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TOsketchfest20 Lineup Announcement

Posted on: January 27th, 2020 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

You have waited patiently and it it’s finally here! The line-up announcement for the 15^th Annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival! That’s right, TOsketchfest is now fifteen years old – officially making us the longest running comedy festival in Toronto.

TOsketchfest will mark this milestone with 12 days of the best scripted, ensemble comedy from across North America at Crow’s Theatre, The Theatre Centre, and Comedy Bar March 4 -15, 2020. Check out the full TOsketchfest20 Lineup here.

TOsketchfest will celebrate 15 years with $15 tickets! All Festival tickets are just $15 including performances at Crow’s Theatre, Comedy Bar and The Theatre Centre. But act fast – prices go up February 15!

In this anniversary year, TOsketchfest continues to serve its primary mission – to invest in and support the development of Canadian comedic voices.

The Festival line up will include a curated mix of emerging sketch comedians, and long standing scene mainstays, including: Fringe favourites Anesti Danelis, Tita Collective, and Not Oasis; solo stars Jon Blair, Ophira Calof, Tom Hearn, and Anders Yates; and hot out of town acts including Gender? I Hardly Know Them from Edmonton, Milwaukee! from New York, Brunch from Vancouver, and Spooky Dookie from Chicago.

Sex T-Rex will embark upon a bold new journey at TOsketchfest20: performing an actual Sketch Revue on March 6 and 7 at The Theatre Centre! No continuous plot, no character development, just PURE SKETCH ACTION. Of course, you can still expect Sex T-Rex’s signature flair- stage combat, physical comedy, and heartfelt parody will be omnipresent throughout this FOR SURE A SKETCH SHOW show.

Vest of Friends will celebrate ten consecutive years at TOSketchFest20 with the silliness of four genuine friends, cramming as many jokes into each premise as possible. Come see a show that SNL alumni Garrett Morris called “perfectly executed stupidity!” at The Theatre Centre on March 12 and 13.

But wait – maybe you want to see one, two, or 15+ shows at TOsketchfest? Don’t worry – we also have a limited number of passes for just $45! This mega deal is on until February 15 – or while supplies last.

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The Full TOsketchfest20 line-up currently includes:
1623, Ajahnis Charley, Anders Yates, Anesti Danelis, Anna Smith, Bad Tattoo, Beggar’s Canyon, Brunch, Cam Wyllie, Carson & Taylor, Cereal in a Mason Jar, Craig Scorgie is A Growing Boy, Dang Dumb, Diane, Elena Skopetos: Impressing My Dad, Erica Gellert, Freak ‘N Da Beats, Gary from HR, Gender? I Hardly Know Them, Girl Brain, Good News Toronto, Hackett & Langdon, Herbeaver, HUNKS, Hybrid, Jon Blair, Jovani!, Lady Mary and the Marquis van Shyzer, Li’l RasGALS, Liam Lum, Low Rise Queens, Meg MacKay, Milwaukee!, Not Oasis, Ophira Calof, Palcoholics, Public Works, Rabiya Mansoor, Randall Walsh, Rena Warrior Princess, Room 28, Same Boat Comedy, Sex T-Rex, Smooth Comedy, Spooky Dookie, The Wow, Thunderstood, Tita Collective, Tom Hearn, TwoSon, Uber & Klonk, Vest Of Friends, Whisky Kids, Whyte Wyne & Young Riesling, and Woke ‘N Broke.

Stay tuned for more TOsketchfest20 announcements including marquee shows at Crow’s Theatre, the TOsketchfest Film Festival, our Learning and Fun Professional Development program and more!

THE SKETCH COMEDY PROJECT FUND – 2019 RECIPIENTS

Posted on: January 6th, 2020 by TOsketchfest Staff

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is proud to announce the 2019 recipients of The Sketch Comedy Project Fund. This year five 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.

2019 SCPF RECIPIENT PROJECTS:

Hackett and Langdon – The Album

Hackett & Langdon – The Album is a live sketch comedy album written and performed by Brandon Hackett (The Second City, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Sketchersons) and Jonathan Langdon (No Tomorrow, Tallboyz, The Sketchersons). The album would be a document of their newest work, and a culmination of the ten-plus years that they have been doing comedy.

Don Valley Girls Sketch Revue

The Don Valley Girls is a new Toronto sketch troupe made up of five emerging artists: Cihang Ma, Fateema Miller, Rabiya Mansoor, Surer Qaly Deria, and Tia McGregor. The show, set to debut in Spring 2020, will feature 60 minutes of sketches and musical numbers from the perspective of five millennial women – the Don Valley Girls – just trying to get by in the big smoke.

Not Oasis Pilot Pitch Project

Not Oasis will work to develop a pilot pitch package for a narrative sketch comedy TV show for a broadcaster. Staying true to their quintessentially Canadian roots, they will work to develop a television show with guidance from a mentor from within the Canadian comedy community.

Lady Mary and the Marquis van Shyzer’s Debut Studio Album

Lady Mary and the Marquis van Shyzer will embark on a project to translate their infectious live act into a classic comedy album – a studio recording featuring a selection of their monologues and most popular offbeat songs to date.

Dead Parents Society: A Sketch Comedy Revue

Dead Parents Society is a 60-minute sketch comedy revue, written and performed by this ensemble of Toronto’s best sketch comedians, and directed by Kirsten Rasmussen (A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza). Dead Parents Society ran two sold out shows November 1 and 2, 2019 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.

2020 Sketch Comedy Project Fund

The 2020 Sketch Comedy Project Fund opens once again in February 2020. 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.

January’s Sketch Comedy in Toronto

Posted on: January 3rd, 2020 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

January – ahem – sorry, Janugary is an important time for the comedy community in Toronto. It is a chance to try new things with Festival of New Formats at Comedy Bar, GlobeHead at Bad Dog, and anywhere you can brave when you have managed to leave the warmth of your apartment.

Here are some tips for sketch comedy gold in this inaugural month of the 2020s:

Sketch to the Death – January 5 – February 15 at Social Capital Theatre

2019 Rookie of the Year Liam Lum and 2019 Champions Vest of Friends

The second annual Sketch To The Death comedy tournament returns to Social Capital Theatre, where Toronto’s funniest established and up-and-coming sketch comedy acts compete to be crowned Toronto Sketch Champions! Tickets

NextStage Festival – January 8 – 12 at Factory Theatre

The NextStage Theatre Festival is a curated, boutique festival produced every winter by the Toronto Fringe. This year NextStage includes our sketchy friends and TOsketchfest alum including Lindsay Mullan in “Tease”, Ophira Calof in “Literally Titanium”, Pearle Harbour in “Agit-Pop!” and Tita Collective in “Tita Jokes”. Tickets

Let’s Get Shawn Mendes to Comedy Bar – January 9 at Comedy Bar

This brand new variety show is full of stand-up, improv, sketch and musical comedy. All of which in intended to – you guessed it – Bring Shawn Mendes to Comedy Bar. Maybe he will bring Camilla Cabello? Maybe he’ll bring everyone something from Tim Hortons? Only one way to find out -> Tickets

Good Sunday presents Rats’ Nest – January 12 at Bad Dog Theatre

Mark Little, Chris Saniford and Jacob Greco join forces for Good Sunday, a weekly comedy offering at Bad Dog with something new each week. On January 12 check out RATS’ NEST: “RATS’ NEST is like Dragons’ Den but with NO budget and YES funny and LESS CBC and MORE LOL.” Tickets

Li’l RasGALS: Party 4 U – January 18 at Nickel 9 Distillery

TOSketchfest’s 2019 Sketchiest Sketch Troupe winners, Li’l RasGALS, bring you a night of comedy, signature cocktails and debauchery. The event takes place onsite at a real, working distillery, and features Mark Little, Selena Vyle, and Tita Collective! Tickets

We also want to wish good luck and safe travels to all of the local troupes who are off to San Francisco SketchFest and Chicago SketchFest this month to represent the Toronto scene! Break funny bones (but get travel insurance first!)

2020 Festival Pass

Posted on: December 24th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff

The Best Price EVER!

The 2020 Festival Pass – Just $65 ’til they’re gone!

For just $45 ALL of TOsketchfest can be yours with this one-price full-festival pass – access to 80+ shows on 5 stages by 60+ acts from across North America March 4-15, 2020

Limited Time. Limited Supply.

Don’t wait! There are just 75 passes available this year and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Price goes up January 1st.

Everything you need to know about using your 2020 TOsketchfest Festival Pass is right here. Rules, terms, redemption… y’know – all that stuff. (Don’t worry, it’s easy)

2020 HOLIDAY PASS
The pay-one-price pass for Toronto’s favourite comedy festival
JUST $45 (+HST and fees)

Apply Now!

Posted on: December 19th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE TOSKETCHFEST’20 FILM FESTIVAL ARE NOW OPEN!

It’s that time of year again! Toronto’s favourite comedy festival is gearing up for it’s 15th Anniversary, and that means we’re on the lookout for the best scripted comedy from across North America and beyond. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival runs March 4-15, 2020 where we’ll welcome over 50 of the best scripted comedy acts for 12 days of non-stop hilarity.

TOsketchfest Film Festival 2020

The TOsketchfest Film Festival returns for a fourth year! Submissions are now open – we’re looking for the funniest, best-produced comedy shorts for the title of “Outstanding Comedy Short.” The TOsketchfest Film Festival kicks off our 2020 live comedy festival, and five nominee films will be selectively featured before all festival live performances. This festival focuses on Canadian work, but is open to filmmakers worldwide! Do you have what it takes?

FILMFEST Submissions close JANUARY 24th

December’s Sketch Comedy in Toronto

Posted on: December 1st, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

It has been a great year for sketch comedy in Toronto. There were new troupes showing us what they got, new shows like Sweet Dreams and Double Bangers, and tons of awesome sketch on the boards of many Toronto stages.

2019 is coming to a close, so run out and see some more sketch before 2020 enters, okay?!

Ryerson’s RIOT – December 4 at Comedy Bar

RIOT! is Ryerson University’s student-driven sketch comedy troupe. The show is entirely written, directed, performed, and produced by RTA students from different years of the program and features both video and stage sketches. Tickets

Laugh Rally: A Benefit for TOsketchfest – December 6 at Isabel Bader Theatre

Yes, we’re plugging our own show. But we need help! Friends of TOsketchfest including Flo & Joan, Aurora Browne, Gavin Crawford and the Tita Collective will unite for this once-in-a-lifetime lineup, a fund raiser to save TOsketchfest. Tickets

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Crisis – December 14 at The Second City

A Second City Toronto Conservatory Show with a hilarious name, just in time for the holidays! It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Crisis is written and performed by Lauren Boyd, Josh Chau, James Robin Gerus, Shaun Hunter, George Kiriakopulos, Brittany McCarthy Ballam, Joeley Pulver, Amelia Rose Ritthaler, Matthew Thomas, and Bianca Dominique Yates. Tickets

Whyte Christmas – December 23 at Comedy Bar

It’s time for a festive tasting with Whyte Wyne and Young Riesling! With their crisp blend of comedy, these 6ix godz will take you on an epic hip-hop journey. Tickets

DisasterFEST 2019 – December 27 at Bad Dog

DisasterFEST is a marathon of weird and strange shows that runs all night and in your nightmares forever. The open-ended and experimental nature of the show often results in the chaotically weird and inexplicable taking place, but there is bound to be at least one sketch in the show, right? Tickets

Laugh Rally – Dec 6th

Posted on: November 19th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff

Friends of The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival UNITE for Benefit Show on Friday, December 6th!

On Friday, December 6th, friends of TOsketchfest unite for a benefit show bringing together some of Canada’s beloved stars of comedy and music alongside stand-out acts from recent festivals.

featuring…**

Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch Show)
Gavin Crawford
Flo & Joan
Ron James
Bruce McCulloch (Kids in the Hall)
Nirvanna The Band The Show
The Second City’s “SHE THE PEOPLE”
Tallboyz
The Tita Collective
Women Fully Clothed
… and more!
… plus music from
Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness)
Torquil Campbell (STARS)

LAUGH RALLY: A Benefit for TOsketchfest

Friday December 6th, 8:00 pm (Doors 7:00 pm)
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St Toronto
General Admission Seating (Doors Open at 7:00 pm)
Tickets: $40 +HST

PLUS… add a tax-deductible, charitable donation to your ticket!

What’s this show all about?…

TOsketchfest is one of Canada’s only charities dedicated to developing Canadian comedic voices. After a challenging year in 2019, we were surprised by the loss of funding from a key provincial government partner. This double-whammy now threatens the future of The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival so we’re reaching out for help.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime lineup, a fund raiser to save TOsketchfest – Toronto’s own homegrown comedy festival.

** Lineup is subject to change without notice

SUPPORT LAUGH RALLY

November’s Sketch Comedy in Toronto

Posted on: October 30th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

Ah November, that sweet month between Halloween and Christmas when no one feels obligated to do a holiday-themed show. We have listed five exciting sketch comedy shows with a dynamic variety of styles.

The Second City JCB Series –
November 1-3 at John Candy Box Theatre

The Second City Toronto is remounting some of the funniest shows from the 2019 Toronto Fringe Festival including Anesti Danelis’ Six Frets Under, the Tita Collective’s Tita Jokes and Gillian Bartolucci’s The Weight of it All. Tickets

Sweet Dreams – November 5 at The Theatre Centre

Comedians Tia McGregor, Meg MacKay and Surer Qaly weave a series of sketches interspersed between a stellar line-up of comedians to explore fantasies, nightmares, and the thin line between. Tickets

Weird Al Karaoke – November 8 at Comedy Bar

Weird Al Karaoke is a monthly song parody show where comedians sing live original parody songs they have written to a backing track. Tickets

Soda Fountain – November 14 at Comedy Bar

Graeme Achurch and Nathan Hare bring their hit variety sketch show from Vancouver with special guests. Soda Fountain has performed at Montreal Sketchfest, and Portland Sketchfest, and JFL Northwest. Tickets

Blood – November 14 and 21 at Bad Dog Theatre

A highly anticipated solo show by Joe Amero. Blood is an unbelievable true story about life, death and family. Tickets

Honourable mention:

Dead Parents Society will premiere at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre on November 1 and 2, 2019 – and they have sold out both performances! Congratulations to the cast and crew.

October’s Sketch Comedy in Toronto

Posted on: September 30th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

As we get closer to the Halloween, October brings to mind everything spooky, scary – and sketchy! This month is chock-full of sketch comedy as the fall season really kicks into gear. The Second City Toronto will open their 83rd revue, and we will present three showcases of Toronto’s latest sketch troupes. It’s not a trick – it’s a treat!

Sketch in Progress – October 3 at Comedy Bar

Sketch in Progress (SIP) is Toronto’s first open mic for sketch comedians! Presented by Craig Scorgie (Good Game, The Wow, Two Doctors), every SIP show features open spots for a diverse selection of Toronto’s up-and-coming comedic talent, and closes off with a headlining spot from a top tier sketch troupe. FREE Tickets

Minimum Wage Against the Machine – October 7 & 17 at at the John Candy Box Theatre

Come see the official remount of the graduating Conservatory class starring Julana Bender, Marcus Colby, Amanda Cogan, Johan DeNora, Hannah May, Claire Renaud and Zach Sommers. Tickets

TOsketchfest Showcases – October 8 & 9 at Comedy Bar

This is your chance to see over 14 new troupes from the Toronto sketch comedy scene. New faces, new troupes, and new ideas will be on display for the jurors of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, and you are invited! The shows will include Korean Mom and Chinese Daughter, We Are Sports, Bad Tattoo, Citizens of Mars, Hybrid, Cereal in a Mason Jar, Whisky Kids, Weird Town, The Two Sues, Diane, Kiss the Dog, Two Doctors, Rabiya Mansoor, and more! Tickets

If I Could #Throwback Time – October 10 until the end of the year at The Second City

Bask in the neon glow of nostalgia in The Second City’s brand new revue! If I Could #Throwback Time sends audiences through a virtual time machine, mining comedy gold from ancient treasures like old school video games! Power Rangers! And Canada’s long, complicated history of sweeping social injustices! Tickets

HUNKS – October 12 at Comedy Bar

HUNKS is a sketch comedy troupe from Winnipeg, and we are proud to call them TOsketchfest alum. Dana Smith, Tim Gray, Matt Nightingale, and Rory Fallis are all intelligent people who make each other dumber. They have invited Mark Little and Chris Sandiford along for the ride! Tickets

Whisky Kids: Big Dork Energy – October 16 & 20 at Bad Dog Theatre

Whisky Kids, Clare Blackwood and Ryan F. Hughes, present their debut sketch showcase! Big Dork Energy will be a heady melange of nerd cred, social anxiety, and lousy vampire boyfriends. And there’s swearin’ so 14+. Tickets

SUBMISSIONS FOR TOSKETCHFEST20 – NOW OPEN!

Posted on: September 4th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

It’s that time of year again! Toronto’s favourite comedy festival is gearing up for it’s 15th Anniversary, and that means we’re on the lookout for the best scripted comedy from across North America and beyond. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival runs March 4-15, 2020 where we’ll welcome over 50 of the best scripted comedy acts for 12 days of non-stop hilarity.

Live Performance

If you are in a sketch troupe, a solo character performer, or musical act and want to take part, now is your chance. Submissions are now open until October 11 for TOsketchfest 2020.

To apply for a live performance showcase at TOsketchfest 2020…

REMINDER: Submissions close October 11!

The TOsketchfest Film Festival
The TOsketchfest Film Fest Premiere kicks off TOsketchfest each year with a screening of our curated selection of some of the funniest and best produced comedy shorts anywhere. Information about Film Fest submissions will be announced shortly.

September’s Sketch Comedy in Toronto

Posted on: September 2nd, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

Aw, September! When we wash down that CNE cotton candy with pumpkin spice lattes and get back at it at work and school. This month Toronto will host JFL42 with sketch comedy heroes such as Carol Burnett, TallBoyz II Men, John Mulaney, and Nick Kroll but our hometown heroes are still holding it down. Here are five shows to check out this month!

Welcome to Weird Town
– September 4 at Social Capital Theatre

Join Weird Town for their inaugural comedy show! It will be a night of variety with sketch, stand-up and improv featuring Jo Anne Tacorda, Emily Milling, Ryan Riddell, John Budreski, Liz Myers, Anyka Davis, Matthew Ardill, Alicia Carrick, Matt Cheung, Justin Subryan, Brian Archdekin, Samantha Sexton and Anushka Risa Lobo. Tickets

House Co – Fridays at John Candy Box Theatre

The Second City House Ensemble presents sketch and improv every Friday in the John Candy Box Theatre with a brand new cast including Scott Lloyd, Connie Manfredi, Carson Pinch, Monica Garrido, Jenna-Lee Hyde, Christopher Middleton, Kyah Green, and Justin Carter. Tickets

Kiss the Dog Presents…The Dog Show Vol 3 – September 20 at Bad Dog Theatre

A monthly celebration, on the Third Friday of every month, of the subversive arts featuring the finest in comedy, music, etc. and 30 minutes of original sketch comedy from Kiss the Dog. September special guests include Emily Poulin and Foad HP. Tickets

Double Bangers
– September 23 at Assembly Theatre

Double Bangers is a new monthly shows providing Toronto sketch artists with a half an hour slot to put up their best work! The first Artists in Residence, performing for the first ever Double Banger show, are Erica Gellert and The Diddlin’ Bibbles! Tickets

You Love This
– Wednesdays at The Social Capital Theatre

Hosted by Amar Singh and Hanif Jetha, You Love This is a late night open mic style variety show open to all comedy performers. Check it out each Wednesday at 11pm. Tickets

Toronto’s Sketch Comedy in August

Posted on: July 30th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

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The dog days of summer are here! After a long day of drinking in Trinity Bellwoods Park, why not cool down in the air conditioned glory of a comedy show? Here is a list of sketch comedy to check out this August!

Uber & Klonk Anniversary Special – August 5 at Social Capital Theatre

Uber and Klonk, a high energy sketch and improv duo made up of Carley Thorne and Meredith Mullen, are celebrating their birthday! In their trip around the sun they’ve made it to Montreal Sketchfest, the finals of Worlds Biggest Improv Tournament, and the next stop is Central Florida SketchFest! This show will be filled with games, drinks, and special guests. Tickets

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Dog Shirt – August 12 at Comedy Bar

Dog Shirt is Noah Maloney + Zach Berge + James Bedggood + Stupid – their words. Get ready for some absurd comedy from the minds of the hilarious YouTube channel Dog Toons. Tickets

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Vest of Friends – August 24 at Comedy Bar

Vest of Friends return to the Comedy Bar for some summer lovin’ on the Cabaret stage. Tickets

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Come Thru Kweens – August 29 at Bad Dog Theatre

Come Thru Kweens is a solo (ish) show, from the brain of Ajahnis Charley, that is as close to a Beyoncé concert as a sketch show can get. This troupe makes the exploration of marginalized voices more spectacular than a Kanye West performance. Directed by Kirsten Rasmussen. Featuring Lindsay Mckeen and Mark Heeney with special guests Tiyawnda McGregor, Wellesley Robertson and X. Tickets

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Friday Night Sketch – Fridays at John Candy Box Theatre

Each week the current Writing 5: From Pen to Performance class at The Second City Training Centre will present the new sketches they have written and performed! Tickets

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Sketch Comedy at the Toronto Fringe Festival

Posted on: June 28th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

Summer is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than diving into over 160 shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival? From July 3 -14, 2019, Toronto Fringe will present a massive array of shows from clown to dance to drama to musicals to everything in between – but of course we are very biased to the plethora of sketch comedy shows!

If you grab a copy of the Toronto Fringe Program Guide you’ll see all of the comedy shows on pages 30 – 51. It is so overwhelming, in the best way possible, so we have complied a list of the sketch comedy revues and comedic shows featuring TOsketchfest alumni.

Happy Fringing!

ANESTI DANELIS: SIX FRETS UNDER
Tranzac Club Tiki Room, 292 Brunswick Avenue
Having been surrounded by loss this past year, Anesti Danelis took refuge in his guitar and created a brand new hour of comedic music. Directed by Tricia Black (A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza) this brand show reflects on all the fun moments in life like: identity crisis, invincible youth, inescapable rumours, stealing from work, goats? and more!

CARPE INTO MY DMs
Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Avenue
In a post-apocalyptic world, only a few millennials—and their smartphones—survive. Sketch comedy troupe, We Are Sports!, is desperate to escape the destructive mistakes of the past because this time, #thoughtsandprayers won’t be enough. Directed by Alastair Forbes (The Lusty Mannequins), join these selfie-obsessed survivors for the best, and probably last, sketch comedy revue anyone will ever see.

CLOTHESWAP
The Textile Museum of Canada, 55 Centre Avenue
Directed by Dale Boyer, Clotheswap is a unique show featuring Amanda Barker, Cassie Cao, Ashley Comeau, Tarah Consoli, and Karen Parker. This co-production with The Textile Museum of Canada examines the seams of empathy among women, the high cost of fast fashion, and the stories our bodies tell. Audience can bring clothing to swap and donate to Sistering & Dress For Success.

COMEDY RECORDS presents JAY & EYTAN
Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst Street
Jay & Eytan are a New York based professional comedy duo, originally from Canada. They showcase a blend of sketch and stand up comedy in their one hour act – packed with energy, countless punchy premises, and just the right amount of spice.

DEATH RAY CABARET
The Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton Street
Second City veterans Jordan Armstrong and Kevin Matviw are back from the Edinburgh Fringe with a quick-witted musical comedy show that explores everything from libraries to a graveyard bash.

EMOTIONAL LABOUR
Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst Street
Emotional Labour is a new comedy directed by Gwynne Phillips (The Templeton Philharmonic). Women have to carry the emotional load in their relationships with men far too often. And it’s a load of exhausting, rage-inducing bullshit. So Jess Beaulieu and Luis Fernandes wrote a play to talk about it.

FRIENDLY FIRE: The Art and Execution of Friendship
Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street 3rd Floor
Friends are great, aren’t they? Wait, are they? They must be. Otherwise we wouldn’t try so hard to make them. Or keep them. Or avoid them. Until we can cut them out… hmm. Sketch revues are great, aren’t they? This one is!

HERBEAVER
Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst Street
HerBeaver – Katie Preston, Heather Gallant, and Mallory Morgan – will be taking 60 minutes of their best sketches and songs from their monthly show Bush Party to the Toronto Fringe! This show is entirely written, produced, directed, and performed by these three actor/comedian/best friends, with a fast-paced, feminist, and absurd style.

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE
Annex Theatre, 736 Bathurst Street
It’s Getting Hot in Here is a sketch revue about changing climates, both political and environmental. With the world going up in flames, what’s a theatre company to do?!

IT GIRLS: A Pop Comedy Musical
Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst Street
It Girls has it all: fame, friendship, forbidden romance, girl power, camp, Showgirls-esque sabotage, and a hilarious collection of original early 2000s-inspired pop songs. A comedy-musical directed by Ashley Comeau, It Girls features a hilarious cast including Emily Richardson, Aba Amuquandoh, Erica Gellert, Devon Henderson, Tom Hearn, and Marshall Lorenzo.

MIDDLE RAGED
Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street 3rd Floor
Middle Raged stars Geri Hall (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and Gary Pearson (Sunnyside), in a hilarious sketch comedy show that explores the ridiculous nature of life from 30 to 65. We were thrilled to present Middle Raged at TOsketchfest19 – and we can’t wait to see what they have in store at Toronto Fringe!

PEACHES ON A CHERRY TREE
Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace, 16 Ryerson Avenue
Upon learning that her wife Viv has a mysterious illness, Rose decides to die by her side. But their Doctor has a different plan.
Written and directed by Colin Sharpe (The Weaker Vessels), Peaches on a Cherry Tree features Christy Bruce, Lance Byrd, Kyah Green, and Alexandra Hurley.

THE RESISTANCE IMPROVISED
Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst Street
Inspired by The Resistance board game, and directed by Maddox Campbell (Interrobang), this improv comedy will be filled with cyber-hackers, sentient traffic robots, cyborg sports-stars, and serious laughs. The cast includes Jon Blair, Antony Hall, Ryan F. Hughes (Whisky Kids), Kat Letwin (1623), Carmine Lucarelli, Anne McMaster (Not Oasis), Nkasi Ogbonnah (1623), and Carley Thorne (Uber and Klonk).

SKETCHY ADVENTURES IN THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Avenue
Sketch and theatre will collide in this laugh-out-loud, mystical Fringe fairy tale. Sketchy Adventures in the Enchanted Forest is a story of unexpected friendships, altered perceptions, monsters, duels, madness and finding out who you are.

SOME PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT
Streetcar Crowsnest Scotiabank Studio, 345 Carlaw Avenue
Some People To Think About is a solo comedy show from Paul Blinov (Gossamer Obsessions). It’s a finely curated collection of strange fools and plausible nonsense: an all-too-honest father, an all-too-desperate screenwriter, and more.

SWALLOWED WHOLE
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St George Street
3 actors, 20 characters, 3 bad celebrity impressions, 3 songs, 55 minutes, 1 is the loneliest number, 4+2=7. Rachel Parry brings her unique style to the stage for the first time in this collection of peculiar sketches, featuring three of Toronto’s most axolautlomatic performers!

TITA JOKES
Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 30 Bridgman Avenue
Join the TOSketchFest19 Steamwhistle Producers’ Pick winners, the Tita Collective, for a musical sketch comedy spectacle to remember. They sing, they dance, and they’re going to make you snort-laugh halo-halo through your nose!

THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL
Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson Avenue
Gillian Bartolucci balances the pressures of diet culture, fertility issues, and the ongoing struggle for self acceptance through full bodied comedy, characters, truths, songs, dance and fibroids. Directed by Carly Heffernan, The Weight of It All is a mission to find value and humour in the things that cannot be measured with a scale.

WOKE ‘N BROKE
Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St George Street
And lo! Jesus made the five loaves feed hundreds. And the millennials were like, “Can I get mine toasted with avocado?”

(WARNING: This comedy sketch revue may contain traces of millennials and avocados)
Directed by Anand Rajaram, Woke ‘N Broke features Carolyne Das, Neha Kohli, Nkasi Ogbonnah, Rob Michaels, Sima Sepehri, and Zohaib Khan.

PLUS! KidsFest at Toronto Fringe
All shows at George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire Place

Boy vs Fly
Adapted from the children’s book BOY vs FLY by Daniel Beitchman, this charming comedy will delight audiences of all ages 4+. Directed by Kerry Griffin, BOY vs FLY will feature the hilarious antics of Devon Hyland, Spencer Litzinger, Simon McCamus (Northwest Passage), Josh Symonds, and Brie Watson (The Utilidors)

Gremlin Hour
Written by Alex Kolanko (The Sketchersons), with additional writing by Chris Leveille (Dame Judy Dench), Gremlin Hour is a non-spooky comedy for ages 6-12. All Gremlins, including you, are invited to a meeting of gremlins. The child we have to scare is asleep all the time. It’s hard to be spooky when they don’t want to be awake. We need your help! What is a Gremlin to do?!

Philip & Lucinda Dino-Show
Philip and Lucinda (The Grand Salto Theatre), dinosaur explorers extraordinaire, set out to understand the Paleozoic Era with song, dance and acrobatics. Philip & Lucinda Dino-Show is an acrobatic comedy with a whole lot of silly that will leave you saying: “This show is Dino-mite!” This show is suitable for ages 2-10 and anyone who loves Dinosaurs (so . . . everyone!).

Tickets and passes are on sale now for the 2019 Toronto Fringe Festival at https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/plan-your-festival/tickets-pass-info

Toronto’s Sketch Comedy in June

Posted on: May 29th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

Fringe Festival season has begun and Just For Laughs is on it’s way, but until then check out these sketch comedy and variety shows across Toronto!

A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza – June 6 – 13 at The Second City

It’s baaaaaaaaaack and more extra than ever! After multiple sold-out performances at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, and Crow’s Theatre as part of TOsketchfest19, A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza is being remounted one final time at the Second City Toronto in partnership with Pride Toronto! Tickets

The Rise and Fall of the Dataman – June 12 & 16 at Bad Dog Theatre

Inspired by Ian McIntyre’s experience working in an office, and his decision to leave that life behind him, this tall, thin, and cerebral comedian transforms into many colourful and seamless characters to present a sketch comedy show that explores the boundaries of silliness and showcases the sadness behind the clown. Tickets

Yes Trespassing – Thursday, June 13 at Comedy Bar

Brought to you by The Lighthouse Troupe, the improv and sketch comedy group YES TRESPASSING is back at Comedy Bar for another night of shenanigans! Tickets

The Mystery Box – Saturday, June 15 at Social Capital Theatre

Hosted by Matt Laird and accompanied by The Argumentals, this is a monthly show that showcases sketch and improv comedy. What is going on inside the mystery box sketch show? Come up to the 3rd floor of Socap on the 3rd Saturday of every month to find out! Tickets

Wrestling Without Wrestling: Father’s Day Special – Sunday, June 16 at Bad Dog Theatre

Wrestling Without Wrestling is a sketch comedy show that has all of the pageantry and theatrics of professional wrestling, but without any of the violence or hurting. Equal parts WWE, WKRP and SNL: this satire-in-spandex show encourages audience participation as you get to cheer your favourites and boo the bad guys. Tickets

TAWA: A Filipinx Comedy Fest – June 27 & 28 at Bad Dog Theatre

A Filipinx Comedy festival with emerging and established comedians to celebrate the first ever Filipinx Heritage Month! Tickets

Toronto’s Sketch Comedy in May

Posted on: April 26th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

Whether the NHL playoffs are making you very happy or very sad, you’re gonna need a good laugh. Never fear, we have listed five exciting sketch comedy and variety shows for the month of May! Plus we’re spotlighting some must-sees if you happen to be kickin’ it in Montreal or St John’s.

Diversity Showcase – Sunday, May 5 at John Candy Box Theatre

An exciting line-up of comedians and performers showcasing stand-up, sketch, solo material and more as part of the 6th Annual Diversity Weekend at The Second City Toronto. Tickets

Fusion Comedy – Wednesday, May 8 at Social Capital Theatre

Spotlighting material from a culturally diverse LGBTQ2+ perspective, Fusion is a supergroup of strong voices and unique styles. You might see some stellar improv and stand up from special guests before Fusion launches into their fresh sketches. This recurring show is always a warm and supportive room. Tickets

A Boys Memoir and The Toronto Make Me Laughs – Sunday, May 12 at Bad Dog Theatre

TOsketchfest alum My Chemical Bromance and the Toronto Make Me Laughs team up for an evening of “spellbinding song parody”. If you have not seen these troupes before, you are in for the treat of your life. Tickets

Herbeaver present Bush Party – Thursday, May 16 at Comedy Bar

Each and every month Herbeaver presents Bush Party, a full spread of new material. They indulge in mocking the world around them with musical comedy, satire and maybe a mustard salad – but it’s always fast-paced, feminist and in your face. Tickets

My Dark Holdings – Monday, May 27 at Comedy Bar

My Dark Holdings – Aine Davis,Connor Ferrera, and Ben Stager – are three comedy and regular geniuses that present this monthly show that will blow your mind and make you laugh! Tickets

If that’s not enough for you, from May 2 – 11, 2019 our best sketch friends Montreal Sketchfest will present ten nights of bonkers comedy including 17 Toronto troupes. Then go east(-er) on May 15 – 18 as Halfhandsome – Newfoundland’s most daring sketch comedy troupe presents Almost Baymous 3 at LSPU Hall in St John’s.

Accessibility in Comedy Info Sheet

Posted on: April 25th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

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This year the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival hosted an info session about accessibility in comedy, hosted by Ophira Calof, at Crow’s Theatre as part of the Learning and Fun Professional Development program.

The group in attendance, including comedians, producers and venue owners, brainstormed what a typical experience of producing and attending a comedy show is like in Toronto. Everything from how the show is promoted to physical features of the venue to performer and audience expectations were shared. They talked about how to make adjustments to the show in order to increase access, along with tips on how to host a relaxed performance.

Ophira Calof, and our Coordinator of Learning and Fun Erin Conway, have gathered all of the notes and ideas from the info session and we are happy to share this with the world!

SOCIAL MODEL OF DISABILITY

Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians have a disability. Developed by the Disability community, this model says that people are disabled by societal barriers, not by any personal impairment or difference. Barriers can include many things, like buildings not having a ramp, no captioning in videos, and certain attitudes/expectations about disabled people.

By understanding the social model of disability, we can immediately start addressing accessibility in our community by:

Recognizing what we currently offer and communicating it clearly
Providing variations/changing what we currently offer to remove barriers and increase access, making our shows available to more people

ACCESS INFORMATION INCLUDES:

Online marketing:

Image description
Accessible PDFs
Captioning for videos
Clear contact person for accessibility concerns

Getting to the venue:

Transit options and their accessibility:
Drop off areas
Parking
Entry to the space

Entering the space:

Are there stairs? How many, how steep?
Is there a person on site who can assist people up and down the stairs?
Is there a railing or landing?
Is there a ramp? Is it permanent or temporary?
What are the measurements of the door / entryway and is there an automatic button?

Inside the venue:

Are there any additional steps once you get inside?
How do you get your ticket? Will there be lines?
Will personal support workers get in for free?
Is there seating available pre-show?

Seating:

Are the seats full back / bar stools / couches?
What are the measurements of the chairs? Do they have armrests?
What are the sightlines like to the stage?
Will priority seating be offered, and if so, at what point?

Washrooms:

Is there an accessible washroom?
What are the dimensions? Does it have grab bars?
How high is the toilet seat?

Content of the show:

Will there be ASL interpretation? Live captioning? Audio description? A touch tour?
Will it be a relaxed performance?
Is there a speaker system / announcements / loud music?
Are there lighting blackouts? Strobe lighting? Jarring effects?
Are people permitted to come and go during the performance?
Will there be audience participation? Can people opt out?

ELEMENTS OF A RELAXED PERFORMANCES:

Community outreach and consultation
Create and distribute a VISUAL STORY in advance (an example used at TOsketchfest19)
Quiet space in venue for patron use
Staff/volunteer preparation
Pre-show introduction (often one of the actors from the show) explaining to the audience what to expect during the show (show lighting / stage / house lighting, demo volume of sound as well as content and structure of the performance). Also explain the audience is welcome to move around the space and make noise.
Keep house lights up to a level where the audience can easily come and go
No sudden noises / light changes in the show tech
Make sure actors are prepared for the relaxed nature of the show

IDEAS ON APPLYING RELAXED PERFORMANCE TO SKETCH:

Instead of blackouts, try fade or other lighting, use keyboard instead of needle drops

Other Options/Examples for Edits:

Moving props in and out
Thematic transitions
Rethink blowlines
Actors resetting to the same space on stage to reset for a new scene
Establishing patterns to end scenes
Start clap or bow from the stage

EXTRA LITTLE TIPS AND TRICKS:

Here is an accessibility info sheet that TOsketchfest created which shares descriptions of each TOsketchfest Venue in 2019
Here is an example of a VISUAL STORY from TOsketchfest19
Hire accessibility and community consultants from the Dis/Mad/Deaf community wherever possible
Think about accessibility from the beginning of your project, as it will inform the way you create and produce in new and exciting ways
There is an extra accessibility fund with most Arts Grants, if your project team includes someone with a disability requiring accommodation

It is important to note that the above information is not meant to be a final check list, but is a peer-driven starter kit for your own research and work. TOsketchfest intends to host more of these info sessions in the future so that this resource is ever growing and changing.

Visit AccessTO to help find accessible performance spaces in Toronto.

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The Laughing Drum Live – Now Online!

Posted on: March 28th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

TOsketchfest 2019 was the first time in our 14 year history that we hosted a network television taping. We were absolutely honoured to partner with APTN to bring The Laughing Drum from Winnipeg to Toronto to tape two episodes in front of a live audience!

Hosted by former journalist Tim Fontaine, The Laughing Drum is a weekly satirical news and talk show that looks at Canadian and Indigenous politics, entertainment, arts and culture with a sharp and unique sense of humour. By using news footage, interviews with guests and discussion from the Red Power Panel, each episode dissects issues facing Indigenous Peoples.

“It’s very gratifying to see one of the country’s top comedy festivals recognize and showcase Indigenous programming to a wider audience,” said Jean La Rose, CEO of APTN. “I know audiences will love them and I suspect they will be invited again and again to share their unique brand of humour.”

The Laughing Drum Live at TOsketchfest featured an all-Indigenous cast including Elissa Black Wolf Kixen (WOKE Comedy Hour) and the Red Power Panel: Craig Lauzon (AIR FARCE), Kaniehtiio Horn (Letterkenny) and Candy Palmater (The Candy Show).

These episodes, taped March 15 at The Great Hall, are now online!

Episode 1

Episode 2

Toronto’s Sketch Comedy in April

Posted on: March 25th, 2019 by TOsketchfest Staff No Comments

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Toronto’s sketch community completed a comedy marathon in March with 12 days at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. Luckily, Toronto has dozens of shows that take place throughout the city every month all year long. We have compiled five upcoming sketch comedy shows that you should check out in April.

Diva Cup – Wednesday, April 3 at Comedy Bar

Diva Cup is a drag competition featuring Toronto’s top comedians in drag for the first time! It’s the third annual fundraiser in support of the 519 Community Centre. Hosted by professional Drag Queen Tynomi Banks, Diva Cup will feature Andrew Phung, Brandon Ash-Mohammed, Kyah Green, Brandon Hackett, Tom Hearn, Matt Folliott, Kirsten Rasmussen, and Chris Sandiford. Tickets

The Sketch Swap – Thursday, April 18 at The Social Capital Theatre

The Sketch Swap is a community driven show that honours comedians by not letting them do their own material! Classic sketches by Toronto troupes will be performed, or swapped, with other Toronto troupes for a hilariously fresh take on sketches we love, by the people we love.

Templeton Manor – Wednesday, April 24 at Bad Dog Theatre

Sketch comedy duo The Templeton Philharmonic host a new monthly comedy show that takes place in a haunted mansion. The show features a variety of eerie (and hilarious) acts from the haunted halls of the house. The line up will include some of Toronto’s top performers and a surprise guest! Tickets

Walking on Bombshells – Until June 30 at The Second City

The Second City Toronto opened their 82nd Revue, Walking on Bombshells, on March 19, 2019 starring Allana Reoch, Chris Wilson, Nadine Djoury, PHATT al, Sharjil Rasool, and Stacey McGunnigle. Don’t miss this all-new, all-explosive revue that will leave you questioning everything, especially where you sit on public transportation. Tickets

OTHER – Saturday, April 27 at John Candy Box Theatre

OTHER is a monthly comedy variety show, hosted and produced by Neha Kohli and Rabiya Mansoor, that showcases emerging and seasoned performers identifying as OTHER. Each showcase includes an exhibition before and after the show, featuring visual artists who have the opportunity to showcase and sell their work at the show. Tickets

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Tickets

Schedule & Single Tickets

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

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