health, dating, and the weird limbo of being in your 20s and 30s — it’s sharp, vulnerable, and so painfully relatable.
What is the best joke you’ve ever written?
I'm not going to tell you. You have to come to my show to find out :)
What’s your favorite Montreal room and why?
I’d be amiss not to say how much I love my own space at Comedy on Mackay. It’s something my team and I have poured so much into — not just building a show, but building a space that feels safe, welcoming, and creatively alive. People sometimes label it as “woke,” but to me it’s just basic respect and good vibes. I created it because I wanted a place where my friends and I could get better at comedy, and I’ve been honestly overwhelmed and touched by how the community has responded. That said, I also love performing at The Comedy Nest — it pushes me. The room is tight, the crowds are sharp, and it forces you to level up your material. I really respect that. And McKibbin’s with Ben Cardilli? Such a good room. Ben creates a space where you feel taken care of as a comic, and the energy in that room is always on point. I also love The Polymic — it’s where I feel free to get weird, artsy, or experimental. It’s where I test new ideas and blend genres without worrying about whether something fits in a traditional “comedy” box.
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