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The 2026 Film Festival Round-Up

Posted on: February 13th, 2026 by TOsketchfest Staff

Announcing the lineup of the 2026 TOsketchfest Film Festival presented by Shozer.

The TOsketchfest Film Festival Premiere Screening takes place live, in-person on Wednesday, March 4th @ 9:00PM at The Theatre Centre. Walk the blue shag carpet and rub shoulders with the filmmakers.

And on Saturday, March 14th @ 4:00PM – 5:30PM, TOsketchfest Film Festival hosts a Special Screening Event, The Toronto Premiere of Web Series “Like Comment Subscribe” by Marley Kajan, Connor Ferris, Sabina Olivia Lambert.

SPECIAL SCREENING EVENT:

Like Comment Subscribe by Bonus Feature

Told exclusively via the screens and devices that consume them, “Like Comment Subscribe” follows BFFs Meaghan and Avery, two of Toronto’s hottest social media influencers. With a dedicated following of #Veaghans and #Gayveries at their fingertips, these privileged Zillennials are consumed by their obsession with fame, fortune, and followers, which begins to wreak havoc on their relationships in the real world. As they fight to keep posting selfies while their personal lives fall apart, these two outrageous internet personalities are forced to figure out, “who are you when you aren’t online?”

Like Comment Subscribe (LCS) was written and created by Toronto-based actors and writers Marley Kajan and Connor Ferris who began developing the series during the pandemic. An integral part of the project’s creative vision, director Sabina Olivia Lambert (CBC Gem’s & Other Concerns, Queen) joined the team very shortly after. With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the first season of LCS was produced and has gone on to travel in a festival circuit first premiering in New York City at the Dances with Films Festival. LCS had its Canadian premiere at Montreal’s Festival Cours d’un Soir and the team is now excited to have found its hometown premiere with the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.

LCS boasts an incredible cast of Toronto comedy scene regulars like Paloma Nuñez (Baronness Von Sketch, Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy), Rami Khan (Potato Potato, Netflix’s BET), Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll (Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Ginny & Georgia), and Blair MacMillan (24 Double B, Super Dicks). Additionally, LCS is honoured to have the talents of Deborah Tennant (Schitt’s Creek, IT: Welcome to Derry), Yusuf Zine (What We Do in the Shadows, Doc), Taylor Love (Shelved, Soulfood), Matthew Thomas Rogers (Murdoch Mysteries) and Aaron Schwartz (My 90 Year-Old Roommate, King of Kensington).

Kajan, Ferris and Lambert are over the moon to watch the series with a Toronto audience for the first time. Following the Sketchfest premiere, episodes of Like Comment Subscribe will be launched to stream on YouTube for viewers far and wide. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @lcsseries.

The Film Festival Lineup (alphabetically):

Creed by Bonus Feature

Bonus Feature is a sketch house team at The Pack Theater in Los Angeles, California that performs regularly sold out shows every month. When they aren’t writing and rehearsing for their home theater shows, they are participating in comedy variety shows all around LA. Members of Bonus Feature include Aleks Arcabascio, Dan Burger, Nia Ceasar, Diana Francis, Christine Lawless, Christopher Nakao, Lindsay Nuckel, Michael Shacket, Zach Stamps, Rebekah Swann, Monty Williams, and Gerald Yelverton.

IG: @BonusFeatureComedy
TT: @BonusFeatureComedy
YT: @bonusfeaturecomedy
https://linktr.ee/bonusfeaturecomedy

Crimes of Passion by Sammy & Ben Lewis

A lonely cop stumbles into an unexpected bloom of connection, discovering love where he least expected.

Samuel Lewis is a writer, director, and actor who makes funny things feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable things funny. He works across sketch comedy, short films, and music videos.

Ben Lewis is an Ottawa-based director/actor. He works construction and has two kids.

IG: @sammyjscorpion

Group Pic by Pete Cheema & Smashed Potato Kids

That guy who can’t get in the group pic.

Pete Cheema is a sketch comic/musician who pulls influence from artists such as Key & Peele, Bo Burnham, and Almost Friday. He’s a part of the Smashed Potato Kids, a sketch comedy and content creative group from Vancouver, Canada. 🔥🥔

IG: @pcheems
TT: @pcheems
YT: @SmashedPotatoKids

Haunted TikTok by The Absurdists (Chris Wilson & Adam Christie)

Chris and Adam stumble across a haunted TikTok. The Girl is getting roasted in the comment section.

Chris Wilson and Adam Christie are Toronto’s greatest sketch video duo — having produced as many as four sketches together that have amassed millions of views across platforms.

IG: @imchriswilson @adamchristiecomedian
TT: @imchriswilson

Headlights Written by Céline Tshika

HEADLIGHTS is a musical sketch about car culture at present. What starts as a complaint about the brightness of modern LED headlights on cars turns into a high-energy satirical car ad for the future that tech bros envision.

Céline Tshika is a Congolese-South African actor, screenwriter and stand-up comedian whose pivot into musical comedy became a viral phenomenon online. Her sketch ‘Capitalism’ got the attention of AJ+ with whom she is now working on a show from the Global South perspective. Her songs are produced by idol-turned-friend Mikhaela Faye, an accomplished musician based in Cape Town. On the video side, she’s worked with Director of Photography Meekaaeel Adam on these sketches, whose directorial debut ‘The Trek’ will premiere at Johannesburg Film Fest in 2026 and be released on Amazon Prime. With ‘Headlights,’ she at long last got to work with industry-friend and brother-in-arms Evan Wigdorowitz.

Director: Evan Wigdorowitz is a multidimensional South African filmmaker. He works across forms, from narrative to commercial and experimental projects. Drawing from a fine art background, he brings a hands-on, research-driven, and reflective approach to the medium. His work has screened at several international festivals, including a world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and as the centrepiece screening at the NYAIFF at Lincoln Centre.

https://www.celinetshika.com
IG: @celinetshika
TT: @celinetshika
FB: @celine.tshika
YT: @celinetshika

I Was a Bear by Nathaniel Sutton

Is Nathaniel Sutton a bear or a man? or a man bear? You decide. A short film by Nathaniel Sutton.

Nathaniel Sutton is a multi-instrumentalist with a flair for musical drama, always inspired by the depth of film music. In 2006, he attended post-secondary education and achieved a diploma in Audio Production, which lead him to compose the soundtracks for several independent films.

https://www.nathanielsutton.com
IG: @nathanielsuttonmusic
X: @nathanielsutton
FB: @nathanielsuttonmusic
YT: @nathanielsuttonmusic

I’m Here! by Becky Swannick, Maddy Foley, Liv Collict & Blair MacMillan

“Cleo” longs for a best friendship, like the one in her favourite tv show, ‘My Best Friend Toast’. With a sudden knock at the door, her wish comes true! Or so she thinks…
Fully written and created by 4 women within 3 weeks for the Toronto ‘Firecracker Dept’ challenge.

Hailing from Birmingham, UK, Becky is an acclaimed Queer Filmmaker, Film Editor and Multidisciplinary Artist currently residing in Toronto, Canada. She is a graduate of The Northern Film School, Leeds UK earning a BA with Honours in Film and Moving Image Production (2014). She has been working full time within Post-Production for over 5 years and has been independently Filmmaking for over 10 years, and recently became a 2025 Canadian Screen Award Nominee for Best Picture Editing on a digital series, with her other work screening on Canadian networks such as CBC and Bell Fibe as well as doing multiple Film Fest Circuits around the world.

Maddy Foley is an actor and writer with a deep passion for storytelling. After earning her B.Sc from the University of Toronto, she followed her creative instincts by studying Screenwriting at UCLA and Creative Writing at U of T. In 2019, she completed the Second City Conservatory program in Toronto, where she was nominated for the Tim Sims Award for sketch comedy. Maddy began her career appearing in web series such as Step Sisters and Allie and Lara Make a Horror Movie. She starred in the 2021 CBC Short Film Finalist Meg Writes a Reference Letter, and in 2024, she was nominated for Best Actress at the Toronto 48 Hr Film Festival. As an actor, Maddy has appeared in a range of projects, including Deaner ’89, CBC’s One More Time, The Boys, What We Do in the Shadows, Heartland, and Murdoch Mysteries. She currently stars as the titular character in Everybody’s Meg, a Bell Fibe TV1 series, which has been renewed for a second season.

IG: @beckyswannick @maddy_foleyfoley @livcollict @chandeblair

In My Head: Diva Cup by Noor Kaur Dhanda, Jono Hunter, Hools Kay, Margaret Rose, Adeel Shamsi

In My Head is a sketch comedy series that reveals the unfiltered inner monologues behind everyday life. Each standalone episode follows a different person experiencing an ordinary moment while their internal narrator spirals, overreacts, and tells the truth they would never say out loud. The stakes seem small, but inside our heads everything feels monumental. Blending sharp humour with painfully relatable honesty, the series turns silent overthinking into shared comedy and highlights the private melodrama beneath polite social behaviour. It proves our most dramatic, ridiculous, and revealing conversations are the ones happening quietly within us.

Noor Kaur Dhanda is a Punjabi-Canadian writer, performer, and producer whose work is shaped by perspective, identity, and a love of sharp, character driven comedy. She is drawn to the small, revealing moments people try to hide, where emotional honesty and humour meet in ways that feel both deeply personal and widely recognizable.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a natural ability to bridge the creative and business sides of the industry. Noor’s most recent achievements include being selected for the Netflix Diversity of Voices program at the Banff World Media Festival with In My Head, where she spent a week presenting the series to broadcasters, streamers, and production partners. She is now a producer on Season 2 of The Squeaky Wheel Canada, a first of its kind comedy sketch series, working across story, production, and creative development. These experiences have strengthened her ability to build comedy that is both creatively distinctive and ready for production, with a career path intentionally rooted in collaboration and collective strength.
Collaboration is central to Noor’s creative process. This project was built as a true collective, designed to showcase multiple comedic perspectives rather than a single point of view. The team includes Jono Hunter, a multidisciplinary filmmaker with a sharp visual eye and a reputation for elevating every project he touches; Hools Kay, a standout writer, comedian, and performer with her own series currently in development; Adeel Shamsi, a bold, visually dynamic director known for his stylish, high impact work; and Margaret Rose, a powerhouse performer, writer, and comedian with commanding presence and razor sharp instincts. The episode came together with rare creative ease, reflecting the strength of the ensemble.

Noor is currently building the series as a bold new platform for Canadian comedic talent, creating space for original voices to be seen, supported, and celebrated at scale.

IG: @inmyhead.comedy and @noordhanda

Kendie Karmen – Ecocyde Official Music Video by Hot Globe (dir. Jono Hunter)

A 3D animated scene. Kendie Karmen sits upon a branch vaping with a squirrel.

Hot Globe is a small team of funny artists whose focus is on the unfunny reality of climate change.

www.hotglobe.ca
IG: @hotglobeca
TT: @hotglobeca
YT: @HotGlobe

Math Horse by Septar

A history documentary about the life and accomplishments of Math Horse, the horse who could solve math problems.

Math Horse is a sketch made by Septar, a Philadelphia-based sketch comedy group formed in 2023. Septar produces multiple live shows per year with a mix of live and filmed sketches and has been selected for sketch festivals in San Francisco, NYC, Portland Maine, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Denver, where their sketch Math Horse won the Best Video Sketch award.

Math Horse is written, directed, and edited by Russ Bizaro with additional creative input from Septar and stars Lou Huang, Maureen McQuilkin, and Kyle Kerezsi.

IG: @septar_sketch
FB: @Septar-Sketch-Comedy-61556564671262
YT: @SeptarSketch

Monster Trucks by Tommy Marshall, Rhys Naylor

A couple’s anniversary dinner raises more questions than answers when their food is delayed. A lot more questions.

Tommy Marshall is a comedy director who delights in the sincere and the absurd. He believes wholeheartedly in the marriage between deeply silly comedy and genuinely cinematic visual language. He is currently developing an adaptation of that vine where that kid gets scared and goes “jesus christ” for Quibi (he’s also trying to bring Quibi back but that’s a whole other thing).

“Rhys Naylor is a Canadian actor, comedian, and writer. He is a current member of Second City Toronto’s National Touring Company and an alum of the Bad Dog Theatre Featured Players. A 2025 finalist in the World’s Biggest Improv Tournament, he has performed across Canada with his troupe, Little Miss Normal.”

IG: @prestige.television @rhysnaylor @littlemissnormal_improv

Neck Pillow by Brother Mouth & Craig Melville

Billy’s 14 hour flight takes a tragic turn when he discovers he’s forgotten to pack his beloved neck pillow.

Brother Mouth™ is a creative collective producing original, humor-driven content.

Inspired by the French house scene of the 90s, Brother Mouth™ was formed by two brothers to use music and content as a vehicle to comment on popular culture. They’re famous for only revealing their mouths while wearing their signature ‘Mouth-Clavas™’.

They live by the motto; ‘TU AS UNE BOUCHE. UTILISE LA’. (which loosely translates to, ‘you have a mouth, use it.’

They have been referred to by some as the new-age French Milli Vanilli. Others like to think of them as the next Daft Punk but with far less talent and Grammys.

Craig Melville directed ‘Neck Pillow’, continuing their collaboration with Brother Mouth after the debut music video ‘Douche Canoe.’ Craig’s award-winning work spans music videos, television, and advertising.

https://www.brothermouth.com
IG: @brothermouthofficial
TT: @brothermouth
X: @BrotherMouthOG
FB: @brothermouthofficial
YT: @BrotherMouth

NO WORRIES IF NOT by Céline Tshika

‘No worries if not’ is a musical sketch about a recovering people-pleaser trying to enter her ‘villain era’ by setting gentle boundaries.

Céline Tshika is a DRC-born, South Africa-raised actor, comedian, and filmmaker based in Cape Town. After an Engineering “degree for the parents,” she studied Acting for Film in Los Angeles and began her comedy career. Known for her satirical sketches Stank Like a Man and the acclaimed mockumentary The Wapidemic, she transitioned to the stage in 2021, becoming a 2023 Jive Funny Championship finalist and winner of the 2025 Savanna Comic’s Choice ‘Innovative Comedy Performance of the Year.’

Branching out online into musical comedy sketches, her viral creations seamlessly translated to parody songs onstage, showcasing her distinctive comedic voice. Fully embracing her roots as a musical theatre kid, she continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of talent in satire, music, and storytelling. She has no plans to return to Engineering, but thanks for asking.

https://www.celinetshika.com
IG: @celinetshika
TT: @@celinetshika
FB: @celine.tshika
YT: @celinetshika

Six Pack by Peter N’ Chris

Peter and Chris sit on a beach contemplating the realities of recycling. They conclude it doesn’t work and immediately face the consequences.

Peter Carlone and Chris Wilson have toured extensively as comedy duo Peter N’ Chris — performing at several Just For Laughs Festivals as well as winning 5 Canadian Comedy Awards. Chris Wilson is also a cast member of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes

IG: @peterchrisshow
TT: @imchriswilson
YT: @imchriswilson

Shorts on Stage by Mark Corless

A manager sells out a comedy show, then tries to force the headliner into wearing shorts at the last minute.

Mark Corless is a writer, director and cinematographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He has been involved in comedy since a young age and continues to work as a cameraman in TV and direct comedy shorts.

Conrad Osei is an independent filmmaker living and working in Toronto.

www.videocanale.com
IG: @kalakaboo

The Magnificent Gyno by The Red Hot Sili Peppers

A woman gets her first pap smear and her doctor practices a new hobby.

The creative team is made up of award-winning sketch troupe, The Red Hot Sili Peppers (Emily Callahan, Julia Ettlinger, Glenna Walters), and award-winning director, Adeel Shamsi. Everyone met in an improv class at The Second City in Toronto. While their creative and comedic pursuits have pulled them in many directions, they were very excited to reunite for this project.

The Magnificent Gyno is based on a live sketch, originally written and performed by The Red Hot Sili Peppers, and has come a long way since its first appearance as a 30 second blackout sketch. The creators leveraged the premise-prov brain The Second City taught them way back when to develop it into a 6-and-a-half minute short.

Glenna Walters is an accomplished Canadian actor who is known for roles in: Anne With An E (Netflix/CBC), Baroness Von Sketch (CBC), and Law & Order TO: Criminal Intent (City TV).

Julia Ettlinger is a multi-passionate creative known for playing Brooke in Prime Video’s queer holiday film Last Ex-Mas. She is based in Los Angeles.

Emily Callahan is a communications professional and comedian. She performs standup, improv, and sketch across Toronto – and other major cities.

Adeel Shamsi is a Toronto-based writer/director whose passion for storytelling led him from music videos to major brand campaigns, short films, documentaries, and a 2025 Super Bowl commercial.

IG: @redhotsilipepperss
TT: @redhotsilipepperss

The Man With The Future Camera by I Majored in Film Productions – Nicholas Porteous, Bryan Nothling, Francis Melling, Antony Hall, Hayden Finkelshtain, Joel Bazin

A camera with the power to glimpse anyone’s future falls into the hands of a small business owner working out of his condo. He’s got spoilers for your life. And he’s about to get his first repeat customer.

Nicholas Porteous is an actor and filmmaker. He voices Tino (the dinosaur airplane) as well as countless dads on Super Wings, which is a huge deal if you’re 7 years old. He does a bunch of other stuff too. Check out nicholasporteous.com for more.

Bryan Nothling is a performer, content creator, writer and musician. You can mostly find him on the internet singing food-based musical comedy songs and reviewing chocolate.

Francis Melling is an actor, director, and musician. He can be seen in Murdoch Mysteries, What We Do in the Shadows, Man Seeking Woman, Wexford Plaza, or bed-rotting in his Parkdale apartment.

http://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/nospoilersthepodcast

IG: @picolas

The Will by Seb Decter

The Will is the story of two young men who attend the will reading of their late, Youtube famous brother. Writer-Director Seb Decter wanted to write a sketch that could be shot in one location on one day, with a handful of friends. He wanted a short with a strong but simple premise, something that he might have seen on CollegeHumor when he was a teen.

My name is Seb Decter, I’m a writer and filmmaker from Toronto. I recently wrote and directed a short documentary about my Grandmother: “Abuela’s Life Story” for the CBC Creator Network. I wrote and directed The Will, which was shot and edited by my friend Aidan Barnes. Aidan is a filmmaker and music video director who frequently works with artists like 9Million and Webb.

The Will stars Toronto stand-up and actor Michael Kolberg, who recently appeared in “Matt and Mara” alongside Matt Johnson. Acting opposite Mikey is acclaimed filmmaker Ben Roberts (“Spider’s Web”). I love Ben’s films, and I liked putting him in my dumb sketch because it reminded me of when John Cassavetes was in “The Dirty Dozen.” Rounding out the cast is my elementary school pal Sam Gundy, who’s talent and enthusiasm has made him a mainstay of the Toronto short film scene.

https://lnk.bio/sebsdvds
IG: @Sebsdvds

There May Have Been A Mistake by Alex Kolanko

A man wakes up trapped in a basement with only a video tape and a hammer. Can he escape?

Alex Kolanko is a writer and comedian from Toronto, who is a staple in the Toronto Sketch and Improv community. He was a member of The Sketchersons and the multimedia comedy group Public Works. Alex is a regular on The Bad Dog Theatre stage, and has created shows such as The Disaster and Super Hot Date Night. Alex has written the hit KidsFest play Gremlin Hour, which debuted at The Toronto Fringe Festival. He created the long running alt-comedy show The Disaster and the fan favourite character show Monster Island. Most recently, he wrote and directed mockumentary Let’s Gentrify Hamilton for Bell Fibe TV1.

IG: @just-a-turd
TT: @just-a-turd
X: @alexkolanko

Tunnel of Fear by Brandon Hicks

A short animated film in which a couple enter a haunted house at an amusement park, only to find that it is currently under construction…or is it?

Brandon Hicks is the Canadian Chair of the National Cartoonist Society, and his work has appeared in several publications, including MAD, Fangoria, National Lampoon, Studio and the [EDIT], where he serves as Comics Editor. His plays and short films have won international awards, and he is the author/illustrator of several books—most recently, “On The Border” from Conundrum Press.

IG: @brandonhickscomics
YT: @bmaniscool1

Xegetude by Becky Swannick & Little Miss Normal

Just talk to your doctor.

Becky Swannick is a Filmmaker and Film Editor from Birmingham, UK livin’ in Toronto. After attending The Northern Film School in Leeds, she spent 8 years training and performing in live sketch and improvised comedy before merging her two passions together, yum! The cast consists of members of Toronto’s improv supergroup Little Miss Normal, which includes past and present Second City Mainstage and Tour Co performers, alumni of Bad Dog’s Featured Players program, and TV stars and writers for shows like This Hour Has 22 Minutes, What We Do In the Shadows, and For Heaven’s Sake. One Little Miss Normal performer is the Writer/Producer of Xegetude, Griffin Toplitsky, who has previously won Best Animated Short at Toronto Sketchfest Film Festival, though it’s going to be a lot harder for him to repeat that with this particular one.

https://beckyswannick.com/
IG: @beckyswannick @littlemissnormal_improv
TT: @beckyswannick
YT: @beckyswannick

Learning + Fun Program 2026

Posted on: February 9th, 2026 by TOsketchfest Staff

The Learning + Fun program returns in 2026 with a full slate of workshops, panels, and conversations designed to support comedians at every stage of their practice. This year’s program stretches across the festival and beyond, creating space to build skills, ask real questions, and connect with peers who are navigating the same creative paths.

Taking place throughout spring 2026, Learning + Fun brings together working artists, industry professionals, and comedy educators for sessions that span the creative, practical, and professional sides of comedy. From writing and directing to pitching, auditioning, finances, and representation, these events are designed to offer clear tools, honest insight, and room to experiment.

Whether you are performing in the festival, developing new work, or looking to better understand how comedy fits into a sustainable creative life, Learning + Fun is here to meet you where you are. Join us to learn, share ideas, and spend time in rooms that are curious, generous, and built for growth.

Check out this incredible program:

Taxes for Creatives and Freelancers

Monday, February 23rd at 6:00pm – Live-streaming Online

Instructors: Neha Kohli

This workshop offers a practical introduction to taxes for creatives and freelancers working in comedy and the performing arts. Designed as a professional development session, it demystifies how personal tax returns work and what independent artists need to know when filing as freelancers.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of common write offs, how to track income and expenses, and how to approach filing with confidence. The session also introduces basic tax aware investing strategies, helping creatives understand how small financial decisions can support long term sustainability.

Whether you are new to freelance work or looking to strengthen your financial foundation, this workshop provides clear, actionable information tailored to the realities of creative careers.

Creating Your Solo Play

Saturday, March 7th at 12:00pm – The Theatre Centre, Incubator

Instructor: Curtis Campbell

Join Curtis Campbell for a hands on workshop exploring his award winning approach to solo performance. Learn playwriting tools for comedians, comedic dramaturgy, and character comedy techniques that help shape personal stories into funny, compelling one person shows built for the stage.

Cold Read Skills for Auditions

Saturday, March 7th at 3:00pm – The Second City, John Candy Box Theatre

Instructor: TBD

Want to crush your auditions? This workshop will teach tricks and techniques for making strong, grounded comedic choices in an audition environment, by studying classic sketches from the Second City archives. Learn how to do killer improv in small moments, and how to shine with a brand-new scene partner you’re meeting for the first time.

Pitch Panel – International Women’s Day

Sunday, March 8th at 11:00am – The Theatre Centre, Incubator

Presented in partnership with

Join hosts Zeynep Güler Tuck and Rena Taylor, in collaboration with the Firecracker Department, for a lively discussion on storytelling and pitching with industry experts In the second half, attendees can share a 30-45 second pitch for panel feedback.

Pitch Writing and Development for Television

Sunday, March 8th at 1:00pm – The Theatre Centre, Incubator

Instructor: Joanne O’Sullivan

Over the course of this three-hour workshop, participants will learn how to distill their show idea into a clear, accessible, and compelling concept – and translate that idea onto the page in a proposal that highlights what is most engaging and marketable about their show. The workshop will also cover the core components of a pitch document, along with practical tips
for pitching in the room.

Showrunning Comedy for TV

Saturday, March 14th at 11:00am – The Theatre Centre, Incubator

Instructor: Anthony Q. Farrell

Led by Anthony Q. Farrell, this professional development workshop offers an in depth look at showrunning a comedic series for television or digital platforms. Designed for comedy creators ready to step into leadership roles, the session breaks down the realities of guiding a project from idea to screen.

Participants will explore how to build and lead a strong comedy room, balance creative vision with collaboration, and navigate the practical demands of prep, production, and post. The workshop also addresses managing teams with clarity and care, offering insight into the skills needed to sustain both the work and the people behind it.

BRUNCH! A Clown and Creative Play Workshop

Saturday, March 14th at 2:30pm – Sweet Action Theatre

Instructors: Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, Gordon Neill

Brought to you by Sweet Action Theatre, Toronto’s Home for the Ridiculous and only clown dedicated theatre, BRUNCH! is a spiritually mathematical science based approach to creative play! It’s kinda like school, but just the recess part. We’re going to explore audience connection, group mind, devising, the neutral body, energy, musicality, rhythm and more – and all with creative play in mind (…and body). As you can see, we have lofty goals for this class. We may fail at reaching them all, but we’re going to have fun trying together.

We’ve sold out 14 straight sessions, so join us for this special preview class, and come get a nibble at what all the fun is about!

Directing Sketch Comedy

Sunday, March 15th at 12:00pm – The Theatre Centre, Incubator

Instructor: Nicole Passmore

Led by Nicole Passmore, this workshop offers an inside look at directing sketch comedy, with a focus on shaping cohesive, dynamic live shows. Designed for comedy creators looking to expand their directorial toolkit, the session explores how directors support both material and performers while maintaining a clear creative vision.

Participants will learn how to build a running order that sustains energy and flow, offer effective punch up and feedback while respecting an artist or troupe’s comedic voice, and refine a show’s tone through transitions, music, and technical elements. The workshop emphasizes collaboration, clarity, and the director’s role in elevating sketch from page to stage.

Get a Literary Agent

Monday, March 30th at 6:00pm – Live-streaming Online

Instructor: Neha Kohli

This professional development session offers an inside look at working as a screenwriter in 2026, with a focus on literary agents, representation, and navigating today’s evolving industry. Designed for comedy creators, the workshop explores when and why to seek an agent, how agent relationships actually function, and what representation looks like across television, digital, and independent projects.

Participants will gain clarity on building sustainable careers, positioning their work, and understanding current expectations around staffing, pitching, and development. The session balances practical industry insight with honest conversation about the realities of working screenwriters today, helping artists make informed, strategic choices about their next steps.

Watch our video highlight of last year’s LEARNING + FUN program!

TOsketchfest26 Lineup Announcement

Posted on: January 15th, 2026 by TOsketchfest Staff

Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival Celebrates Its 21st Edition

Toronto’s longest-running live comedy festival returns for its 21st year. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival runs March 4-15, 2026 at The Theatre Centre and Comedy Bar Bloor.

TOsketchfest is carefully curated to showcase the most exciting comedic voices from across North America. The 2026 festival features its largest lineup to date, presenting over 70 high-energy showcases by more than 75 comedy troupes, spanning contemporary sketch comedy, drag, storytelling, musical comedy, and clown.

PLUS – stay tuned for more exciting lineup announcements including the full lineup of the 9th annual TOsketchfest Film Festival and the rollout of our Learning + Fun Series of workshops, panels and networking events.

Whether you’re a fan of siiick solo characters, masterful musical comedy, audacious comedy drag, boundary-pushing clown or classic sketch comedy, TOsketchfest26 is the place to be!

Tickets & Passes

Single tickets start at just $25.

Festival Passes start at just $129 – the ultimate way to soak in all that TOsketchfest has to offer!

2026 Festival Passes

Posted on: January 1st, 2026 by TOsketchfest Staff

Get ALL of TOsketchfest26: SHOWS Passes, EVERYTHING Passes, … AND THEN SOME upgrades available NOW!

The TOsketchfest’26 Festival Passes are the best way to experience Toronto’s favourite comedy festival.

SHOWS PASS
Just $129

**Our most popular pass** All shows in TOsketchfest can be yours with this one-price full-festival pass – access to 60+ shows on 4 stages by 60+ acts from across North America March 4-15, 2026 (Regular single tickets are $25 each). Includes Buddy Discounts for Shows and Advance Booking. PLUS – Exclusive, on-demand access to the 2026 TOsketchfest Film Festival.

…AND THEN SOME
JUST $149

All the benefits of the SHOWS pass PLUS:

Reserved seating at live shows
An EXCLUSIVE limited edition piece of TOsketchfest swag available only to festival VIPs
15% Off all TOsketchfest merchandise

SOLD OUT – EVERYTHING PASS
Just $159

You guessed it! All shows, workshops and panels are included in the EVERYTHING PASS. There are a limited number of Everything Passes available. Please note: some workshops require prerequisite of at least one year of comedy training and/or performance. Includes Buddy Discounts for Shows and Advance Booking. PLUS – Exclusive, on-demand access to the 2026 TOsketchfest Film Festival.

SOLD OUT – …AND THEN SOME
JUST $179

It’s the pass you’ve been asking for. With the Everything and Then Some Pass you get all the benefits of the EVERYTHING Pass PLUS:

Reserved seating at live shows
Early Access to book your spot in our Learning + Fun Series workshops
An EXCLUSIVE limited edition piece of TOsketchfest swag available only to festival VIPs
15% Off all TOsketchfest merchandise

BUDDY DISCOUNTS & ADVANCE BOOKING

Comedy is best enjoyed with friends. We get it. SHOW and EVERYTHING passholders will once again have exclusive access to Buddy Discounts – 20% Discount on Additional Tickets Purchased by Passholders, to shows you are attending!

And once again our Festival Passholders will have exclusive access to our Passholder Concierge service. Book all of your TOsketchfest passholder tickets and workshops in advance.

Limited Time. Limited Supply.
When they’re gone, they’re gone!

Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret: Year-End Edition

Posted on: December 5th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

Last Comedy Cabaret of the year. Big laughs. No regrets.

The final Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret of 2025 is here, and we’re closing out the year with a high‑energy night of live sketch comedy in the heart of Toronto. Join us on Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00pm at VideoCabaret in Leslieville for the last TOsketchfest performance until the festival returns in March 2026.

If you’re looking for the best comedy acts in Toronto this December, this is the one to see. We’re bringing six unforgettable sketch acts to the stage for a fast, funny, and loud send‑off to the year. Whether you’re a longtime TOsketchfest regular or discovering Toronto’s sketch scene for the first time, this year‑end edition delivers big laughs, big characters, and big “I can’t believe we just saw that” energy.

Grab a friend and get ready to end 2025 with a night of live comedy that’ll echo into the new year.

🗓️ Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
🕗 Show starts at 7:00pm
🎭 Featuring SIX different sketch comedy acts
🎟️ Tickets: $20 + fees/taxes (Accessible pricing available)
📍VideoCabaret, Leslieville (10 Busy Street)

Check out the full lineup below and grab your tickets before they’re gone! 🎟️

Carson & Taylor

Carson Pinch and Taylor Davis are multi-award winning artists who have been performing live theatre together for over 25 years. They are the first and only back-to-back recipients of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival’s “Audience Choice Award”. They are directed by legacy comedian Paul Bates (32 Short Sketches About Bees), and were recently featured on Canada’s Got Talent… twice!

Creepy Boys

S.E. Grummett and Sam Kruger proudly make joyful, deliciously funny, big-hearted, queer comedy and theatre for the intrigued. Real-life lovers, the pair perform under the duo name “Creepy Boys”, recently nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award for their new show “SLUGS”.

As Creepy Boys and with their own solo works, they have toured extensively around the world including across Canada (Buddies in Bad Times, Summerworks Festival), US (Twin Cities Horror Festival), UK (Soho Theatre, Latitude Festival, Edinburgh Fringe), Europe (Prague Quadrennial, LiteraturHaus Copenhagen) and Australia (Midsumma Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Fringe World). Their work has also been featured on CBC Radio and BBC Radio 4.

FAOC

What the F*** is FAOC? FAOC pronounced FOWK stands for Friggin’ Arab Orchestra Company, or Freakin Awesome Old Crones, or Funny Arabs Occupying Canada, or Foul-mouthed Aunties Offgassing Cannabis. You decide!
FAOC is Maryem Tollar and Roula Said, long time friends and musical collaborators, well established in Toronto’s vibrant world music scene. Maryem is a true Global Diva with a list of awards that could stuff several shawarmas. Roula is a musician, dancer, poet, actor, Wedding Officiant, and Death Doula. FAOC was born during the otherworldly weirdness of the early pandemic months when they released a holiday EP, Arab Ladies Sing Christmas Carols written by Jews, destined to become a classic. In 2024, they joined farcical forces with the brilliant Anand Rajaram, who co-wrote, co-starred and directed FAOC in their theatre shows, Beige Christmas (2024) and Very Shady Arab Ladies (Fringe Festival 2025), at VideoCab.

Gabe and Taylor

Gabe and Taylor promise not to fight on stage during their set. Unless it’s a sketch about fighting.

Joy Provision

Joy Provision is a queer-led comedy collective that specializes in sharp political satire, highlighting current feminist and queer themes. Our work thrives at the intersection of absurdity and social critique, creating shows that make audiences laugh while prompting them to reflect on the world around them. We are passionate about producing comedy that is bold, inclusive, and community-centred.

Spencer Glassman

Spencer Glassman is a feisty, queer comedy writer and performer from Toronto, represented by 3Arts Entertainment. She has dazzled audiences across North America, with credits including JFL, Toronto and Montreal Sketch Festivals, Comedy Bar, and the Fun and Dumb Improv Festival at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Her one-woman musical sketch show, Child Star, was featured in Brooklyn Magazine and performed in both Canada and New York City.

That’s our final lineup of 2025. Six incredible acts, one unforgettable night, and your last chance to experience live sketch comedy with TOsketchfest until the festival kicks off in March 2026.

If you love Toronto comedy, independent theatre, or discovering the next wave of sketch performers, the Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret is the perfect way to wrap up the year. Tickets are limited, so grab yours now and join us at VideoCabaret for a night of fast, fresh, fiercely funny sketch comedy.

Laugh loud, stay late, and let’s send off 2025 together.

Thanks for an incredible year. Let’s go out with a laugh.

TOsketchfest26 Film Fest Submissions Are OPEN

Posted on: October 31st, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

2026 TORONTO SKETCH COMEDY FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS – NOW OPEN!

Lights, Camera… Laugh!

It’s that wonderful time of year again, when sketch comedians hunker down editing at a starbucks, trimming awkward pauses, and chasing that perfect comedic beat. Time to see if you really did “Fix it in Post”! TOsketchfest26 Film Festival submissions are officially open!

We’re thrilled to announce our 21st annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, running March 4th – 15th, 2026. And as always, we’re kicking things off with the TOsketchfest Film Festival, opening the festival on March 4th. It will be an evening dedicated to the funniest short films, sketches, and digital creations Toronto and the rest of the world has to offer.

Dates to know!

Early Bird Deadline: November 21, 2025
Extended Deadline: December 12, 2025
(Because yes, we know how artists and deadlines usually get along.)

What We’re Looking For

The TOsketchfest Film Festival is on the hunt for the best comedic short films and digital sketches produced in the last year. We’re looking for:

Character and ensemble performances that stick,
Sketches that slay, (period)
Musical comedy that moves,
Animated absurdities,
Reels and TikToks (digital shorts) that prove brilliance can fit into 90 seconds or less.

If it’s short, smart, and seriously funny, we want to see it!

Submit your film through FilmFreeway!

Note: Acceptance to past festivals doesn’t guarantee future inclusion. Every year, we start fresh, just like that one comedian who “retires” their best bit and immediately writes a better one.

FAQs

Q: My project won’t be finished before the deadline!
A: No worries, we love a work-in-progress. Reach out to ivan@torontosketchfest.com to discuss your options.

Q: I’d love to submit, but cost is a challenge.
A: Totally fair. Comedy can be priceless… but also pricey. Drop Ivan a note, we want to keep this opportunity accessible for everyone.

Q: Can I still apply to perform live?
A: Live submissions are now closed and the Film Fest is ready for its close-up.

Why Submit?

Because your comedy deserves an audience, not just your friends, your cat, and your social media algorithm and FYP. The TOsketchfest Film Festival is your chance to see your work on the big screen, alongside some of the funniest creators from around Toronto and the world.

Be part of a festival where comedy gets the cinematic spotlight it deserves, with laughter is our standing ovation.

So grab your camera, rally your funniest collaborators, and submit your film today.
Your film could be the laugh that opens TOsketchfest26.

5 Toronto Comedy Shows to See in April 2025

Posted on: April 3rd, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

It’s April – the sun’s out (mostly), the vibes are up, and the laughs are blooming all over Toronto. Sure, April Fools’ Day might be all about the jokes, but we’re not kidding when we say these 5 Toronto Comedy Shows to See in April 2025 are the real deal. Whether you’re looking for big belly laughs or clever chuckles, this month’s lineup has something to tickle everyone’s funny bone. So grab a drink, grab a friend, and check out these must-see comedy shows that prove the Toronto comedy scene is no joke.

CRINGE MOUNTAIN

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

If awkward laughs and secondhand embarrassment are your comedy love language, Cringe Mountain is your summit. This monthly sketch showcase dares six of Toronto’s funniest troupes to perform their newest, weirdest, most wonderfully uncomfortable material. Think of it as a glorious avalanche of cringe that’s actually cool.

Featuring: The Understudies, Summer Dad, Lower Class Act, Shrimp Mocktail, Debit Cash or Credit, and Depresh Mode.

Wenona Lodge, Tickets and Info

TORONTO SKETCH LEAGUE

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 & 22

Fast-paced. Fierce. Funny as hell. Toronto Sketch League is back and it’s time to pick a side. This is competitive sketch comedy where the laughs are real and the stakes are… hilariously low. Each night features two head-to-head matchups, judged by a guest celeb and—you guessed it—you. Come cheer, jeer, and help crown the champs of the city’s sketch scene. Hosted by Friedman & Stew.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets and Info

IN SEARCH OF CRUISE CONTROL

APRIL 10-13

In his HIT solo comedy, Gangl performs a critically-acclaimed one-man comedy that’s heartfelt, inappropriate, and unforgettably funny! In Search of Cruise Control follows James Gangl, a long-time virgin, turned sex-fiend, turned devoted uncle, as he struggles to give his awkward teenage nephew the sex talk he never asked for and will never forget.

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets and Info

LARRY

APRIL 25-26

Pictured: Candice Roberts as Larry photo by Kristine Cofsky

Clown meets commentary in Larry, the award-winning solo show by Candy Roberts. When the band doesn’t show up, lovable hoser and tech guy Larry steps up to “medertate,” motivate, and maybe even shred a little. It’s part stand-up, part life lesson, part existential bear-watching trip.

Gloria Steinem? Feminism meets headbanging? Gear Down, Big Rig, you might get sideways.

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets and Info

SKETCH COMEDY AT THE RIVOLI

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

It’s the biggest sketch comedy show in the city, and it’s coming in hot. Sketch Comedy at the Rivoli packs an overflowing lineup of Toronto’s top comedy talent into a night of five-minute mini-masterpieces. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s a guaranteed laugh marathon.

More comedians than you can count. Five-minute sets. Zero filler.

Rivoli Toronto, Tickets and Info

Each of these 5 Toronto Comedy Shows to see in April brings something unique to the stage. Whether you’re into sketch battles, solo storytelling, or cringe-fuelled chaos, there’s a show that’ll crack you up. Make April your funniest month yet.

Want to see more funny in the city?

Thanks for checking out TOsketchfest’s 5 Comedy Shows to see in Toronto April 2025. Like our picks? Let us know!

Have a show you would like us to know about? Contact info@torontosketchfest.com.

Thank you, Toronto!

Posted on: March 19th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

A heartfelt thank you from the TOsketchfest Team

WHAT a 20th Anniversary!

To all of our funders, new and longtime festival partners – we truly cannot thank you enough for joining us to celebrate 20 years of Toronto’s favourite comedy festival. Thanks for believing us, in the community we work to create, and in the importance of laughter in our lives. Hugs to you all.

To all of the performers – you had us in stitches for two full weeks, and made our lives easy (even if many wigs, swords and mannequin pieces were left behind).

To all of our audiences – you were simply the best. Truly without you, TOsketchfest does not exist. You were courteous, kind, and really amped up the good vibes in ’25! We cannot wait to see you all again next year – bring a friend!

My gosh, we miss all of you already!

From your TOsketchfest pals,

Duke, Maddox, Nate, Paul, Sareeda, Bryce, Andrea, Laura, Alanna, Ellie, Victoria, Julianne, Virginia, Ivan and Gordon (not pictured: Dan, Jenn, Marquel, Grace, Taj, and Rena)

PS – GO SEE MORE LIVE COMEDY. Stay tuned for the return of TOsketchfest monthly showcases, and our monthly “Top Five” Toronto comedy show recommendations on our website and socials. And speaking of… don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and invite us to your inbox by becoming a TOsketchfest Insider.

2025 Best of the Fest

Posted on: March 15th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

The 20th edition of The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival wraps up on Sunday with a variety show for the ages. We promise you a kickass highlight reel of the best live comedy that scorched our stages over these last 12 nights hosted by the incomparable Seth K. Thomas, featuring performances from hit shows Comedy Dance Chicago, Legally Brown, Beggar’s Canyon and Bitty-Bat!

It’s a finale show 20 years in the making. All we need now, is you!

THE BEST OF THE FEST AWARD SHOW

hosted by Seth K. Thomas
Sunday, March 16 – 6pm
Franco Boni Theatre

Towering Talent

Posted on: March 15th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

TALLBOYZ RETURNS

Hometown heroes return to the festival where it all began

Four towering talents. One legendary night. The stars of TallBoyz are back, bringing their signature blend of sharp social commentary and side-splitting absurdity to TOsketchfest.

😂 FEARLESSLY FUNNY: Tackling everything from cultural quirks to everyday absurdities with their unique comedic flair

6️⃣ HOMEGROWN HEROES: Toronto’s own comedy sensations return to the festival where it all began

⏳ ONE NIGHT ONLY: Don’t miss this exclusive chance to see the TallBoyz live in action!

TallBoyz: One City World Tour
Saturday, March 15th – 8PM
Theatre Centre (Franco Boni)

Records Fall TONIGHT

Posted on: March 14th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

CARSON & TAYLOR

Promise to Break the Guinness World Record for Holding Their Breath Underwater

Two master magicians. One impossible stunt. Zero chance of success. This high-stakes parody dives deep into the world of illusion, where the only thing trickier than their magic… is their friendship.

🎩 ILLUSIONS & DELUSIONS: Mind-bending magic meets total disaster
😮‍💨 HOLD YOUR BREATH: Tension, tricks, and hilariously high stakes
⏳ ONE NIGHT ONLY: Blink and you’ll miss it!

Carson & Taylor Promise to Break the Guinness World Recrod for Holding Their Breath Underwater

Friday, March 14 – 10pm
with Comedy Dance Chicago
Theatre Centre (Franco Boni)

Pick-4 Pass – Your Week Two Ticket

Posted on: March 12th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

Festival Passes sold out early for our 20th anniversary. That bummed you out and we heard you. So we figured we’d try something brand new as we open week two – the Pick-4 Pass.

When you buy a Pick-4 Pass for just $75, you get four TOsketchfest shows for the price of 3. It’s that simple.

Already a passholder?

Wicked – grab a wingman and they can enjoy the back half of the festival and save 25%.

Festival Artist?

Your Artist Pass gives you access to Artist Rush tickets. But a number of shows sold out in week one. Here’s one way to book what you want to see and save a little money too.

So let’s see if you like this Pick-4 Pass! It’s so new, in fact, we didn’t even have time to make a new button. Use this one:

TSCF25 Insiders’ Guide – Part Three

Posted on: March 5th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

It’s time for Part Three of our TOsketchfest Insiders’ Guide! TOsketchfest favourites and die-hard fans share what they’re most excited about seeing at TOsketchfest25. Grab a pass. Book some tix. Have some laughs.

Julianne Snepsts

Julianne is the co-founder of TOsketchfest and has been around the fest for 20 years! She knows a thing or two about sketch comedy.

Honestly, I think that this year’s festival lineup is the best I’ve seen in twenty years. So many rock-solid veterans and thrilling new acts. Here’s what I’m looking forward to:

The pairing of The Incredible Shrinking Matt and Jacquie with Cam Wyllie on March 7 is a match made in heaven. Their comedy styles are very different. Matt and Jacquie (from Philadelphia) offer slow building comedy that pays off big. While Toronto’s own Cam Wyllie is the epitome of ridiculousness (and last year’s Best of the Fest winner.) But the reason I love this pairing so much right now is because these goofs are cross-border best comedy pals. This is the North American camaraderie (comedy-raderie?) we need right now!!

I also want to shout out some of the comedians who have been around the Toronto comedy scene for a long time and who are guaranteed to put on a great show. The Understudies were part of the very first TOsketchfest back in 2005. Troupes and performers like Pete and Ian of Beggar’s Canyon (comedy for the nerd in all of us!), Templeton Philharmonic (theatrical, surreal, hilarious), Rapp Battlez (comedy + rap + characters), Vest of Friends (highest laugh-per-minute ratio in the Festival, maybe?) and masters of solo sketch Anders Yates, Jon Blair and Dave Barclay. …all of these people have been crushing sketch comedy since before Lady Gaga wore that meat dress to the MTV music awards.

Despite 20 years in the trenches with this festival, this old lady can still be taught new tricks. I’m really looking forward to some fresh new faces. If I’m picking one to recommend… Small Friend, Tall Friend. They burst onto the scene last year with super fun songs and sketches – catch a bit of them in the Firecracker Department Cafe on March 8 or in a full show on March 15.

Chase Jeffels

Catch Chase on March 6th at The Theatre Centre in West 2 West 3: Return of the 2.

Toronto has a rich comedy community, and coming from the clown world, I feel the need to highlight my clown-leaning friends—not just because I’m one of them, but because they create some of the most unique and unforgettable shows you’ll ever see.

If you haven’t seen Emily Jeffers, you need to catch one of her two upcoming shows! Sachin and I have seen some early versions of her new character, The Mathemagician, and my dear comedy fans, you are in for a treat. Her commitment to the outrageousness of her characters is truly inspiring and an absolute joy to watch. And if you haven’t seen her other character, Bitty-Bat, this might be your last chance—at least for a while! She’s a compelling performer, and you’d be silly to miss her shows.

Next up: Colonial Circus. I saw them at Fringe, directed by the master of chaos himself, Isaac Kessler. This duo will both charm your pants off and, at the same time, make you pee those very pants. If that doesn’t sell tickets, I don’t know what will. Beyond the comedy, they manage to convey a powerful message—without having to say much of a word. Their show is a unique, heartfelt journey into some of the darker parts of our humanity.

Santosh Santosh is absolutely worth the night out. A drag king comedian who has surprised me in so many ways. With Ken Hall at the director’s table, you know you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Every time Tika strikes the face of Santosh, I can’t look away.

Carson and Taylor are a hilarious duo. Honestly, I don’t need to say much about them because everyone already knows they’re masters of their craft. I don’t know them super well, but from what I’ve seen, their work is pure physical comedy mastery. They seamlessly blend sketch and clown in a way that feels effortless and perfectly executed.

Finally, I have to mention Summer Dad—one of the hardest-working and most dynamic sketch groups in the city. I’ve never been let down by one of their shows. My face always hurts from laughing and smiling so much. Their performances are packed with variety—there’s something for everyone. A VERY funny group. Plus, I hear this year’s
show is extra naughty. How do you not buy tickets to that?

Big Apartment

Big Apartment is a sketch troupe from NYC performing at TOsketchfest March 14th & 15th at The Theatre Centre.

Big Apartment is so excited to be back for our second year at Toronto Sketchfest. We can’t wait to see some of the groups again this year, but of course we also have to shout out some of our favorites from NYC! We’re sure you can tell, but we lean towards comedy that’s fun and dumb.

Dumptruck – These guys have performed at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade in NYC and they consistently put on some of the wackiest sketches we’ve seen.

Amanda Xeller – You probably know her from her many appearances at the Toronto Sketchfest, but she’s an absolute icon. She shows off her silly characters in silly situations at every theater in New York. Front row may get wet.

Woody Fu: One-man John Wick – Although he’s no longer in our hometown, Woody Fu weaves together a story with his character pieces, so we know you’re in for a thrill with him playing John Wick.

24 Double B – This duo was one of our favorites when we visited Toronto last year. They combine the absurd with just plain dumb. They have such good chemistry and we can’t wait to see what they do this year.

See you at TOsketchfest

Did you love that list of reccos? Want some more? Here are some links to Insiders’ Guide Part One, Insiders’ Guide Part Two, Insiders’ Guide Part Three and Insiders’ Guide Part Four.

Now that we’ve shared our Insiders Guides for 2025, you’ve had some very strong recommendations from TEN different sketch comedy experts! Still not enough? Well, if you aren’t one already, you can become a sketch comedy expert, too. With over 50 shows and 70 different troupes performing from March 5-16, you have the opportunity for a comprehensive education in comedy right at your fingertips.

Now go study the full festival schedule and get ready for 12 days of the best live comedy on earth!

Comedians’ recommendations may have been edited for length and clarity.

TSCF25 Insiders’ Guide – Part Two

Posted on: February 28th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

It’s time for Part Two of our TOsketchfest Insiders’ Guide! TOsketchfest favourites and die-hard fans share what they’re most excited about seeing at TOsketchfest25. Grab a pass. Book some tix. Have some laughs.

Alia Rasul

Catch Alia on March 7th & 8th at The Theatre Centre in Tita Collective: That’s So Tita, and hosting on various stages throughout the festival.

I AM SO EXCITED for the 20th anniversary of this festival, everything in the festival is sure to be a great time! I’ve got my pass and have challenged myself to watch as much sketch as possible, but if I HAD TO pick 5 shows to talk about it would be these:

Comedy Dance Chicago: dance AND comedy? I am there! I missed them last year and I have regretted it ever since. Hailing from Chicago, this is a critically-acclaimed act and there is nothing quite like it in Toronto.

Vivek Srikanthan is doing something really cool, melding autobiographical work with sketch. It’s so exciting when sketch comedians take a medium and REALLY make it their own, and I think Vivek’s done it. There’s massive buzz around this, it’s going to be a hot ticket for sure.

Nkasi Ogbonnah’s Afronaut – I have been a huge fan of Nkasi’s comedy for a while and I think solo comedy is IT for her. She is a Second City Mainstage Alumna, and in the shows she was in, her sketches always pushed the envelope in terms of point-of-view. Whipsmart and hilarious as hell, this one is something you don’t want to miss.

Gaylulu – Having seen Pat Gourdeau in a few improv shows lately, he is always a standout amongst an ensemble. I’m not sure what it is: charisma, delivery, stage presence, maybe it’s all of it. I think Pat’s going to do big things, and this Sketchfest show is an opportunity for you to say you saw him right before he blew up.

Manic Depressive Thrillness: A Mad Musical Comedy – I don’t really know how to encapsulate K. Zimmer’s genius into words, I saw their show 2 Sketchfest’s ago and it was the greatest thing I had seen that year. They are a rare figure in the comedy scene. Watch this if you want to see something that breaks all of the rules.

Sachin Sharma

Sachin is one half of Two2Mango performing Colonial Circus on March 6th at The Theatre Centre.

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is packed with unmissable acts by amazing artists this year. I am sure you know many of these artists already. So, I am going to tell you about the acts/artists I have watched and liked very much. Hence I recommend them to anyone looking for a healthy comedy diet. All the artists listed here ARE VERY FUNNY.

My list starts with Vivek Srikanthan and his solo show which he describes as a ‘self-deprecating solo sketch comedy revue’. His humour, In my view, is more self-embracing than self-deprecating. He makes you ‘feel’, not just laugh.

Our clowning community is looking strong at this festival. I am very happy to recommend these shows that I was fortunate enough to see the artists build these successful shows very closely:

Santosh Santosh: I remember watching ‘Tosh’ emerging at a workshop show and the power this character wields. Also, being a co-fringer with Tika and the team was super fun. Emily Jeffers Presents The Mathemagician and Bitty-Bat: Emily’s Bitty-Bat has been flying across the globe including Edinburgh Fringe. So Bitty-Bat is a must-watch show. At the same time, Emily’s new character (Mathemagician) looks very solid to me. I can’t wait to see what Emily does in and as The Mathemagician.

While we are at ‘clowning,’ may I suggest you to sign up for Brunch! A CLOWN WORKSHOP? No matter what you do in life – TAKE THE BRUNCH. So many of us at The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival are a product of BRUNCH. I can’t possibly highlight enough about the trio of clowning teachers at Brunch (Gord, Isaac and Ken). Isaac is the most committed and electric performer/teacher who also directed our show (Colonial Circus).

Nate Friedman

Nate is a rockstar member of the TOsketchfest Box Office team (be sure to say hello!) and frequent sketch performer in duo “Friedman & Stew”.

So excited for it to be time for Toronto Sketchfest again and to get laughing properly- because let’s be honest, that snow outside has been kind of a buzz kill. I’m happy to be back working for the festival this year :) come and say hi! AS USUAL, and for great reason for the 20th anniversary year, this festival lineup is STACKED!

I wanted to start with a show that’s absolutely top of my list. Do yourself a favour and do not miss Nkasi Ogbonnah’s AFRONAUT. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Nkasi perform at Sketch to the Death and her comedy is always hilarious, pointed and topical, I still remember her from her time at Second City where she would frequently steal the show and am still laughing from a niche political sketch she put on a few weeks ago, always so greatly written and world class performance. Another must-catch is Erica Gellert and her Friends. I have long been an Erica Gellert fan as I don’t believe that our country has a better pure character comedian than her. The characters are always outlandish, as she promises, and over-the-top in the best way. It looks like the show got even better with Friends, but it’s unclear if she will be playing her friends or she has friends- hard to tell with comedians lol. I challenge you to go see this show and not laugh but I know that simply won’t happen.

Another big deal of a show you’d be insane to miss is: Tallboyz: One City World Tour. There’s a reason this one is featured as it’s rare to see them all in one place and we hope to see more of the Tallboyz together. The sharp wit and physical comedy along with the way this troupe works together are second to none and pure magic. Next recommendation is Jon Blair. He’s received Best of Fest honours twice at the festival and no one quite does absurdity like he can. The types of sketches that stick in your mind and make you laugh long after the show, kind of like the mad scientist of sketch comedy.

Another show that just jumps off the page at me is Gillian Bartolucci on a double bill with Shannon Lahaie’s: The Inevitable Solo Show. Gillian is always so polished and writes sketches that appeal to everyone. Shannon I’ve seen a bunch in the Improv community and always has the best silly characters, not to mention this one is directed by Canadian Sketch Royalty Aurora Browne of Baroness Von Sketch. Sign me up.

For workshops make sure to take: Seth K Thomas’ Creating Content with a Political Lean and Amanda Xeller’s Character Creation in Context. (and go see their shows too!)

See you at TOsketchfest

Did you love that list of reccos? Want some more? Here are some links to Insiders’ Guide Part One, Insiders’ Guide Part Two, Insiders’ Guide Part Three and Insiders’ Guide Part Four.

Between part one and two of our Insiders Guide, you’ve had some very strong recommendations from NINE different sketch comedy experts! Still not enough? We have one more to come! And, if you aren’t one already, you can become a sketch comedy expert, too. With over 50 shows and 70 different troupes performing from March 5-16, you have the opportunity for a comprehensive education in comedy right at your fingertips.

Now go study the full festival schedule and get ready for 12 days of the best live comedy on earth!

Comedians’ recommendations may have been edited for length and clarity.

TOsketchfest25 Lineup Announcement

Posted on: January 22nd, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

20 Years of Big Laughs

It’s the 20th anniversary of The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, and we’re pulling out all the stops! From March 5-16, 2025, join us for an unforgettable celebration of the best live comedy in North America with 70+ incredible acts and 50+ must-see performances.

This year’s lineup is packed with comedy stars and rising talent, including viral sensation Tom Hearn (with a special guest appearance by Canada’s Drag Race winner Priyanka), Canadian Screen Award winners TallBoyz, and fan-favourite solo sketch and YouTube creator Julie Nolke. Add to that the acclaimed 13 Plays About ADHD All At The Same Time, podcast recordings, International Womens Day celebrations with Firecracker Department, and dozens more shows featuring some of the hottest live comedy acts in North America.

PLUS – stay tuned for more exciting lineup announcements including the full lineup of the 8th annual TOsketchfest Film Festival and the rollout of our Learning + Fun Series of workshops, panels and networking events.

Whether you’re a fan of siiick solo characters, masterful musical comedy, audacious comedy drag, boundary-pushing clown or classic sketch comedy, TOsketchfest25 is the place to be. We’re celebrating two decades of laughter in Toronto, and we want you to be part of it ALL!

Tickets & Passes

Single tickets start at just $25.

Festival Passes start at just $119 – the ultimate way to soak in all of TOsketchfest’s 20th anniversary celebrations!

2025 Festival Passes

Posted on: January 20th, 2025 by TOsketchfest Staff

Get ALL of TOsketchfest25: SHOWS Passes, EVERYTHING Passes, … AND THEN SOME upgrades available NOW!

The TOsketchfest’25 Festival Passes are the best way to experience Toronto’s favourite comedy festival.

EVERYTHING PASS
Just $159

…AND THEN SOME
JUST $179

It’s the pass you’ve been asking for. With the Everything and Then Some Pass you get all the benefits of the EVERYTHING Pass PLUS:

Reserved seating at live shows
Early Access to book your spot in our Learning + Fun Series workshops
An EXCLUSIVE limited edition piece of TOsketchfest swag available only to festival VIPs
15% Off all TOsketchfest merchandise

SHOWS PASS
Just $129

**Our most popular pass** All shows in TOsketchfest can be yours with this one-price full-festival pass – access to 60+ shows on 4 stages by 60+ acts from across North America March 6-17, 2024 (Regular single tickets are $25 each). Includes Buddy Discounts for Shows and Advance Booking. PLUS – Exclusive, on-demand access to the 2024 TOsketchfest Film Festival.

…AND THEN SOME
JUST $149

All the benefits of the SHOWS pass PLUS:

Reserved seating at live shows
An EXCLUSIVE limited edition piece of TOsketchfest swag available only to festival VIPs
15% Off all TOsketchfest merchandise

BUDDY DISCOUNTS & ADVANCE BOOKING

And once again our Festival Passholders will have exclusive access to our Passholder Concierge service. Book all of your TOsketchfest passholder tickets and workshops in advance.

Limited Time. Limited Supply.
When they’re gone, they’re gone!

2024 Sketch Comedy Project Fund Recipients

Posted on: September 17th, 2024 by TOsketchfest Staff

Announcing the 2024 recipients of The Sketch Comedy Project Fund

Since 2015, The Sketch Comedy Project Fund has made 30 remarkable comedy projects possible. From working with stage directors to recording sketch comedy albums; from full-run stage productions to web series productions; from regional and international touring opportunities to production of digital comedy shorts.

With financial support from The Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts, TOsketchfest is thrilled to announce this year’s Sketch Comedy Project Fund recipient projects.

Bitty-Bat at Edinburgh Fringe 2024 – funding to support Emily Jeffers with her solo clown show tour to Edinburgh Fringe with the goal of increasing visibility with bigger venues internationally.
Noodles – A Short Film – funding to support Shohana Sharmin and Yes, Let’s! Media on the adaptation of a successful solo sketch into a short film with the goal of submission to festivals.
TRSH PNDA: A Christmas/Holiday Special – funding to support a new sketch collaboration of new and experienced sketch comedians as they build on their momentum as a new collective and present a production of their work.
Sex T-Rex’s New Gothic/Teen Show Incubator – funding to support an established and award-winning Toronto troupe in the incubation process of their next project, with the goal of focused and dedicated time for artistic development.

Comedy Shows to see at the Toronto Fringe 2024

Posted on: June 28th, 2024 by TOsketchfest Staff

Here it is… our list of Comedy Shows to see at the Toronto Fringe 2024. Get ready to giggle and guffaw! This July, the city is bursting with top-notch comedy. From hilarious up-and-comers to seasoned pros, there’s something to tickle everyone’s funny bone. The Toronto Fringe Festival runs from July 3-14, and this year it will showcase a stellar lineup of comedy acts. Don’t miss your chance to experience Toronto’s comedic talent at its best. Here are our top picks for laugh-out-loud moments at this year’s Fringe!

ALL OF OUR PARENTS ARE IMMIGRANTS

An improvised comedy show that brings to life the humorous and heartfelt stories of growing with immigrant parents, inspired by a special guest each night and also audience submissions

Info & Tickets

ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT

With nearly 1 million followers and over 400 million views online, musical comedian Anesti Danelis brings you his new comedy special. Feeling lost in life, he asked ChatGPT to write a show based on his life and this is what we got…

Info & Tickets

BEFORE WE GO

The world is ending and no one can save it. Toronto is in chaos, parties are raging, streetcars are…delayed. But this isn’t about all that. This is about ordinary people making the most of an extraordinary moment. Inspired by audience suggestions every night, their plans for a grand exit may differ, but they have one thing in common: they’re all just doing their best. Inspired by the Canadian apocalyptic indie film “Last Night,” and the Netflix series “Carol & the End of the World.” Before We Go asks you to pay attention to the little things like it’s the last thing you’ll ever do, because it is.

Info & Tickets

COLONIAL CIRCUS

Juggle between laughter and gasps as two curious Bouffons take you through the circus of colonization. Described as ‘A Neo-Bouffon’ show, Colonial Circus will have many moments of guaranteed guttural laughter and some, where one will squirm in their seats with questions like “Did I Just Laugh at That?” or “Why do I Find This Funny?”

Witness the fire-act of religion, the taming of spices, and the contortion of languages in this dark yet colorful tummy-tickling comedy show, without any fourth wall. As if Alejandro Jodorowsky crafted this seriously funny absurdity… but it’s from the very co-founders of HINPROV.

Info & Tickets

CRIME AFTER CRIME (AFTER CRIME)

Award-winning genre-comedy specialists Sex T-Rex (2024 Dora Award Best Ensemble Performance, Toronto Fringe 2022 Patron’s Pick; Just For Laughs 2018 Best Comedy) reprise the action-packed physical comedy that won them the 2019 Best of the Fest Award at The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. Don’t miss this epically satisfying 3-in-1 caper spanning three “Crime Periods” – Film Noir in the 50s, Heist in the 70s, and Buddy Cop in the 90s! Mystery, romance, car chases, and at least three crimes await in this epic tale of one family’s rise and fall in Crime City, USA.

PRO TIP: Because Sex T-Rex just won a Dora Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble, this show is bound to sell-out, so grab a ticket while you can!

Info & Tickets

86 ME: THE RESTAURANT PLAY

An immersive love letter to the hospitality industry staged in a bar. 86 ME captures the brutal yet romantic experience of Toronto’s bartenders, and the struggle between serving others and taking care of yourself.

Info & Tickets

PATERNAL GUIDANCE

Awarded Second City’s Honourable Mention for Best Ensemble at Fringe 2023, Summer Dad is back with a whole new sketch revue! Summer Dad is a comedy troupe that critics have described as “Gen Z” despite the fact that most members are millennials or cusps, at best. Summer Dad presents: Paternal Guidance is a collection of sketches presenting their best (misguided) life advice. Classic Dad! They use absurdity, music, vulnerability and much more to connect directly to the audience. You don’t wanna miss seeing the best up-and-coming sketch comedy troupe that Toronto has to offer.

Info & Tickets

1 SANTOSH SANTOSH 2 GO: TOSH FINDS HIS GROOVE

Mid-level tech worker and second-hand Tesla owner Santosh Santosh AKA Tosh is on a quest to drink more water, date more vegetables and find love in this solo drag king and silent clown show directed by Umbrella Academy’s Ken Hall.

Info & Tickets

PRETTY BEAST

Born into darkness, humor is her superpower! Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Japan, Kazu dreams of escape. Raised by a mother suffering from schizophrenia and a distant alcoholic father, forced to combat sexist stereotypes, she discovers her voice and purpose in comedy. An award-winning solo performer, Kusano delivers a one-two punch of wry observation, and raw physicality in this rebellious ride.

Info & Tickets

SARAH ST-FLEUR: LA QUÉBÉCOISE, FROM TORONTO!

Join Sarah St-Fleur: La Québécoise, From Toronto, for an evening of laughter and inspiration as she shares tales of multiculturalism, perseverance, and courage in her first solo show—a journey from Montreal to NYC and ultimately finding her place in Toronto’s vibrant tapestry.

Info & Tickets

Want to see more funny in the city?

Thanks for checking out our Comedy Shows to see at the Toronto Fringe 2024. Like our picks? Let us know! Have a show you would like us to know about? Contact info@torontosketchfest.com.

5 Toronto Comedy Shows to See in June 2024

Posted on: May 28th, 2024 by TOsketchfest Staff

Our monthly roundup of five comedy shows to see in June 2024 is here. It’s time for your pre-solstice soul food… of the live comedy variety!

WTF Festival Spring Thing: Thing One & Thing Two

Saturday, June 1

WTF is introducing their first annual Spring Thing to celebrate the amazing, strange-making artists of Toronto. Want Puppetry? They have it! Love Bouffon? You’re covered! Can’t get enough Clown? This is your place! Looking for a Drag show? It’s got that too! These two showcases will be weird, wild, and wonderful.

Sweet Action, Tickets and Info

Funny Filipinas (3rd Show)

Friday, June 7

This show is SO hot and sold out SO early they added a second one. And then that sold out so they’ve added a THIRD show and you do NOT want to miss out. Featuring the funniest Filipinas around, this show is a great way to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month!

Assembly Theatre, Tickets and Info

Players Presents “BEARBIE”

June 6-8

Part rock concert, part keg party, part sketch comedy… and all for charity! She’s everything. He’s just chef. The first immersive dining experience is opening in Barbieland and the new management has hired some of Chicago’s hottest chefs to beef up the joint. But someone on the team has an ulterior motive that could change Barbieland forever, and so the bears and dolls must put their imaginations to the test to make every second count if they want to succeed.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets and Info

Comedy on the River

Friday, June 14

Only a 5-minute walk from Old Mill TTC station, you will paddle in a kayak, canoe, or via stand-up paddleboard to get to this maritime show. Enjoy summer on the humber river, an escape that makes it feel like you’re on a wilderness adventure, not just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring hilarious comedians this show is a summer-time must-see!

Humber Padding Centre, Tickets and Info

Pride No Prejudice

Friday, June 21

This stand-up comedy show features Toronto’s hottest LGBTQ+ comedians. Celebrate pride month with laughter and comics with credits that include Abbott Elementary, Netflix, The Tonight Show, JFL, LOL Canada, Canada’s Drag Race, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and MORE!

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets and Info

Want to see more funny in the city?

Thanks for checking out our 5 Comedy Shows to See in Toronto in June 2024. Like our picks? Let us know! Have a show you would like us to know about? Contact info@torontosketchfest.com.

2024 Sketch Comedy Project Fund

Posted on: May 24th, 2024 by TOsketchfest Staff

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is proud to continue our partnership with the Pat & Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts to deliver project funding to sketch comedy projects. The 2024 deadline to apply is June 30, 2024.

Get all the details and fill out the application right here:

The Sketch Comedy Project Fund

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Upcoming Shows

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

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