The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

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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.

Sketch Comedy at Toronto Fringe 2021

Posted on: July 21st, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

This year our pals at Toronto Fringe are presenting over 65 shows in four virtual series as part of the Digital Toronto Fringe Festival taking place July 21 – 31, 2021. Toronto Fringe always includes a massive comedy contingent, and the Digital Fringe is no different. Plus, you can watch from anywhere in the world! Here are the sketch comedy shows to check out this year, including TOSketchFest alum!

Chronicles of a Black Woman: A Sketch Show

Writer, creator, and actress Sandy Daley brings this ground-breaking one-woman show to the stage. Chronicles of a Black Woman: A Sketch Comedy follows the lives of 3 sistas in a modern day society, trying to make shit work. Strong comedic moments mixed with dramatic turns will have you dying with laughter, as you wipe away your tears. More info and show details here.

Cringe

CRINGE is a solo sketch comedy show inspired by the most cringeworthy moments that writer and performer, Sam Roulston, just can’t shake from his brain. Most medical professionals don’t recommend re-traumatizing yourself, but he wrote this show for YOU, for the art, but mostly for the attention. More info and show details here.

Good News Toronto

Good News Toronto is a satirical news comedy featuring a roast of Doug Ford, wild puppets, animated adventures, a look into the Fringe itself, and hopefully some jokes too. It’s late night comedy with dash of chaos. More info and show details here.

One Of The Good Ones

Yaw Attuah (pictured above) has been the model minority, but now it’s time for him to speak up about his stories of racial sensitivities in order for everyone to learn and be better. One of the Good Ones is a comedic storytelling show. It’s about Yaw’s experiences at work, in his career, in his youth, and how it fits into today’s conversation about race, diversity, and inclusion. More info and show details here.

Orange Chicken: A Sketch Show

Orange Chicken is a part-live action, part-animated sketch comedy show created by a pan-Asian collective of theatre and musical artists who don’t know how to not name a show after food. Songs! Jokes! Questionable late-night orders at Fran’s! More info and show details here.

Our Exes are Dead: Vol 1

Our Exes Are Dead is a short collection of sketches from your favourite comedy duo that you’ve also never heard of. Rachelle Mazzilli and Maggie Chafe present this filmed collection of their favourite sketches for the first time ever! More info and show details here.

You Can Do It, Put Your Mask Into It!

Part political satire, part sketch show, and generous doses of hand sanitizer and dread about our planet’s future, You Can Do It, Put Your MASK Into It is a tongue-in-cheek “cure-all” for your pandemic woes. Prepare for bad impressions of politicians, creative filming solutions, and a cheesy song or two. More info and show details here.

Find all of the Toronto Fringe schedule and ticket info you need at fringetoronto.com.

Must-See Sketch Comedy: June 2021

Posted on: June 29th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Summer is officially here, and with the rays of sun come lots of laughs! We have compiled a list of Must-See sketches featuring hilarious comedy videos including some music, a full length revue, and in-venue performances!

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

Exploiting Pride For Fun and/or Profit by Gerald Yeung

Gerald Yeung celebrates the wonderful diversity and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community in his Irregular Wellness Update, as seen on Good News, Toronto. He skillfully explains how you can exploit Pride for profit in the ultimate act of human cynicism.

Tony’s Driving School by Boy Girl Party

At Tony’s Driving School, they don’t skip over any of the fun parts! Boy Girl Party is a sketch troupe created by Tamlynn Bryson, Melanie Dahling, Damien Doepping and Chili Davidson who presented their short Shower Caddy at TOSketchFest21 – Screen Time Edition.

A Newly Vaccinated Top Back On Grindr by Michael Hartney

This NSFW sketch, written and performed by Michael Hartney, was captured in front of a live audience in New York City on June 6 at The Squirrel, as part of Characters Welcome. Michael Hartney created the roles of Stanley and Mr. Williams in the original Broadway cast of School of Rock The Musical with TV credits including 30 Rock, The Politician, and The Break with Michelle Wolf.

There’s Just Something About That Tennessee Whiskey by Donny Crosswell

Toronto-based comedian Donny Crosswell originally released this catchy song back in May, but surprised fans with the Extended Pride Dance Mix this month. CountryQueer.com recently mused “I struggled to determine if he was a comedy act or a sex symbol but resolved that he’s both.” After watching both versions of the music video with Donny in action, be sure to add the song to your Spotify playlists!

Stay At Homo by Ajahnis Charley and Tom Hearn

Award-winning comedians Ajahnis Charley and Tom Hearn recently teamed up for Stay At Homo, a double-solo sketch comedy, backyard extravaganza as part of Pride In Place at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Lucky for us, we can relive the songs, original characters, and impressions again and again with the full revue online, including some music from Tricia Black.

Watch all of these Must-See Sketches here:

Workshop: Disability In Comedy

Posted on: June 29th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

We are excited to continue the summer series of the Learning & Fun Professional Development program on Thursday, July 15 at 4:30pmET with the Disability In Comedy Workshop with Ophira Calof.

Join us for the Disability In Comedy Workshop where Disabled writer, performer, and producer Ophira Calof will guide attendees through common tropes and ableist language in comedic content. Ophira will introduce new perspectives and best practices for those who wish to make their comedy writing and performance more accessible. By examining different models of disability and accessibility, attendees will leave this workshop with a better understanding of existing tropes and how to identify them.

This workshop will be hosted on Zoom, with captions.
Program Length: Approximately 90 minutes including Q&A.

Tickets:

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

A close up black and white photo of Ophira, a white GNC person, wearing a neck brace and thick rimmed plastic glasses smiling slightly at the camera with short dark hair.

About Ophira Calof:

Ophira Calof (She/They) is a multi award winning Disabled writer, performer, and producer. Her work weaves together music, comedy, and storytelling, centring disability and chronic illness experience. They co-created the sketch comedy revue Generally Hospital (Canadian Comedy Award Nominee, Patron’s Pick, David Seguin Memorial Award), and her solo show, Literally Titanium, was developed through the Buddies in Bad Times Emerging Creator’s Unit before premiering at the 2020 Next Stage Theatre Festival. Ophira also works as a curator, workshop facilitator, consultant, and keynote speaker with projects including COVID-19 through a Disability Lens: Storytelling and Filmmaking Project, Myseum Toronto’s Making Space: Stories of Disabled Youth in the GTA, and Bad Dog Theatre’s 5th annual Our Cities On Our Stages Symposium. Ophira graduated from Second City’s Writing and Sketch Conservatory programs, was featured in the Second City 2018 Toronto Diversity Fellowship Showcase, and is the 2018 recipient of the Tim Sims Encouragement Award. Credits include: Tall Boyz (S1, S2), Slumber Party (Bad Dog Comedy TV) and #HospitalChic (ReelAbilities Film Festival of Toronto, TOSketchFest21).

Panel: Creating Viral Comedy Videos on Rizzle

Posted on: June 8th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

We are excited to kick off the summer series of the Learning & Fun Professional Development program on Thursday, June 17 at 6pmET with the Creating Viral Comedy Videos on Rizzle panel.

Rizzle is a short series app where every creator hosts multiple channels. With 5 million global channels, it is the next evolution in short videos for the TikTok generation. Hosted by Shohana Sharmin, join Rizzle team members Thom Woodley, Head of Creative and Content Development, and Adam Gold, Talent & Development Manager, as they outline the app’s features, creator community, monetization opportunities, and everything else you need to know to start creating viral comedy videos on Rizzle! Thom and Adam will be joined by Rizzle comedy creators Kellie Williams, Mike Simms, and Steph Shober to discuss creating comedy gold within the 60-second vertical episode format.

This free panel will be hosted on Zoom, with captions. Sign up using the form below!

Program Length: Approximately 60 minutes with moderated Q&A.

Image Description: A photo grid with photos of the Rizzle panelists: Thom Woodley, Adam Gold, Kellie Williams, Mike Simms, Steph Shober, and the Rizzle logo.

Speakers:

Rizzle Staff

Thom Woodley is the Head of Creative and Content Development at Rizzle. He is a creative director and strategist, filmmaker, awarded advertiser, and web video mentor. He is known for creating the first independent scripted web series (The Burg, 2006), writing the Most Interesting Man in the World commercials for Dos Equis, initiating the Web Video program at the New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts, and serving as Executive Creative Director of CollegeHumor.

Adam Gold is the Talent & Development Manager at Rizzle. He is a Brooklyn-based comedy producer whose work has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, VICE, and The New York Post. After working for the New York Comedy Festival, he landed at CollegeHumor as an executive assistant before climbing the ranks to production coordinator, booking talent, and producing CollegeHumor Live. For the last year, he has produced several Livestream comedy shows including “Who Wants $2.69 with Martin Urbano?” on Chris Gethard’s digital network, “Planet Scum.”

Rizzle Creators

Kellie Williams is a New York-based actor and recent graduate of Sarah Lawrence College. Her favorite credits include Zuzu in Dance Nation and Mary in Sweet Maladies. She has channeled her passion for performance into creating, writing, and acting in her two Rizzle series, Vampire Influencer and Your Fat Black Sidekick. You can find her on Twitter and Rizzle @Kellie_Wil!

Mike Simms is a New York-based comedian and actor. Mike mixes his love of classic screwball sitcoms and biting/witty comedians into his current surrealist projects and performances. Be it through the abstract comedy of his web series ‘Mike Is Doing Stuff’, the heart on his sleeve music of alter ego ‘Mic Versys’ or the everyday silliness of life aspect to his stand up, Mike tries to give people reasons to smile, feel, and hopefull be okay.

Steph Shober is an actor, comedian, and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY by-way-of Lancaster,PA. On-screen and stage, she specializes as a character actor with a strong comedy background. Watch her latest performances plus voiceover work @StephShober on The Rizzle App. She has been featured in several branded content videos produced by Scary Mommy, and industrials for
companies such as Ernst & Young and iStar. She studied comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center, where she was accepted into the advanced study improv program. She was also an actor on a BoogieManja Sketch Comedy Team.

Host

Shohana Sharmin is a Bangladeshi-Canadian emerging comedian, writer and theatre artist. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Shohana is a proud Muslim queer woman of colour. She is a recipient of the 2020 Queer Emerging Artist Award at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Shohana is the creator and a cast member of the critically acclaimed award-winning dark sketch comedy revue “Dead Parents Society.” She is an alumna of Buddies in Bad Times theatre’s 2019 Emerging Creators Unit, Nightwood Theatre’s 2019 Young Innovators program, and b current Theatre’s 2019 bcHub Emerging Artists cohort. Shohana presented her first solo show “Come Here Often?” as part of 2019 Queer Pride at Buddies in Bad Times theatre. Her written works have been published in several publications. She is a former Featured Player at the Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, and an alumna of the Second City’s Improv and Longform Conservatories. She has performed in comedy and theatre festivals across North America. In non-pandemic times, she can regularly be seen performing across Toronto with her award-winning troupe Not Oasis (2017 The Toronto Fringe Patrons Pick, NOW Critic’s Pick).

Must-See Sketch Comedy: May 2021

Posted on: May 27th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Now that the 2021 Best of the Fest Award winners have been crowned, it is time to dive into brand new sketch comedy videos! We have compiled a list of Must-See sketches that were released in May, featuring a variety of styles including animation and commercial parody.

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

Concrete Beams by Griffin Toplitsky

In the animated short Concrete Beams, a crane operator has a big day. Griffin Toplitsky currently produces and hosts improvised true crime podcast Killed to Death. During normal life, he is also an improv performer – as a Bad Dog Featured Players alum, as part of The Kids’ Table, as part of The Assembly on house team Jibber Jabbar, and various real life lying.

What The Pentagon Doesn’t Want You To Know About UFO Footage by Big Chick Energy

The Pentagon is investigating real UFO Footage leaked by military officials – but Emily Miling and her mom can’t help but chat about how the alien invasion is going to be “SOOOOOO CUTE”. Toronto’s Big Chick Energy Sketch is a quintet of quirky comedians who host the weekly podcast The Hatch and release weekly video sketches.

Big Gene’s Green Screen by Young Douglas

Can’t travel like ya use’ tah? Then c’mon down to Big Gene’s Green Screen and he’ll make you the talk of the town. THEY AIN’T LYIN’…or your money back. This commercial parody is by TOSketchFest21 alum Young Douglas, a sketch team that formed on Maude Night at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. Since March 2020 Young Douglas has been producing full-length virtual sketch comedy shows in addition to hilarious comedy shorts.

Vicki Draves’ A Diver’s Guide to Poolside Safety by Model Majority

This sketch, written by and starring Monica Villa, is about about Vicki Draves, the first American woman to win two gold medals in diving, and first Asian American to win Olympic gold medals. Monica is a member of Model Majority, New York’s premier all Asian American sketch comedy team. Vicki Draves’ A Diver’s Guide To Poolside Safety was part of Model Majority’s AAPI History 201 comedy show which first screened on May 1, 2021.

Volkswagen Commercial – The Puncheoning

This ad was not made by Volkswagen! The Puncheoning is a spec commercial made by Aris Tyros and friends in the pursuit of future filmmaking work. This sketch commercial will bring back memories for anyone who has ever yelled “No punch backs!” on a road trip.

Watch all of these Must-See Sketches now on TOSketchFestTV!

The Best of the Fest Award Show 2021 – Winners

Posted on: May 18th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

The 2021 Best of the Fest Award recipients are:

Outstanding Comedy Short, presented by CBC: Drawn Up Comedy by Luba Magnus
Audience Choice Awards, presented by THINGS:
Short Form Work – Burger by Kirsten Comerford
Featured Work – Lauren and Caitlin
Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick: Margarita Brighton
The Sketchiest Sketch Troupe: Anesti Danelis
Best of the Fest, presented by Church + State: Now More Than Ever: 2021 by Jon Blair

Did you miss the action? Watch the 2021 Best of the Fest Show here:

On May 26, The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival will broadcast the Best of the Fest Award Show – an online spectacle, celebrating the best of TOSketchFest21 – Screen Time Edition.

Hosted by 2020 Outstanding Comedy Short winner Darrell Faria, the Best of the Fest Award Show will feature award presentations, and appearances from Festival favourites. Join us May 26 at 7pmET on YouTube!

Throughout the show, we will announce the winners of the Festival’s five awards: The Outstanding Comedy Short Award presented by CBC, The Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick Award, The Audience Choice Awards presented by THINGS, The Sketchiest Sketch Troupe Award, 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.

2021 Nominees for OUTSTANDING COMEDY SHORT presented by CBC

The Outstanding Comedy Short Award traditionally honours one standout festival entry from the TOSketchFest Film Festival. The 2021 Award will honour the standout selected work from TOSketchFest21 – Screen Time Edition.

A photo grid featuring the six nominees for Outstanding Comedy Short. Top row: Folk Lordz, Drawn Up Comedy, and Connor Ferrara & Tim Blair. Bottom row: Dejen Tesfagiorgis, Fog and Lasers, and Wishful Genies.

Anti-Racism Healing Circle FAIL by Folk Lordz (Edmonton)
Directed by Mike Robertson
Written by Ben Gorodetsky & Todd Houseman

An incendiary look at the racism and exploitation at the heart of the Canadian arts sector. In this absurdist mockumentary, Canadian theatre legend Robert Lepage reveals his secret to new play development and his voracious appetite for retelling Indigenous stories in his signature (white) style.

I Gained Weight During COVID by Drawn Up Comedy
Animation/Music: Luba Magnus
Cast: Meg Mackay

For everyone who’s gained some weight during the pandemic, this song’s for you! Drawn Up is a cartoon variety show that is funny, quirky, surreal, and sure to delight! Created by comedian/animator Luba Magnus, and featuring some of Canada’s best comics as voices, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Mr. Beautiful by Tim Blair and Connor Ferrara
Written By Connor Ferrara & Tim Blair

An unlikely candidate for a talent agency turns the tables (and even some other furniture) on his interviewer. Tim Blair co-created the multi-award winning sketch troupe TallBoyz II Men, who wrote and star in the sketch comedy series TallBoyz on CBC. Connor Ferrara has written for CBC Comedy and has performed at the Woodstock Laughs Comedy Festival, the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, and the Big City Improv Festival.

N’dly: Free Workplace Codeswitching app for Black Employees, Commercial 1 by Dejen Tesfagiorgis
Written by: Dejen Tesfagiorgis (New York)

“Niggardly” is the new and revolutionary software app that softens truthful Black language, and whitens it up for the workplace. Dejen Tesfagiorgis wrote this sketch after a decade of separating his emotions from various day jobs. Niggardly started out as a 5-person sketch, but after pitching it to several friends he had too many people that had something to add to the conversation. Tesfagiorgis mostly writes sketches about the Startup tech industry, Black music and drinking. He loves commercial parodies and uses sketch as an avenue to address new normals that are completely messed up.

Relatable Porn by Wishful Genies
Written by: Rob Michaels
Directed by: Rob Michaels and Kenzie Yango

Porn is just so unrealistic. But does making it too relatable defeat the purpose?
Wishful Genies is a sketch comedy channel created by Rob Michaels and Fady Ghali that has had its shorts screened at numerous festivals across North America and amassed millions of views online via features on platforms such as Funny Or Die and 9GAG.

So Wretch by Fog and Lasers
Directed by – Graham Beasley

The music video for “So Wretch” from the album Fog and Lasers 2, available now on Comedy Records. So Wretch features vocals and lyrics by Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, Chris Robinson, Dan Beirne, and Gwynne Phillips, with music by Chris Reineck, Anh Phung, Dave Dalrymple, and Morgan Waters.

2021 Nominees for BEST OF THE FEST AWARD presented by CHURCH + STATE

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

A photo grid featuring the nominees for Best of the Fest. Top row: Now More Than Ever, Tom Hearn, Night Snack. Bottom row: Skinny KooKoo, Untitled Black Sketch Project, and the Best of the Fest nominee laurels.

Now More Than Ever 2021 by Jon Blair
Written, filmed and performed by Jon Blair

Now More Than Ever is a solo sketch show I’ve been shooting in my apartment during the lockdown. In this episode, it gets harder to ignore the Archie problem, skeletal plans are once again mucked up, the forest teaches a harsh lesson, the apple business proves not to be very relaxing, and more!

To What End. by Tom Hearn
Written and performed by Tom Hearn

A comedy show during the PANDY?! To What End. Canadian Comedy Award Winner Tom Hearn had been locked at home for an entire year since his show at Toronto Sketchfest 2020 SHUT DOWN THE FESTIVAL. The days are running together and the lines of Sketch Comedy and Reality have blurred. Original Characters, Impression, Musical Comedy, ZERO COVID CONTENT AND ALL NEW… TO WHAT END.

Say Hi and Night Snack
by Martin Sofiedal (Norway)

Martin Sofiedal is an award winning filmmaker from Oslo, Norway. Say Hi screened during the Cinematic Shorts showcase at TOSketchFest21 – Screen Time Edition, and Night Snack screened during the Drawn Up Comedy showcase.

Say Hi: Norwegians take greeting very seriously. This is what happens when you don’t.
Night Snack: Maggie wakes up to some ominous sounds coming from the kitchen. Tensions rise as she gets ready to confront her burglar…The truth, however, is something else entirely.

The Skinny KooKoo Comedy Sketch Show
Written and Directed by: Joyce Delaronde (Winnipeg)

Indigenous Comedy Sketch Show at the helm of inexperienced filmmaker and self-proclaimed sensation: Skinny Kookoo. Skinny Kookoo’s cast and crew quickly realize that she doesn’t have a clue of how a film set works, let alone be in control of her very own television show. No matter how ridiculous it gets, there is a core of love and true concern in everything Skinny Kookoo does.

Untitled Black Sketch Project
Written and Performed by: Phatt Al, Aba Amuquandoh, Ajahnis Charley, Coko Galore, Brandon Hackett, Alan Shane Lewis, Brandon Ash Mohammed, and Nkasi Ogbonnah

Untitled Black Sketch Project, the premiere all-Black ensemble sketch troupe 400 years in the making, performed a live 60 minute table read as part of the Closing Night Gala.

Join us Wednesday, May 26 at 7pmET on YouTube. In addition to award presentations, viewers can enjoy the award winning comedy shorts, plus more surprise appearances.

Click the blue button below to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the Best of theFest show updates, and monthly curated lists of the latest sketch comedy videos from across North America.

Five Sketch Comedy Videos You Need To See

Posted on: April 21st, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

In March 2021, TOSketchFest – Screen Time Edition presented over 100 titles celebrating the raw creativity of sketch comedians in the COVID era with over 12 sketch comedy short showcases.

Comedians in Toronto and beyond have shown that their creativity cannot be contained. Here are five recently released sketch comedy shorts that you need to see!

Wheelchair Advertisement by Avan Neo

Avan is a disabled comedian, actor, and filmmaker who likes to ask questions about society with their comedy work. “I’ve used comedy to get though the hardest times in my life but I also feel it’s the best way to breach touchy subject matter. My work is very satirical in nature but good for the soul.”

The Aloe in the Shade by Kirsten Rasmussen

2018 TOSketchFest Audience Choice Award winner Kirsten Rasmussen has dropped a hilarious new sketch with the intriguing tagline “MY ALOE DOESN’T LIKE THE SUN! And it’s my fault!!!!”. Don’t miss Kirsten Rasmussen in Slo Pitch on OutTV, and Band Ladies on HighBall.TV.

A Robot That Can Feel Pain by Public Works

A new sketch from Public Works, animated by Drawn Up Comedy’s Luba Magnus, from their new sketch comedy album Condo Art. Public Works is a comedy and production collective from Toronto with Callum Wratten, Alex Kolanko and Connor Low.

Let him skate. by Fog and Lasers

A gnarly skateboarding video from Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, featuring Chris Robinson and Marc Hallworth. Check out the album Fog and Lasers 2, available now on Comedy Records.

My Vaccine Broke! by Christian & Nat

A new sketch from Natalie Metcalfe and Christian Smith about what happens if you’re not ready to get back to “normal” yet. These YouTubers hailing from Toronto, made the transition from stage to online during a global pandemic.

Closing Night Gala: Untitled Black Sketch Project

Posted on: March 27th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Untitled Black Sketch Project, the premiere all-Black ensemble sketch troupe, performs a 60 minute table read LIVE as part of our Closing Night Gala.

Untitled Black Sketch Project is an all-Black ensemble featuring: Phatt Al (Second City), Aba Amuquandoh (This Hour has 22 Minutes), Ajahnis Charley (Bad Dog Theatre), Coko Galore (Bad Dog Theatre), Brandon Hackett (Tallboyz), Alan Shane Lewis (The Great Canadian Baking Show), Brandon Ash Mohammed (Because News), and Nkasi Ogbonnah (Second City).
Produced by Ajahnis Charley & Coko Galore; and Directed by Brandon Hackett.

The UBSP was funded with the support of the Pat & Tony Adams Freedom Fund.

Untitled Black Sketch Project
Sunday, March 28, 2021
8pm ET

Classic Cast Reunion

Posted on: March 27th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Join the cast and creators of CBC’s cult hit as they reminisce and discuss the everlasting impact of Hatching, Matching and Dispatching. Hosted by Henry Sarwer-Foner, speakers will include Shaun Majumder, Sherry White, Mark McKinney, Susan Kent, Joel Thomas Hynes, Jonny Harris, Adriana Maggs, Rick Boland, Ed Macdonald (writer), Mary Sexton (producer), and Mary Walsh.

Hatching, Matching & Dispatching
Saturday, March 27, 2021
4:30pm ET

TOsketchfest21 Lineup Announcement

Posted on: March 15th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

We are so excited to announce the lineup for our first online Festival TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition which run March 24-28, 2021! Single tickets go on sale Monday, March 15.

Opening Night

On Wednesday, March 24, the Opening Night Gala of TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition, will kick off the Festival with comedy shorts from past TOsketchfest Award winners Tita Collective and Darrell Faria; Festival Favourites Christian Smith and Natalie Metcalfe; rising sketch comedy stars Avan Neo, and Cheap Wine; plus the New York Spotlight begins with appearances by Kaili Y Turner and The Nitro Girls.

Closing Night

The Closing Night Gala on Sunday, March 28 will present a 60 minute table read from Untitled Black Sketch Project, Canada’s premiere all-Black ensemble sketch troupe. Untitled Black Sketch Project features Phatt Al (The Second City), Aba Amuquandoh (This Hour Has 22 Minutes), Ajahnis Charley (Bad Dog Theatre), Coko Galore (Bad Dog Theatre), Brandon Hackett (Tallboyz), Alan Shane Lewis (The Great Canadian Baking Show), Brandon Ash Mohammed (Because News), and Nkasi Ogbonnah (The Second City).

The Current TOSketchFest21 – Screen Time Edition Line Up:

#HospitalChic by Ophira Calof
40 Solid Minutes of The Foundation (New York)
The Agreement by NYTEShift Comedy (Philadelphia)
Anti-Racism Healing Circle FAIL by Folk Lordz (Edmonton)
Anti-Maskers Have Way More Fun Than Me by Andrew Fleming, Tyson Coady
At Home With A Guy From Anonymous by Matt Levy (New York)
Baking Bread by Anesti Danelis
Balls! by Jakob Skrzypa
Bastards with Knives by Joel Edmiston, Ben Stager and Chris Locke
Becca by Nancy Webb (Montreal)
The Behind by Daniel Tahmizian and Brian Barlow
Birds by Lisa Cheong (New York)
Bonhomme, The Tea, Tim’s Dad, and I Found WHAT Inside My Mystery Box?? by Lauren and Caitlin
Brian Button by Kate Hammer (Montreal)
Burger by Kirsten Comerford
Cat Call by Whisky Kids
Characters Welcome! from The Squirrel Satellite Stage (New York)
Cheap Wine Digital Shorts
Church Chismis by Tita Collective
Connoisseurs by Twingirlpeeks (West Hollywood)
CREAM and Joe Pesci by Ajahnis Charley
The Cup by Nice Tan Comedy (San Francisco)
Dad Pals and Which Twin?™ by Kyle Kenyon (Los Angeles)
Dispensary Delusions and The Social Bubbles by Toronto Sketch Comedy
Don’t Touch Women by Janelle McGuinness
Drawn Up Comedy – Full Episode by Luba Magnus
Early Shirley by Sherice Griffiths (London, UK)
The First Couple To Ever Get Married by Julia Nolke
Friendship in the Time of COVID by The Cosmonauts Sketch Comedy Troupe (Phoenix)
Fucking Poor by Sam Roulston
Future You, and Love Your Oven by Make It Up Media (Chicago)
Gen Z Hire Me by Margarita Brighton
Gender? I Hardly Know Them (Edmonton)
Handyman, and We Got Divorced by Christian + Nat
Hannah Lawrence Is Skater by Hannah Lawrence, Daniel Woodrow
High Heel Bikini
The (Home) Office by Alli and Virginia (Brooklyn)
Hot Donuts, and Just Another Day Living In Quarantine (Queen Latifah Parody) by The HERlarious Show (New York)
How it Work? w/ Cam Wyllie – Onions
House Of Guns by Incredible Dreamz (Cinnaminson, NJ)
I Accidentally Killed My Sister by Cookie Biscuits
I Need to Pee (Lady Gaga Parody) by Hillary Yaas featuring Selena Vyle
Internet II by Conrad Osei, Ben Stager
IT’S DESMOND (your misguided tour guide) by Desmond Ngai, Daniela di Salvo, George D’Amato
Kick The Ball by Super Cool Oh Yes
Knife Truck, and Vogue by Christian Smith and Zach Berge
Love Is a Crazy Thing by Trophy Husbands
Man Upstairs by Laura Ramoso and Gaelan McMillan
Marcia the Self-Help Guru – Ep. 104 by Samantha Wyss, Xander Copp
Masterclass: Acting with Faye Dunaway by Marshall Lorenzo
Maybe It’s Melanin by Kaili Y Turner (Brooklyn)
Memories by Griffin Toplitsky
Now More Than Ever 2021 by Jon Blair
Joy Provision
Musical Chairs by King Friday Productions (Philadelphia)
NASTY by Jamie Shriner (Chicago)
If A Tree Falls by Public Works
Night Snack, and Say Hi by Martin Sofiedal (Oslo, Norway)
N’ly: Free Workplace Codeswitching app for Black Employees 1& 2 by Dejen Tesfagiorgis (New York)
Now That’s What I Call 20 Seconds by Church Social
Office Buddies by Armond Snowden (Lawrenceville, GA)
The One That Got Away: A Monologue by The S&M Experience (Exeter, ON)
The Organization by Nitro Girls (New York)
Pecans by Accountable Comedy (New York)
Period Sex, and Witchcraft Wednesday by Cackle Comedy Productions
PORTRAIT OF A LADY IN FLAMES by Templeton Philharmonic
Quarantined Apps, and Relatable Porn by Wishful Genies
Quarantine Simulator (Official Gameplay) by Jasper Tey (Guelph)
Regrets by Jon Plester (Chicago)
Rice Rap by AzNPoP Comedy (New York)
Sedation Free Colonoscopy by Short Attention Spa (Picton)
Shower Caddy by Boy Girl Party
The Skinny Kookoo Comedy Sketch Show by Joyce Delaronde (Niverville, MB)
Snowball (2021) by Brian Mitchell (Brooklyn)
So Wretch by Fog and Lasers
STOMP by Carson Pinch
Surveillance (A Raccoon Viral Video) by The Toronto Raccoons
Mr. Beautiful by Tim Blair and Connor Ferrara
Theatrum by Hip. Bang! (Vancouver)
To What End. By Tom Hearn
Uncharted Territories – Steak by Ronald Dario (Vancouver)
Uncle Saaajiid Sneaker Reviews by Darrell Faria
UnCuLtURE (The Hotline Boyfriend) by Declan Quinlan (New York)
Untitled Black Sketch Project
Vancouver Stage: Welcoming Committee, and Brunch
V-Day Lineup by Room 28 (New York)
What If by Avan Neo (Ottawa)
Where Are They Now – The Ring Girl by Brittany Charlotte Smith
Your Real Estate Agent Tried Shrooms by Lauren Beatty, Katrina Westin
Young Douglas: The Best Of 2020 (New York)
The Zoom Cycle by Grapefruit Bubbly (Madison)
Zoom Dentist by Cereal in a Mason Jar
The Zounderkite: “The Glove Box” by The VoidVille Company

Tickets On Sale Monday!

Single tickets for TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition go on sale Monday, March 15th.

Screen Time Passes Available NOW!

You’ve gotta wait juuuust a little longer to get those single tickets, BUT… you can have it all right now!

Give yourself the gift of 15 hilarious Livestream shows by talent from across the globe at a truly exceptional 70% OFF single ticket prices.

And in case you didn’t already know, this year 100% of streaming revenue will go directly to artists on our Digital Stage!

Go get your Screen Time Pass today by clicking the Buy Tix button below!

Get the Pass for YOU!

Festival graphic featuring the words Screen Time Pass, an Open Captioning [OC] icon, and a stylized image of a hand holding three TOsketchfest branded passes.

Open Captioning

TOsketchfest is also thrilled to offer Open Captioning on all festival shows, and a Screen Time Pass that gets you tickets to them all!

Get your Screen Time [OC] Pass today by clicking the blue Buy Tix button below!

More to come…

Stay tuned for more amazing announcements: Packages, Single Tickets, Learning & Fun, plus the download on Festival social hangs.

Learning and Fun at TOsketchfest21

Posted on: March 15th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Learning and Fun is the Professional Development program for the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival – join us online for skill building workshops and community building panels. 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.

These low cost learning opportunities put you front and centre with comedians and writers featured on CBC, Netflix, BBC, TBS, Crave, NBC and more. Our workshops and panels have a strong focus on comedy skill building, collaboration and cultivating professional relationships.

Thank you to CBC for supporting the Learning and Fun Program.

2021 Learning and Fun Workshops

Meet The CBC Comedy Team

A photo grid with four photos: Top row: Nadine Bhabha, Greig Dymond
Bottom row: Zach Feldberg, Jennifer Shin

CBC recently announced a new scripted content leadership team that will oversee development and production of comedy work at the public broadcaster.

Join Jennifer Shin (Director of Development, Comedy), Greig Dymond (Executive in Charge of Production), and Zach Feldberg (Executive in Charge of Production – Digital Originals) as they outline the current vision for comedy at CBC, and how you can pitch your work across various platforms.

Wednesday, March 24 at 12:30pmET
Online panel via Zoom

This panel will include a moderated Q&A.
Cost: $10 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the purple “Buy Tix” button below!

News Travels Fast

A photo grid with six photos. Top Three: Candy Palmater, Aba Amuquandoh, Erika Ehler. Bottom three: Ghazal Ghiami, Nelu Handa, Allana Harkin.

How do you write, and keep your jokes pointed, when the news cycle is ever changing? Join a panel of writers and creators from satirical comedy outlets from online to radio to television.

Hosted by Candy Palmater, News Travels Fast will feature panelists from notable comedy properties including Aba Amuquandoh (This Hour Has 22 minutes), Erika Ehler (Netflix’s Death To 2020), Ghazal Ghiami (The Beaverton), Nelu Handa (A Little Late With Lilly Singh), and Allana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee).

Wednesday, March 24 at 3pmET
Online panel via Zoom

News Travels Fast will include a moderated Q&A.

Cost: $10 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the blue “Buy Tix” button below!

Claiming Space

A photo grid with six photo. Top Row: Liza Paul, Nikki Bailey, Surer Deria
Bottom row: Shannon DeVido, Alia Rasul, and Rachel Strauss-Muniz

Claiming Space is a panel featuring comedy creators from across North America who are forging ahead to make space for community and craft in their city.

Hosted by Liza Paul, Associate Artistic Director at The Theatre Centre, Claiming Space will feature panelists including Nikki Bailey (Los Angeles), Surer Deria (Toronto), Shannon DeVido (Philadelphia), Alia Rasul (Toronto), and Rachel Strauss-Muniz (New York).

Thursday, March 25 at 3pmET
Online panel via Zoom

Claiming Space will include a moderated Q&A.

Cost: $10 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the blue “Buy Tix” button below!

Fierce & Funny

A photo grid with six photos. Top: Marshall Lorenzo, BOA, Bombae. Bottom: Ocean Giovanni, Miss Hunni Kruller, Toddy

Fierce & Funny is a panel with drag queens, performers and producers discussing the world of sketch, stand up, improv as it relates to the exquisite art form that is drag. Because comedy is what? FUNDAMENTAL!

Hosted by Marshall Lorenzo (writer, Canada’s Drag Race) Fierce & Funnywill feature panelists BOA aka Bitch On Arrival (Toronto), Bombae (Toronto), Ocean Giovanni (Toronto), Miss Hunni Kruller (Toronto), Toddy (Vancouver), and more!

Friday, March 26 at 2pmET
Online panel via Zoom

Fierce & Funny will include a moderated Q&A.

Cost: $10 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the purple “Buy Tix” button below!

How To Produce an Online Show

Alice Rose smiles, looking towards the right, past the camera. She wears a pink floral patterned dress and stands in front of white and green wallpaper, in a fern or palm tree greenery pattern.

Alice Rose will lead this 101 workshop that is a basic intro to producing an online comedy show. If you have no idea where to start, this workshop will give you some basic tools and know-how to get started in the right direction. From streaming platforms to tech requirements, this workshop features tips and tricks on what to consider when creating a live comedy show online.

Saturday, March 27 at 1pmET
Online workshop via Zoom

Instructor: Alice Rose is a transgender comic fueled by third-wave coffee and estradiol. A storyteller at heart, Alice combines introspective personal narratives with larger observations to create an intimate comedy experience. As the creator of Comic Sans Productions, Alice is dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible live comedy events and content, while highlighting the many diverse and intersectional voices of Canadian performance artists.

Cost: $25 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the blue “Buy Tix” button below!

Hatching, Matching and Dispatching Cast Reunion

A black graphic with white text that reads “Hatching, Matching & Dispatching”. The cast photo features nine cast members, standing on the shore. In the background are boats at dock, an ambulance, and a hearse the the back doors open revealing a coffin.

Join select cast members from CBC’s cult hit as they reminisce and discuss the everlasting impact of Hatching, Matching and Dispatching.

In outport Newfoundland, it was often left to one enterprising family to literally taxi the residents of the town from cradle to grave – offering wedding, funeral and ambulance services. A classic comedy that starred Mary Walsh, Sherry White, Mark McKinney, Rick Boland, Joel Thomas Hynes, Jonny Harris, Shaun Majumder and Susan Kent.

Saturday, March 27 at 4:30pmET
Online panel via Zoom

Hatching, Matching and Dispatching will include a moderated Q&A.

Cost: $10 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the blue “Buy Tix” button below!

Grant Writing for Comedy

A photo of Meg MacKay from the shoulders up, who looks directly at the camera.

Learn how to navigate the grant and funding process from a comedian’s point of view. Meg MacKay will lead this workshop where you can gain insight and knowledge including how to write a proper grant application, how to frame yourself as a comedian in the existing granting frameworks, and where you can access funds on a municipal, provincial, and federal level.

Sunday, March 28 at 1pmET
Online workshop via Zoom

Instructor: Meg MacKay is a comedian, comedy writer and arts administrator who is trying her best. She has written for a bunch of Canadian sketch tv shows. Her album Probably a Witch is out on Howl and Roar Records. She’s also been an arts administrator and grant writer for nearly a decade, most recently working with the Ontario Arts Council and the Indigenous Screen Office as a granting program administrator. She knows a little bit about this stuff.

Cost: $25 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the purple “Buy Tix” button below!

Process and POV: Video Workshop for BIPOC Creators

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.

Process and POV: Creating Meaningful Characters in the Digital Space, is a video workshop for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) comedy creators.

The class will be an interactive exploration of creative writing in the digital space with an emphasis on Process and POV. The class will examine video projects from prep to production to post, with a focus on creating a pitchable product for broadcasters and streaming platforms. Attendees can look forward to tips and tricks on creating video work from your point of view, writing, shooting, branding, tools and tech, and industry insights.

Sunday, March 28 at 3pmET
Online workshop via Zoom

Instructor: With over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Darrell Faria is a triple threat: director, writer, and comedian. He has a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performance in Digital Media (2016) and a Canadian Comedy Award nomination (2015) in the same category. His directorial work has won T.O. Webfest awards (2020), and the TOSketchfest award for Outstanding Comedy Short (2020). Last year he completed his third digital series as a director: Bit Playas on CBC Gem, a comedy about nerds-of-colour trying to make it in showbiz. He is currently guest directing on CBC’s Tallboyz.

Cost: $25 + fees / Pre-Registration Is Required.
Tickets can be purchased using the blue “Buy Tix” button below!

Scholarships

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 the Scholarship Form.

Screen Time Pass

Posted on: March 8th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

Join us March 24-28, 2021 for TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition. This year’s five-day online comedy Festival will celebrate the raw creativity of sketch comedians in the COVID era with comedy shorts by powerhouse rising stars and Canadian comedy legends both behind and in front of the camera.

And for this out-of-the-ordinary year, there’s really just one way to truly immerse yourself in the TOsketchfest experience… with the “Screen Time Pass.”

Give yourself the gift of 15 hilarious Livestream shows by talent from across the globe at a truly exceptional 70% OFF single ticket prices.

And in case you didn’t already know, this year 100% of streaming revenue will go directly to artists on our Digital Stage!

Go get your Screen Time Pass today by clicking the Buy Tix button below!

Get the Pass for YOU!

Festival graphic featuring the words Screen Time Pass, an Open Captioning [OC] icon, and a stylized image of a hand holding three TOsketchfest branded passes.

Open Captioning

TOsketchfest is also thrilled to offer Open Captioning on all festival shows, and a Screen Time Pass that gets you tickets to them all!

Get your Screen Time [OC] Pass today by clicking the blue Buy Tix button below!

More to come…

Stay tuned for more amazing announcements: Packages, Lineup, Single Tickets, Learning & Fun, plus the download on festival social hangs.

2021 Sketch Comedy Project Fund

Posted on: February 1st, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff

TOsketchfest is once again proud to partner with The Pat & Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts to announce the 7th Annual Sketch Comedy Project Fund – Applications are now open!

The Sketch Comedy Project Fund is Canada’s only comedy grant 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 19 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

Community Jam: Skills Swap and Q&A

Posted on: January 20th, 2021 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

Need something, give something.

On January 25, 2021 TOSketchFest invites the sketch comedy community to come together for an informal knowledge sharing session. Connect with other sketch comedians to swap skills, energy share, and pool resources. Bring a skill you can offer up to the group, and ask for a skill you need to pull off your next sketch project.

This is also your opportunity to ask TOSketchFest organizers about TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition, and what we are looking for from submissions this year. Submissions close February 1, 2021.

Skills Swap and Q&A

Monday, January 25
6pm ET on Zoom
Sign up by emailing damien@torontosketchfest.com

We’re all in this together so let’s work together!

WATCH: TOsketchfest20 Best of the Fest Award Show

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

The winners of the 2020 Best of the Fest Awards are:

The Outstanding Comedy Short Award, presented by CBC:
Uncle Saaajiid: Live from the Internet by Darrell Faria

The Steam Whistle Brewing Producers’ Pick Award:
Ajahnis Charley: Thots and Prayers

The Audience Choice Awards, presented by THINGS:
Festival Series: Carson and Taylor Promise To Do A Bunch of Flips
Full Length Show: Dead Parents Society: A Dark Sketch Comedy Revue

The Sketchiest Sketch Troupe Award:
Anesti Danelis

The Best of the Fest Award, presented by Church + State:
diane by Laura Ramoso

On July 29th, The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival broadcast the Best of the Fest Award Show – an online spectacle, hosted by Ashley Comeau and Connor Thompson of The Lusty Mannequins.

Originally scheduled for March 15, 2020, the Best of the Fest Award Show featured award presentations, and appearances from Festival favourites. The show is now available to watch anytime on YouTube, and FacebookLive. In addition to award presentations, viewers can enjoy sketch comedy performances by Diane, and Anesti Danelis, plus more surprise appearances!

Throughout the show, we announced the winners of the Festival’s five awards: The Outstanding Comedy Short Award presented by CBC, The Steam Whistle Producers’ Pick Award, The Audience Choice Awards presented by THINGS, The Sketchiest Sketch Troupe Award, and The Best of the Fest Award presented by Church + State.

TOsketchfest21 – Same Festival, Different Look

Posted on: December 9th, 2020 by TOsketchfest Staff

The 15th Annual TOsketchfest in March 2020 was cut short due to this new thing called COVID-19. Since then a LOT has changed in the comedy scene (and the whole world) as we know it. Therefore TOsketchfest will not be able to hold the Festival as per usual in 2021.

So now what?! It’s 2020 – we’re throwing out the playbook and bringing you the best sketch comedy next March in our own new way.

In March 2021 get ready for TOsketchfest21 – Screen Time Edition.

We’re gearing up for an online Festival mashing up all your favourite TOsketchfest ingredients: the TOsketchfest Film Fest, Learning & Fun Professional Development series, and numerous sketch comedy performance screenings by a phenomenal lineup of acts from across North America… and beyond!

PLUS we’re adding to the recipe with a dynamic roster of “shot live” stage productions, shot-from-home sketches, shows from satellite stage parnters, short comedy films, all kinds of post-show hangs and goofy fun ways to get your TOsketchfest on.

Streaming Revenue to Artists

And here’s the best part – in this most challenging time, streaming revenue will go to comedy creators!

Submissions are CLOSED!

TOsketchfest21 was accepting submissions via FilmFreeway!

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for the funniest, bestest, awesomerest short-form comedy… under 10mins:

Comedy Shorts
Animation
Micro-Comedy
Solo Sketch
“Shot Live” Performance
Web Series Episodes

Since we’ll be hangin’ on screens anyway… we’re also looking for:

Short Comedy Films (up to 20mins)

Submissions Closed February 1, 2021.

Sketch Comedy Community Jam

Posted on: December 9th, 2020 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

TOsketchfest will host a community jam on Wednesday, December 16 at 7pm ET for an end-of-the-year online hangout.

This FREE sketch jam, hosted by Yaw Attuah and Kelly Turner, is open to comedians to come and flex their sketch muscles, or just enjoy some funny company online!

YOUR HOSTS

Yaw Attuah is a comedian, writer and actor. Yaw has performed at many well-respected comedy clubs across the North America and has opened for Sam Jay (SNL), Josh Gondelman (Desus & Mero), and Eliza Skinner (Drop the Mic on TBS). Yaw also performs as an improviser in a duo called Not-Not Best Friends, and in the sketch duo Oreo Blizzard.

Kelly Turner (she/her) is an improvisor with Rapid Fire Theatre, as well as a writer and performer for Dang Dumb, the self proclaimed Bad Boys of Skit Comedy. Kelly has traveled across Canada doing improv and sketch comedy and while she’s in her hometown of Edmonton she finds delight in teaching improv to youths and adults. She loves to joke about her daddy issues and hates ghosts and ouija boards, which makes her a major buzz-kill at high school parties.

Tickets

Schedule & Single Tickets

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

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