The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

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5 Sketch Comedy Shows to See in August

Posted on: August 2nd, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

Remember when you were a kid and summer seemed to stretch on and on into a beautiful, sticky, and endless oblivion? But now as an adult you are just trying to jam as many beach days, hasty vacations and patio hangs as you can into the few short weeks that are rapidly passing by? Well, let us help you plan this last full month of summer with a sweet list of sketch comedy happening in Toronto.

Gender? I Hardly Know Them: August 9-10

Gender? I Hardly Know Them returns to Toronto with a fast-paced, joyfully provocative queer sketch show straight from the heart of the God-fearing, gun-toting, beef-loving Alberta prairies. Created and performed by gay, short, and hot non-binary comedians Elena (or Eli) Belyea (they/she) and Syd Campbell (they/them), Gender? I Hardly Know Them is out to queer the world, one denim punchline at a time.

7:30pm nightly at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street. Get your tickets at: https://tickets.buddiesinbadtimes.com/TheatreManager/1/login?event=0

Frances by Laura Ramoso: August 11-13

2020 Best of the Fest Award winner Laura Ramoso will debut her second sketch special, Frances, in the city that started it all. Directed by Alastair Forbes, Laura Ramoso is taking physical comedy, satire, mime, and critically-acclaimed writing to the nth degree. Bigger, bolder, and riskier, Frances pushes the boundaries of the form to create sketch comedy magic.

8pm nightly (plus 10pm on Aug 12) at Alumnae Theatre Company, 70 Berkeley Street.
Get tickets and info at: https://www.lauraramoso.com/tour

“The” Sketch Show: August 14 and 28

“The” Sketch Show is a live, bi-weekly showcase where the cast creates new relevant, silly, and surreal takes on everything that’s going on in the world – including their very own Weekend Update. “The” Sketch Show stars Evan Dubois, Nate Friedman, Chris Johnson, Anna Luo, Ada Nicolle, Liz Rasiuk, Keith Richardson, Chrissy Sharma, Ian Stewart and Kristin Zakaib with writers Sebastian D. Chow, Joey Crewe, Madison Mayhew and Taryn Parrish.

8:30pm every other Sunday at The Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth Avenue.
Get tickets and info at: https://socap.ca/events/

Tony Ho & Bleak: August 16

Do you like sketch comedy but are so tired of it being boring and unfunny? Come watch this show where it is funny and cool and a little sad. This sketch show will include sets from TONY HO, BLEAK, and UBER & KLONK.

9:30pm at Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor Street West.
Get tickets and info at: https://comedybar.ca/shows/tony-ho–bleak?ev=2022-08-16T21%3A30%3A00

Mission Totally Possible: On now until November 1

Buckle up and prepare for The Second City’s wildest adventure in laughter ever! Mission Totally Possible is an interactive exploration of all things not just possible–but probable–in today’s upside-down world. From finally finding confidence to the joys of parenthood to bank heists, weddings, divorces, and even a giant giraffe, this show isn’t afraid to press the emergency Truth Button on life. Featuring Andy Assaf, Andy Hull, Phatt Al, Jillian Wlesh, Hannah Spear and Nkasi Ogbonnah.

Various times at Comedy Bar, 2800 Danforth Avenue.
Get tickets and info at: https://www.secondcity.com/shows/toronto/mission-totally-possible/?tickets=&date=

Sketch Comedy at Toronto Fringe 2022

Posted on: July 4th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

This year the Toronto Fringe is back in person presenting 100 shows at 11 venues across the city July 6-17, 2022. Toronto Fringe has a massive comedy contingent this year with over 50 comedy shows with musicals, improv, solo shows and, of course, sketch. Here are the sketch comedy shows to check out this year, plus exciting shows by TOSketchFest alum!

ALIA CENIZA RASUL: MORO GIRL

Alia grew up identifying as a “Moro”, a Filipina Muslim, all the while attending Sunday School. Now in her mid-thirties, grappling with her seemingly conflicting identities, she is looking to finally figure out who the heck she is, and why she likes charcuterie so darn much (her bank account also wants to know). Self-reflection isn’t enough (sorry Deepak Chopra) so she goes searching for answers through her family’s stories and history. Will she find what she’s looking for?
Tarragon Theatre, Solo Room. Tickets and Info

AN EVENING WITH DEVON & JACKIE

A dynamite evening of sketch comedy with a couple of swell broads! Modern world got you down? Devon Henderson (The Second City, Bad Dog Theatre) and Jackie Twomey (NOW Magazine Breakthrough Artist, Dead Parents Society) deliver a soirée of silliness with a touch of neuroses, “An Evening with Devon & Jackie” is a love letter to live comedy.
Robert Gill Theatre. Tickets and Info

A PERFECT BOWL OF PHO

Journey across the noodle of time and space as Nam Nguyen writes a musical history of the Vietnamese diaspora, told through its foods.
Ada Slaight Hall. Tickets and Info

ANESTI DANELIS: THIS SHOW WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

After a sold-out run at 2019’s Fringe – and winning a TOsketchfest22 Audience Choice Award – musical comedian and viral internet songboy Anesti Danelis returns with a new comedy concert inspired by all of those silly self-help books.
Al Green Theatre. Tickets and Info

CARSON & TAYLOR PROMISE TO DO A BUNCH OF FLIPS

In a show that won a TOsketchfest20 Audience Choice Award, and that the National Post called “an ecstatic celebration of the art of physical comedy”, Carson Pinch & Taylor Davis return with their high-flying and death-defying sketch comedy spectacle. They PROMISE to do a bunch of flips.
Ada Slaight Hall. Tickets and Info

THE CHELS STANDS ALONE

TOsketchfest22 Best of the Fest nominee Chelsea Larkin guides you through a hilarious and relatable journey of characters, songs and wild true stories, inspired by her own real life mission to accept herself as she is (or at least pretend she does).
Tarragon Theatre, Solo Room. Tickets and Info

CLIP SHOW

Oh no! TOsketchfest21 Best of the Fest Award Winner Jon Blair got locked in the pantry on the day of his Fringe show, in a basement where the elevator is stuck! And the building got snowed in! Also, the security guard went home! And it’s Christmas still! Jon might not know how he’s going to get out, but he does know one thing: He’s sure had a lot of crazy memories over the years… years… years…
Factory Theatre, Studio. Tickets and Info

Don Valley Girls in front of at hot pink TTC station platform. The five people are dressed in fabulous, bright coloured clothing.

DON VALLEY GIRLS: A SKETCH COMEDY REVUE

The cast of Don Valley Girls has aged out of being the Main Character, and it kinda really sucks. So they wrote a sketch show about it because why cry when you can cry while you laugh! … on stage, in front of everyone. Come for the snarky blurb, stay for the weird (sometimes heartfelt) sketches, songs, and occasional video interlude. This is NOT your auntie’s sketch show. (Or maybe it is.)
Streetcar Crowsnest, Guloien Theatre. Tickets and Info

#NOTALLFEDORAS

From Star Wars to the Snyder Cut, this sketch comedy show dismantles some of the more harmful aspects of fan culture. Starring Eric Weiss and Miroki Tong, #NOTALLFEDORAS is told from the perspective of two lifelong geeks who want everyone to be able to share their enthusiasm for the things they love!
Streetcar Crowsnest, Guloien Theatre. Tickets and Info

SEX T-REX PRESENTS SKETCH T-REX

Sex T-Rex Comedy is back with a new full-length sketch comedy review! Join TOsketchfest19 Best of the Fest winners as they celebrate their triumphant return to the stage with an hour of high-octane laughs, puppets, and silly mouth noises.
Factory Theatre, Mainspace. Tickets and Info

WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?

Step right up and help The Well Well Wells solve the age old question “What Do We Have Here?” Follow a wonky one-hour trail into the minds of eight friends with a gift for finding humour in the mundane and the weird in our everyday.
Ada Slaight Hall. Tickets and Info.

TOSketchfest22 Best of the Fest Award Winners

Posted on: June 24th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

On Thursday, June 23, we presented a LIVE and IN PERSON the Best of the Fest Award Show at The Fox Theatre, celebrating the best of TOSketchFest22 – Screen Time Edition with $1500 in cash prizes.

Hosted by 2020 Best of the Fest winner Laura Ramoso, the Best of the Fest Award Show featured a screening of the nominated work, plus award presentations for The Outstanding Comedy Short Award presented by CBC, The Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick Award, The Audience Choice Awards, and The Best of the Fest Award, presented by Church + State.

And the Winners Are . . .

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SHORT – Presented by CBC

Habib – The First Arab Superhero by Wishful Genies

The Outstanding Comedy Short Award, presented by CBC, traditionally honours one standout festival entry from the TOSketchFest Film Festival. The 2022 Award honoured the standout selected work from TOSketchFest22 – Screen Time Edition.

Rob Michaels and Fady Ghali of Wishful Genies accept the Outstanding Comedy Short Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

While audiences were laughing from home during TOSketchFest’s online screenings, they were asked to smash the blue button to vote for their favourites for the Audience Choice Awards. With over 100 shorts from around the world, we were not going to make them choose just one, which is why we have two Audience Choice Awards: one for Comedy Short, and one for Featured or Long Form Work.

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD – COMEDY SHORT

Every Freelance Conversation by Anesti Danelis

Anesti Danelis is a Fringe Festival favourite, a viral sensation with over eight million likes on TikTok, and is also the reigning Sketchiest Sketch Troupe winner.

Anesti Danelis accepts the Audience Choice Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

AUDIENCE CHOICE WARD – LONG FORM

Everything But ChroFATica by Hillary Yaas

Hillary Yaas had originally applied to the festival with their full length musical drag show ChroFatica, but when the festival moved online they compiled a 10 minute digital feature full of drag, cute outfits, music parodies and truly unique fun!

Hillary Yaas accepts the Audience Choice Award. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

STEAM WHISTLE PRODUCERS’ PICK

Joy Provision

Joy Provision came together during the pandemic to produce digital work that embodied the spirit of live sketch comedy with that endearing DIY drive. They are fierce community supporters who have since made a splash on stage in Toronto and Montreal.

Rena Taylor accepts the Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick Award on behalf of Joy Provision. Photo by Krissia Valiente.

BEST OF THE FEST – Presented by Church + State

Only A Beer Can by Donny Crosswell

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of the 2022 Festival! We will see you all again IN PERSON in March 2023 for the 18th Annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.

TOsketchfest22 Best of the Fest Award Show

Posted on: June 1st, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

On Thursday, June 23, the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival will present a LIVE and IN PERSON the Best of the Fest Award Show, celebrating the best of TOSketchFest22 – Screen Time Edition.

Hosted by 2020 Best of the Fest winner Laura Ramoso, the Best of the Fest Award Show will feature a screening of the nominated work, plus five award presentations on Thursday, June 23 at 7pm at The Fox Theatre. That’s right, we will finally get to watch these hilarious sketch comedy shorts on the big silver screen. Get your tickets today!

Throughout the show, we will announce the winners of the Festival’s five awards: The Outstanding Comedy Short Award presented by CBC, The Producers’ Pick Award, The Audience Choice Awards, and The Best of the Fest Award, presented by Church + State.

Today we are proud to announce the nominees for the The Outstanding Comedy Short Award, presented by CBC, and The Best of the Fest Award, presented by Church + State.

Comedy Short nominee laurels that read “Nominee. Outstanding Comedy Short. TOsketchfest’22 Screen Time Edition. CBC.”

2022 NOMINEES FOR OUTSTANDING COMEDY SHORT

The Outstanding Comedy Short Award, presented by CBC, traditionally honours one standout festival entry from the TOSketchFest Film Festival. The 2022 Award will honour the standout selected work from TOSketchFest22 – Screen Time Edition.

Buys Houses by Kyle Woolven (Belleville)

The housing market is at an all-time high! Need to sell your house? Don’t trust realtors? Looking for some fast cash? Don’t worry, someone or some people or some type of… something has got you covered. Kyle’s beat pumping, image popping, musical banger will tell you all you need to know about the housing crisis.

The Engagement Chicken by Diana Aydin (New York)

“The Engagement Chicken” is a mockumentary that follows Deirdre, a rom-com obsessed romantic, on a quest to find love by cooking a legendary roast chicken recipe—a recipe so good that it’s said to cause men to propose to their girlfriends. The only problem? Deirdre doesn’t have a boyfriend and doesn’t know how to cook chicken. Will she ever find love?

Habib – The First Arab Superhero by Wishful Genies (Toronto)

It’s time for an Arab Superhero in the MCU, with obstacles no hero has faced before. Wishful Genies is composed of Arab comedy duo Rob Michaels and Fady Ghali.

I Don’t Want Him Either by Heather Hawthorn Doyle (New Westminister)

This Comedy/Action micro short “I Don’t Want Him Either” directed by Heather Hawthorn Doyle was filmed in only 2 hours in a volume studio (all LED screens) and features a 360 degree shot in our 3 walled studio.

Mawiiage Story by The Institute Sketch Comedy (Lincoln)

As an homage and parody to praised feature film Marriage Story, a couple engages in a heated debate regarding the well-being of their prized possession: a shared gaming console.

Best of the Fest nominee laurels that read “Nominee. Best of the Fest. TOsketchfest’22 Screen Time Edition. Church + State.”

2022 NOMINEES FOR BEST OF THE FEST AWARD

This juried award is the most prestigious accolade at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.

Chelsea Larkin, The Chels Stands Alone (Toronto)

The Chels Stands Alone was Chelsea Larkin’s solo sketch debut at TOSketchfest. You wanted kooky characters? You got it. You wanted parodies? There you go. You wanted music? Sure thing. You want wigs? YOU’RE WELCOME!

Folk Lordz, Lost in the Woods and The Mooch (Edmonton)

Political, absurd, and darkly hilarious, Folk Lordz reflect urban-Indigenous, immigrant, and activist perspectives through the lens of biting satire. Co-created by Todd Houseman & Ben Gorodetsky, Lost in the Woods and The Mooch were features in season 2 of their digital sketch series.

Donny Crosswell, Only A Beer Can (Toronto)

This is a music video for Donny’s hit country music single Only a Beer Can. It is about how much beer rocks. The song was written by Donny, and produced by Oliver Wickham. The video was written and directed by Donny. Evan Leonard provided the beautiful cinematography work and the rest is history.

Potato Potato, ASMR, This Land, Political Sleepover, and Extinctifun (Toronto)

A political sketch revue for the digital age. Combining sketches about politics, social issues and the Climate Crisis, Potato Potato were there to make you laugh at the things that make you angry-cry, with bad impressions of your favourite politicians, annoyingly-catchy songs, and just a touch of lockdown angst.

Scott Paterson, Inside the Actors Cult, 6ix Side Customs, and Beacons of Gondor (Toronto)

Scott Paterson is an Award Winning Director, Producer and Writer. TOsketchfest22 featured three of his award winning shorts with hilarious stories about intense acting classes, when reality shows go wrong, and the adventures of the Rangers of Gondor.

Send Noods, Grocery Boy, Facebook Marketplace Ads (Toronto)

Send Noods is a pan-Asian collective of theatre and musical artists, who abruptly pivoted into sketch comedy with the online show “Orange Chicken” at the 2021 Toronto Fringe Festival. TOsketchfest22 featured their epic silent film about a weak boy’s desperate efforts to carry too many bags of groceries, and their series of TV ads for the absurd secondhand items that people try to sell you on Facebook Marketplace.

THE BEST OF THE FEST AWARDS SHOW
Thursday, June 23, 2022 – 7PM
The Fox Theatre – 2236 Queen Street East
Tickets: $20 (+HST and fees)

Sketch Shows You Should See This June

Posted on: June 1st, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

Live sketch comedy is back in the city of Toronto! In addition to celebrating the best of the best at TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition in person on the big screen, we cannot wait to check out all of the live and in your face showcases and revues throughout the month of June.

The Disaster on June 7, 14, 18 and 21

Image Description: A dark grey mage with bright green text that reads “Disaster. Alt Comedy” and “Our new venue is Wenona, We will run wild shows every Tuesday.”

Disaster is “a monthly alt comedy show that has been around too long” produced by Alex Kolanko (Public Works, Bleak, Sketchersons), and this June you can experience it weekly! Now at Wenona Lodge on Bloor, Disaster will present Goof Parade with Uber & Klonk on June 7; The Disaster Show, a legendary alt comedy spectacular now in its 9th year, on June 14; and Corporate Pride with Ajahnis Charley on June 28.

8:30pm at Wenona Craft Beer Lodge, 1069 Bloor Street West. More info at: https://www.instagram.com/thedisastershow/

Gag Reflex: A Comedy Variety Show on June 14

Image Description: An illustrated disco ball hovering over a digital grid surrounded by stars. The text reads “Gag Reflex a comedy variety show”.

Gag Reflex is a monthly variety show that ends with an evening of karaoke! In this ridiculously funny Pride edition show you’ll see musical comedy, sketch, and more with performances by Party Room, Joy Provision, Nose Bros, Lou Currie, Rachel Manson, and Clownprov – all hosted by Jordan Shore, Taylor Hreljac and Peter Cheema.

8pm at El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue. Get your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gag-reflex-a-variety-comedy-show-pride-edition-tickets-332089297027

4-Sum: A Comedy Show on June 17

Image Description: Photos of Tom Hearn, Tricia Black, Ajahnis Charley, and Selena Vyle with colourful overlays and a duplication filter. Text in white reads: “4-Sum A Comedy Show”

Powerhouse comedians Tricia Black, Ajahnis Charley, Tom Hearn, and Selena Vyle serve up some of their hottest solo work… and they do group stuff, too! These four headliners didn’t come to play – you’ve seen them at TOsketchfest, Just For Laughs, The Second City, Toronto Fringe, and they’ve lit up your screen on CBC, HBO, and CTV. Get into this 4-Sum while you still can.

7pm at The Cabaret at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street. Get your tickets at: https://buddiesinbadtimes.com/show/4sum-a-comedy-show/

TOsketchfest22 Best of the Fest on June 23

Six, stacked retro TV sets projecting the words “The Best of the Fest Award Show” across the top three screens. The bottom three show the host Laura Ramoso and five award categories.

Good News Toronto on June 24

SMPTE television colour bars with “Good News Toronto” repeated in a colourful pattern.

Good News Toronto is made by Toronto for Toronto, and features the city’s most talented comics with a dash of chaotic idiocy. This month they will be talking about the electoral results, a corpse giving a concert, and so much more silliness. Good News Toronto will star Ally Medeiros, Brie Watson, Emily Ferrier, Gerald Yeung, Jasmine Irwin, Jeremy Friedmann, Linda Julia Paolucci, Korri Birch, and Quentin Matheson with special guest Marc Hallworth.

8:30pm at Comedy Bar Cabaret, 945 Bloor Street West. Get Your Tickets at: https://comedybar.ca/shows/good-news-toronto?ev=2022-06-24

2022 Sketch Comedy Project Fund

Posted on: March 29th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

TOsketchfest is once again proud to partner with The Pat & Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts to announce the 8th Annual Sketch Comedy Project Fund – Applications are now open!

The Sketch Comedy Project Fund is Canada’s only funding program cultivating the development of Canadian comedic voices. It’s a comedy grant… on its own terms. Since 2015 The Sketch Comedy Project Fund has provided funding to 23 sketch comedy projects in Toronto.

The Fund will invest in ensemble-based, scripted projects by Canadian comedians working primarily in Toronto.

What does the fund support?

Anything really – just make a case for how your project represents the next step in the comedy careers of your ensemble!

In the past The Fund has supported: touring opportunities, development of live shows, recording comedy albums, working with directors, developing pitch packages… just make the case it’s your next big step!

Get all the details right here:

The Sketch Comedy Project Fund

TOsketchfest22 ON-DEMAND

Posted on: March 27th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

From now ’til March 31st, YOU can enjoy all of TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition ON-DEMAND. We certainly had a blast sharing these curated collections of comedy shorts, TikToks, animations, musical bits and long-form gems with you live, and in-the-moment. But we also know you’re gonna want to watch (and re-watch) at your leisure. So please DO!

Tickets for ON-DEMAND viewing are still available, and if you already have a ticket or pass, even better. Your confirmation email ticket links get you access to ON-DEMAND viewing already. Just revisit your confirmation email, click the link and enjoy.

Limits for ON-DEMAND viewing

Your access to ON-DEMAND programming is valid for either: 72 hours from your first viewing – or – until midnight on March 31st (which ever comes first).

ONE. LIVE. SHOW.

Posted on: March 15th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

To close out our (fingers crossed) last fully-online festival, TOsketchfest is presenting ONE. LIVE. SHOW. In person. IRL. In a theatre. Can you believe it!?

Join us at Comedy Bar’s new Danforth location on Sunday March 27 to celebrate all things sketch comedy with a line up of ten of Toronto’s hottest acts. Reconnect with old favourites and get acquainted with some of the next generation of Toronto sketch.

Fast-paced. Lots of laughs. The sketch party we’ve been waiting two years for!

But there’s a catch… we are releasing tickets for this show exclusively to TOsketchfest Digital Festival passholders as a free perk. Buy your festival pass and enjoy four nights of very hot sketches from troupes and creators from around the world. Then join us on Sunday March 27 for ONE. LIVE. SHOW. It’s all included in your $80 pass.

ONE. LIVE. SHOW.
Sunday March 27, 9:30 pm
Comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth Avenue

(Tickets no longer available)

Also available with your

Learning and Fun Professional Development Program 2022

Posted on: March 11th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

The Learning and Fun Professional Development program is back online! We will gather some of the comedy tastemakers and industry leaders for skill building workshops and community building panels March 23-27, 2022. Learning and Fun is packed with stimulating, comfortable and informative professional development opportunities.

Whether you are a Festival performer, an emerging comedian, or you are just starting to write and perform sketch comedy on stage or online – there is something for you in the Learning and Fun Program.

TOsketchfest’s Learning & Fun program is presented by:

WEDNESDAY

March 23 at 11amET
Meet the CBC Comedy Team

Meet the CBC Comedy Team panel: Ben Sosa Wright, Sarah Quan, and Sandra Picheca.

Host: Ben Sosa Wright
Panelists:
Sarah Quan, Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy
Sandra Picheca, Director of Production, Comedy

Join Sarah Quan (Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy) and Sandra Picheca (Director of Production, Comedy), as they outline the current vision for comedy at CBC, and how you can pitch your work across various platforms.

March 23 at 1pmET
How to Pitch Comedy at Bell Media: Crave, CTV and CTV Comedy

Ennis Esmer, Alison Korogyi

Panelist: Alison Korogyi, Development Executive, Original Programming, Scripted & Unscripted
Host: Ennis Esmer

Join Alison Korogyi, Development Executive, Original Programming, Scripted & Unscripted, for an intimate info session about how to pitch your comedy work across various Bell Media platforms. This informative chat hosted by Ennis Esmer will introduce best practices and tips for pitching your ideas, and what the current opportunities are at this major broadcast hub for comedy content.

THURSDAY

March 24 at 11amET
TikTok Masterclass for Comedians

TikTok Masterclass for Comedians: Photo grid featuring Margarita Brighton, Lindsay Lynch, Blair McGregor, and Emily Richardson.

Host: Margarita Brighton
Panelists:
Blair McGregor – Public Figures, Content Partnerships
Lindsay Lynch – Director, Creator Partnerships & Community
Emily Richardson – Comedian, Content Creator

Hosted by Margarita Brighton, join Blair McGregor and Lindsay Lynch from TikTok Canada, with comedian Emily Richardson, as they discuss achieving success on TikTok and how comedians can use the platform to amplify their content. Whether you’re just starting on TikTok or working to grow your existing audience, you will leave this panel with a deeper understanding of the platform and the opportunities it presents for comedians – plus some tips and best practices!

March 24 at 1pmET
Welcome ABROAD: Filipino Sketch Comedy Series Panel with Isabel Kanaan

Isabel Kanaan

ABROAD is an all-new satirical sketch comedy series produced by Longhope Media and slated to air in Spring 2022 on OMNI Television. TOsketchfest is proud to present this special sneak peek event with co-creator and star Isabel Kanaan. Join Isabel, and select cast and creative crew (to insert names when confirmed) of ABROAD, as they discuss the creation, execution, and importance of this groundbreaking sketch comedy show based on Isabel’s experience as an immigrant, driven by her comedic perspective.

FRIDAY

March 25 at 1pmET
Hot Off The Press: Comedy Journalism Panel

Hot Off The Press: Clare Martin, Glenn Sumi, Jourdain Searles, Jason Zinoman, and Vish Khanna.

Panelists:
Clare Martin, Assistant Comedy Editor, Paste Magazine
Jourdain Searles, Freelance, Thrillist, Hollywood Reporter and more
Glenn Sumi, Acting Managing Editor, NOW Magazine
Jason Zinoman, Comedy Columnist, New York Times
Vish Khanna, Comedy Editor, Exclaim! Magazine

Musicians and actors hope for a five star review, or a perfect 10 from Pitchfork. But who is criticizing the comics?

A panel of journalists discuss the role that media coverage and criticism plays in the development of the comedy scene. Join Glenn Sumi, Clare Martin, Jourdain Searles, Jason Zinoman, and Vish Khanna to hear about the current landscape of comedy in news media, and why comedy does not hold the same space as other art forms. Attendees will learn what kind of stories journalists are looking for, and the benefits of publicity beyond social media.

March 25 at 5pmET
What if Grant Was One of Us? – An Intro to Grant Writing for Comedians

Tom Hill

Instructor: Tom Hill

In recent decades, while the comedy community has generally flourished in Canada, comedians have rarely been the recipients of significant government funding. Comedians were left to wonder–to misquote Joan Osborne–what if grants was one of us?

Thankfully, the landscape is beginning to change, in part thanks to advocacy from organizations like CANCOM, CASC, and TOSketchFest. Some grants allow comedy-forward projects to apply, and some comedians have even received funding to create new work. It remains an uphill battle, but it is time for the comedy community to level up its grant literacy now that these career-altering doors are cracking open.

Tom Hill is one half of Hip.Bang! and Artistic Director of Blind Tiger Comedy, two groups that have managed to receive funding for comedy-first projects. In this workshop, you will learn about the fundamentals of the grant opportunities in Canada, and some of the approaches and skills Tom uses in planning and writing grants. This workshop is suitable for comedians brand new to grant writing or mid-way through an application. The workshop will start with a presentation by Tom and then follow with a Q&A section for participants.

SATURDAY

March 26 at 3pmET
Comedy Road Trip

Comedy Road Trip: host Alia Rasul, and panelists Veronica Dang, Ronald Dario, Curt Riedy, Kyle Romero, Deirdre Trudeau, and Lauren Vernea.

Host: Alia Rasul
Panelists:
Veronica Dang, New York
Ronald Dario, Vancouver
Curt Riedy, Philadelphia
Kyle Romero, Austin
Deirdre Trudeau, Montreal
Lauren Vernea, Los Angeles

Comedy Road Trip is a virtual meet-up with comedians and festival producers from across North America discussing the current landscape of sketch comedy, with a glimpse into their local scenes. Attendees will get a sense of what is going on in various comedy communities across North America, as we all consider traveling for performance opportunities again.

SUNDAY

March 27 at 3pmET
Shoot-At-Home Production Kit workshop with Darrell Faria

Darrell Faria looks at the camera. He wears a black hooded shirt under his jean jacket and he is pulling his hood up using his left hand.

Instructor: Darrell Faria

Calling all sketch comedians in the GTHA! Do you have hilarious content in these not-so hilarious times LOL (but LOL?). Then the TOsketchfest Shoot-At-Home Production Kit is for you! We’ve brought on comedy director Darrell Faria (Dir. Bit Playas, Tallboyz, etc.) to create a series of digital shorts using our shiny new TOsketchfest Shoot-At-Home Production Kit, which is a camera/lighting/sound essentials set that we created with the intention of loaning out to you, the Toronto comedy community, to make your own digital films!

This workshop will begin with a screening of one of the digital shorts Darrell made with the Shoot-At-Home Production Kit. He’ll then walk you through his process, in detail, from-concept-to-production-to-post and provide a useful take-away document for when it’s your turn to make your own content. You will leave the workshop with a solid understanding of the tools and resources available to you, with a real-life case study of how they were used!

TOsketchfest aims to keep our Professional Development Program inclusive. As such, a limited number of scholarships are available. If the registration cost is a barrier to participation in a panel or workshop, please fill out this form.

TOsketchfest22 Line-Up Is Here!

Posted on: March 3rd, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

From March 23-27, 2022 get ready for TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition. Our 17th Annual Festival will once again take place completely online with live and on-demand screenings full of all of the trusted sketch comedy goodness you expect from us. Tickets and passes are on sale now!

We are so proud to reveal the line-up and schedule for TOsketchfest22, which will feature over 100 hilarious titles with a wide variety of comedy from around the world including Toronto, Vancouver, New York, London UK, Mexico City in English, ASL, and Spanish. Captions will also be available for all sketches through each showcase.

Top: Mayumi Yoshida in “I Don’t Want Him Either”, Sam Roulston in “Cringe”, and Fatuma Adar. Bottom: Emily Richardson, Whyte Wyne and Young Riesling, and Dalmar Abuzeid in “The Beacons of Gondor”.

💙 YOUR 2022 LINE-UP

10-Piece Nuggets, Accountable Comedy (New York), Alia DeSantis, Ally Medeiros, Alma Amorim (Milton), Anders Yates, Anesti Danelis, Avan Neo (Ottawa), Bad Machine, Big Apartment (Vancouver), Bleak, Boy Girl Party, Brainwrap Comedy (London, UK), Canadian Satire, Carson & Taylor, Cheap Wine, Chelsea Larkin, CoFlemedy, The Comedy Club, Conrad Osei-Bonsu, Cookie Biscuits, The Sketchlings (Maryland), Darrin Schultz (Seattle), The Debutantes (Edmonton), Diana Aydin (New York), The Diddlin’ Bibbles, Donny Crosswell, Dublin Comedy TV (New York), Emily Richardson, Fatuma Adar, and Folk Lordz (Edmonton).

Whooooa

Gabriel Meacher & Alex Oliver, Good Daughter, Good Ideas, Grapefruit Bubbly (Wisconsin), Heather Hawthorn Doyle (New Westminster), Herbeaver, Hillary Yaas, The Institute Sketch Comedy (Massachusetts), Joel Edmiston and Ben Stager, Jon Blair, Jordan Moeller (Virginia), Joy Provision, Juan Jaramillo (Milton), Katrina Westin, Kirsten Rasmussen, Kyle Woolven (Belleville), Laura Lee, Lisa Cheong (New York), Looners Comedy (Indiana), Luba Magnus, Margarita Brighton (Halifax), Mike A Simms (New York), MK Morris, Model Majority (New York), Mom’s Girls (Newfoundland), NYTEShift (Philadelphia), Potato Potato, Public Works, Old School Sketch Show (New York), Re:Current Theatre (Vancouver), Roderick B Shephard (North Carolina), Ronald Dario (Vancouver), Sam Roulston (London, UK), and Scott Paterson.

And there’s more?! Whaaaa

Second City Chicago Youth Ensemble, Send Noods, Sensitive Athletes, Shannon DeVido (Philadelphia), Shannon Rayne (Vancouver), Short Attention Spa (Picton), Sidetrack Bandits (Manitoba), Skinny Kookoo (Manitoba), The S&M Experience, Smooth Comedy (Hamilton), Success 5000 (Edmonton), The Templeton Philharmonic, Tom Hearn, Tommy Marshall, Toronto Sketch Comedy, Triple Yeah Productions (Massachusetts), Uber & Klonk, Vermin Melville, Vincent Price Check, Whyte Wyne and Young Riesling, The Walking Sketch (Mexico), Wishful Genies, Young Douglas (New York), and Your Friends Comedy (California).

Can’t make it to the live showcase premiere with your favourite sketch comedian? No worries, TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition now includes on-demand viewing! Plus, the 2022 Festival does not have any geo-restrictions, so you can watch from anywhere March 23-27, 2022!

Screen Time PASS

Posted on: February 25th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition returns March 23-27, 2022.

We don’t know about you, but WE’RE ready for some VHS (Very Hot Sketches) and some Learning & Fun!

This is THE pass that gets you ALL of TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition. That’s 10 shows jam-packed with curated digital shorts, TikToks, character performances, musical comedy, and long form gems – all from the funniest comedy talent across the globe. You get all the appointment-viewing, livestream Debut Screenings, PLUS access on-demand ’til March 31st. AND IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH… exclusive access to seeeecret passholder perks (stay tuned)!

Here are just a few things that YOU’LL get for $80:

A complaint from Mrs. Claus
A little blue present ;)
A therapy session at your local Ikea
A lesson with Tony from Tony’s Driving School

All of this delicious fun – OR – maybe not-quite a tank of gas?

Click the blue button below to go get your Screen Time PASS today!

Save the Date – Screen Time Returns

Posted on: February 14th, 2022 by TOsketchfest Staff

From the small screen to the silver screen, comedy has kept us laughing through these trying times. That’s why we are so proud to present another digital showcase of the best in sketch comedy with TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition, running online March 23-27, 2022.

TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition will include all of the trusted sketch comedy goodness you expect from us each year. You’ll see a wide variety of sketch comedy from around the world in curated showcases with live online events and on-demand offerings. We’ll also bring you a robust series of workshops, networking events and panel discussions in the Learning & Fun Professional Development program.

Stay tuned for programming announcements coming at you soon. We look forward to seeing you at TOsketchfest22 – Screen Time Edition, running online March 23-27, 2022.

Kick-start the Comedy Comeback

Posted on: November 29th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back, and we hope you will consider supporting TOsketchfest to help Kick-start the Comedy Comeback.

It has been a difficult two years for comedians. And throughout, TOsketchfest has been an important ally for Canadian comedians: a patron to support new comedic voices; a champion to showcase and celebrate this work; an onramp to careers in comedy and entertainment; a place to make connections; and an opportunity to earn income by making us laugh.

As we look ahead to a return to stages and theatres in March, TOsketchfest continues to need your help.

Our goal is to raise $30,000 by March of 2020 to achieve the following outcomes:

Double Festival artist payments – help us pay out $30,000 in guaranteed artist payments at TOsketchfest22 (more than double payouts from 2021). With limited capacity at shows, we can only do this through your donations.
Make investments in Accessibility features – invest $7,000 in adopting and expanding services like Captioning, ASL and Described Video to make Canadian live comedy more accessible to Deaf and disabled communities.
Focus on health & safety – contribute to offsetting $5,000 in incremental costs associated with the live production in the time of COVID.
Skill-up in the digital space – create more opportunities for comedians by investing $15,000 to develop skills needed to create quality broadcast and streaming productions – both in our staff and the comedy community

Help us continue to be the ally comedians need. Help Kick-start the Comedy Comeback!

This Giving Tuesday, make a gift to TOsketchfest, Canada’s comedy incubator.

Ask Us Anything Info Session

Posted on: November 17th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

We are so excited to be in the planning phase for the 17th Annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival! We’ll be back March 9-20, 2022 with LIVE, in person performances plus the return of TOsketchfest – Screen Time Edition featuring livestream and on-demand digital work.

On Tuesday, November 23 at 6pmET we invite you to an Ask Us Anything info session about the 2022 Festival plans and how to submit your work using FilmFreeway.

This FREE online drop-in session is your chance to ask TOsketchfest producers all of your questions about how to submit to the festival, what to include in your submission, and what we have planned for March 2022.

We look forward to seeing you on November 23 at 6pmET to answer any questions and to help you get your festival submission in flawlessly!

How To Use FilmFreeway

Posted on: November 16th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

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TOSketchFest22 will return March 2022 with LIVE, in person performances plus the return of TOsketchfest – Screen Time Edition featuring livestream and on-demand digital work. This year, TOsketchfest is accepting submissions for both live and digital work using FilmFreeway.com.

FilmFreeway is an online platform for filmmakers to submit their films to hundreds of festivals around the world. It is a free and simple way for you to submit your work, and a useful platform for festival juries and programmers to consider hundreds of submissions.

We have created a step-by-step How To Use FilmFreeway Guide to help you get your TOsketchfest submission in flawlessly by the December 1, 2021 deadline.

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Submit to TOSketchFest:

Submissions must be completed by Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

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SUBMISSIONS FOR TOSKETCHFEST22 – NOW OPEN!

Posted on: October 1st, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

We can hardly believe it, but it is TOSketchFest submission time again! We invite you to be part of an incredible comedy community that has been gathering every March in Toronto for 17 years! TOSketchFest22 plans to return in March 2022 with LIVE, in person performances IN ADDITION to an online presentation of livestream and on-demand digital work. All submissions this year will be processed through FilmFreeway.

TOsketchfest22 will feature a varied programme of short-form live and online comedy events including: in-person performances from Toronto stages; a curated series of comedy short presentations; and live-streamed performances from visiting stages around the world.

If entry fees are a barrier for you to submit to the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, please reach out to damien@torontosketchfest.com and we’ll be happy to support you.

WHAT CAN I SUBMIT?

You can submit:

Live: Your sketch troupe or solo sketch act for live festival performance
AND/OR
Online: Digital comedy shorts for online presentation

Live Category (Canada Only)

We are on the lookout for the best, live scripted comedy in Canada. Emerging and established sketch comedy ensembles (no stand-up sets or improv scenes/formats, please) from Canada are invited to submit for the chance to perform live sets (20 – 75 minutes in length) as part of TOsketchfest22, with live performances also streamed online.

Due to the precariousness of COVID-19 travel restrictions, TOSketchFest can only accept live submissions from Canadian sketch performers for the 2022 Festival.

Online Category (Worldwide)

We are on the lookout for new digital sketch comedy shorts for curated online programmes. We are looking for a wide variety of comedy shorts, musical comedy videos, animated shorts, web series spotlights – as long as the content was created after January 1, 2021.

We are happy to accept digital submissions from anywhere in the world!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

TOsketchfest will return 100% of ticket sales/streaming revenue to the content creators by way of a shared revenue pool. This applies to all pieces that are submitted and selected for screening during the Digital Festival. TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition in March of 2021 generated $15,000 in payments to content creators.

PLUS – TOsketchfest offers creators access to a free/low-cost professional development/learning series, including hands-on workshops, panels and networking events with in-person and online options for comedy enthusiasts.

Submit to TOSketchFest:

Submissions must be completed by Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

Connect with other comedy creators and showcase your work to TOsketchfest’s audience of comedy lovers from across North America. Do you have a show that’s outside the box? Not sure if your work is a good fit? Reach out to us to discuss before completing your application with any questions or ideas. Email us at info@torontosketchfest.com.

THE SKETCH COMEDY PROJECT FUND – 2021 RECIPIENTS

Posted on: October 1st, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is proud to announce the 2021 recipients of The Sketch Comedy Project Fund. This year four projects were awarded funding, each representing an important “next step” in the careers of their participants. The Sketch Comedy Project Fund is made possible through the generous support of The Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts.

2021 SCPF RECIPIENT PROJECTS:

A black graphic with white bubble letters and rainbow accents that read “Life Mosh!”

Life Mosh by High Heel Bikini

Life Mosh is a sketch web series about Amaan Abdul, an eighteen-year-old kid living with his single mother in Scarborough. In Urdu, the name Amaan means peace and the name Abdul means servant, so in essence this show is about a peaceful “servant” (of the $14.50 an hour variety) trying to figure out why he should keep on keeping on.

“Life Mosh is a comedy about the experience of being up in the air with nowhere to land in the rapidly changing Toronto and Canada. It is a refrain met with a pat on the back and maybe if you are lucky the offer of a joint. You have to pay your rent and phone bill on the same day and you have a date this week? LIFE MOSH!”

“French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury” graphic with a colourful map of the Great Lakes region of Ontario.

French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury

French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury is an ambitious quasi-sequel to the popular short film from last year, French Anglais: Birthday. In French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury two rag-tag teams on separate sides of the French-Canadian revolution race to Sudbury to steal a secret, magical helmet that harnesses the power of knowing every language in the world. Filled with car chases, bar fights, exploding head practical effects and talking raccoons, the film is as much a parody of the action genre, as it is a straight action film.

“God is real and he told us to make a sequel to our short film, French Anglais (2020). French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury is an action-comedy-thriller short film from Joel Edmiston, Conrad Osei, Ben Stager & Sam Burns.”

A dark blue, circular stylized logo with “Cookie Biscuits” in a hot pink font.

Manor House by Cookie Biscuits

Cookie Biscuits is in development for an exciting new digital series: Manor House. A spoof on reality television, the show begins with a group of ten strangers moving into the same house to compete in challenges, vote each other out, and eventually face off for the show’s grand prize. Each character is based in a certain reality-show archetype, which allows for countless opportunities to flip those types on their heads.

“We are flabberghasted and delighted to have been chosen for the Sketch Comedy Project Fund! We’re working on our biggest project yet, and this funding will be a huge help in making it a reality. We’ve been having a great time writing silly jokes in our meetings and can’t wait to share them with the world. (We’re quite excited to waste your money on fake moustaches and cold pizza. JK. Kinda.)”

A close up photo of Tom Hearn, wearing white framed glasses and a blue patterned shirt.

Tommi Lupone’s 11 O’Clock Numbers! by Tom Hearn

Tommi Lupone’s 11 O’clock Numbers! is a musical theatre comedy album / retrospective. Tommi Lupone is a Broadway legend much like his namesake Patti (no relation). After a career spanning 50 years, Tommi is dimming the lights and retiring, but before he does he is delivering one last night of SHOW STOPPING NUMBERS from his biggest roles… in “REAL” Broadway shows. Each song is weaved together with tales of Tommi’s experiences on the Great White Way.

“Tommi Lupone 11 O’Clock numbers is the next chapter for me as a performer. It’s part musical cabaret, part sketch comedy, all broadway REALNESS. I’m working to create original 11 O’clock numbers with THE Avery Jean Brennan and I’ll be writing the book based on my experiences as a musical performer. From backstage hookups, broken bones, being cast in the chorus to OVER THE TOP stage managers… TOMMI LUPONE is coming for you!”

2022 Sketch Comedy Project Fund

The 2022 Sketch Comedy Project Fund opens once again in Spring 2022. If you’ve got an ensemble-based comedy project that represents the next step in your collective careers, consider making an application!

Program criteria, objectives and outline can be found here.

Workshop: Amazon Music Podcasts for Comedy in Canada

Posted on: September 27th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

We are excited to begin the Fall/Winter series of the Learning & Fun Professional Development program on Thursday, October 7 at 2pmET with the Amazon Music Podcasts for Comedy in Canada workshop.

Join Lindsay Michael, Podcast Manager, Canada as she outlines Amazon Music Podcasts, and how comedic podcasters can engage with Amazon Music Podcasts to find their audiences. Hosted by Ben Sosa Wright, attendees will learn how to use Amazon Music Podcasts as an integral tool in your podcast release strategy with practical tips and best practices to grow your podcast in an effective way.

This workshop will be hosted on Zoom, with captions.
Program Length: Approximately 75 minutes including Q&A.

Tickets:

Tickets are $15 (plus fees), and can be purchased using the purple button below.

TOsketchfest aims to keep our Professional Development Program inclusive. As such, a limited number of scholarships are available. If cost is a barrier to participation in the workshop, please contact damien@torontosketchfest.com.

About Lindsay Michael:

Lindsay is the Podcast Manager for Canada at Amazon Music and has worked in audio for nearly 20 years. Previously, she was the creator and host co-host of CBC Radio’s Podcast Playlist and the creator of the CBC summer series Subcultures. She has worked on shows like q, The Sunday Edition, Canada Reads and Outfront and has interviewed people like Grimes, LeVar Burton and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Lindsay has been awarded two New York Festivals Medals and a national RTNDA award.

About Ben Sosa Wright:

Ben Sosa Wright is a pretty and nice comedian who has been featured on CBC Comedy, JFL42, Limestone Comedy Festival, Reader’s Digest, and Xtra. With Aba Amuquandoh, he hosts the Nostalgique podcast, a weekly kiki of pop music nostalgia that has been featured in The Toronto Star, and Vulture magazine.

Must-See Sketch Comedy: July 2021

Posted on: July 30th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Enjoy some sketchy summer vibes with our list of Must-See sketches from July 2021. These gleeful comedy videos include some remarkable animation, a refreshing nod to SNL’s Delicious Dish, and a treat for in-theatre movie going fans!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for monthly curated lists of the latest sketch comedy videos from across North America!

Movie Theatre Pre-Show by Ronald Dario

Ronald Dario depicts the nightmare of being a Tanner Zipchen-like host of a movie theatre’s pre-show. Ronald Dario is a writer, actor, improviser and sketch comedian from Vancouver, BC. Ronald’s work has been performed and presented at Little Mountain Improv, Blind Tiger Comedy, CBC, JFL Northwest, Philly Sketchfest, Del Close Marathon, Rapid Fire Theatre’s Improvaganza, Bad Dog Theatre, TOSketchFest21 – Screen Time Edition, and more.

Truth or Dare by Drawn Up Comedy

In Truth or Dare, two best friends play a friendly game of truth or dare but then an unexpected dare sparks a real mystery! This sweet animated short was directed and animated by 2021 TOSketchFest Outstanding Comedy Short winner Luba Magnus, with voice work by Kirsten Rasmussen, Gavin Pounds, Aidan O’Loughlin, Alia Ceniza Rasul, and Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll.

Lost In The Woods by Folk Lordz

In a dire situation, Todd’s native knowledge is activated. Lost In The Woods is part of the Folk Lords season 2 digital series, which has been releasing new sketches twice a week since July 1. Co-created by Todd Houseman and Ben Gorodetsky, Folk Lordz reflects urban-Indigenous, immigrant, and activist perspectives through the lens of biting satire.

Public Meltdown by Marc & Austen

Check out this public freakout with these two Darrens! Marc & Austen notice all these Karen and Darren’s are always freaking out in public, and have created a reenactment based on a true story. Marc & Austen is an original comedy content channel from Toronto comedians Marc Anthony Sinagoga and Austen Alexander.

Hunt Cuntry Vineyards by Kids These Days

This new sketch written and directed by Maggie Maxwell explores one of the most pleasurable vineyards in the Finger Lakes. Kids These Days is a NYC sketch comedy group who produce a true variety sketch show including stage sketches, digital sketches, musical numbers, celebrity impressions, and more.

Watch all of these Must-See Sketches here:

Contest: For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close

Posted on: July 22nd, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Director Heather Ross examines the life of comedy legend Del Close in the new documentary For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close. We are happy to offer Canadian comedy fans the chance to win virtual screening passes to this film, courtesy of Hot Docs and Vortex Media. Sign up for the TOSketchFest newsletter below for your chance to win one of four virtual screening passes.

THE CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Sign up for our newsletter for more contests in the future!

For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close Synopsis:

Comedy guru Del Close, mentor to everyone from Bill Murray to Tina Fey, sets out to write his autobiography for D.C. Comics. As he leads us through sewers, mental wards, and his peculiar talent for making everyone famous but himself, Close emerges as a personification of the creative impulse itself. He’s a muse with BO and dirty needles, offering transcendence despite (or because of) the trail of wreckage behind him. For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close streams via Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema beginning July 29.

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