Community Corner

Algonquin Teen Makes 'Em Laugh

A.J. Lubecker started doing stand-up comedy at the age of 15. Two years later he has performed in various places in the Chicago area.

He’s only 17 and he’s already performed at the Apollo Theater in Chicago, Laugh Out Loud Theater in Schaumburg and Duke’s Alehouse in Crystal Lake.

For the past few years, Algonquin teenager and comic A.J. Lubecker has been delivering his open-mic stand-up routines at venues that he would not be allowed to enter, had he not been part of the entertainment.

“It’s kind of weird because no one else does it,” he said. “And when my friends text me to hang out, sometimes I’m in Chicago late at night.”

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This summer, Lubecker received a scholarship to attend a two-week improvisation and comedy writing camp at Chicago's premier comedy club, Second City. Meanwhile, he is trying to start his own comedy show at in the Algonquin Commons, and he already has four shows lined up in the next few months.

Carolyn Lubecker lauds her son’s dedication.

“He documents all his shows with the dates and set that he does,” she said. “He's approaching it as a job and is extremely organized. I couldn't be more proud of him and his success.”

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Carolyn said her son’s love affair with making people laugh began at a young age.

“He found open mics that, of course, my husband and I had to take him to since he couldn't drive yet downtown,” Carolyn Lubecker said. “From there he started meeting people that asked him to be in their shows.”

A.J., who calls himself an offbeat, clean comic like Demetri Martin, said his favorite comedians include Steven Wright, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley and Louis C.K.

“I look up to a lot of different comedians that aren’t necessarily my style,” he said.

Once school starts this fall, Lubecker, who will be a senior at Dundee-Crown High School, said finding time to perform his comedy routine will become a little more difficult. While Lubecker said he plans to continue with stand-up comedy, he also is considering writing for television or becoming an actor.

“I’m planning on going to college in Chicago because that’s where all the shows are,” he said.

Keep up with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.


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