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Five Toronto Comedy Shows to See in December 2025

Posted on: December 4th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

The snow is starting to fall, your inbox is filling up with “year in review” emails, and Mariah Carey has officially defrosted. December is here, and so are five Toronto comedy shows that will warm you up faster than a spiked hot chocolate.

Whether you’re looking to escape the holiday chaos or lean into it with some laughs, Toronto’s comedy scene has you covered. From cozy cabaret stages to full-blown sketch spectaculars, these are the shows we’re wrapping up the year with (and no, not in gift wrap).

Featured photo of Potato Potato

Tight 5: Grand Finale

December 5th, 7:30pm

After two years of clown-fuelled chaos, alternative antics, and five-minute masterpieces, Tight Five is taking its final bow. This variety show has been a launchpad for Toronto’s weirdest and funniest, with clowns, sketch aficionados, and comedy wildcards pulling out all the stops. It’s your last chance to see the ridiculousness live. Don’t miss it!

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets & Info

Potato Potato’s Second Annual Grade 4 Holiday Pageant

December 11th, 9:00pm | December 13th, 5:00pm

If you like your comedy in the afternoon, this is the show for you! Join the Firecracker department for a delightful show featuring stand-up, sketch, improv and musical comedy by women and non-binary performers. Featuring: Taryn Dougall, Steph McLarty, Christel Bartelse, The Red Hot Sili Peppers, Ava Val, and Martha Chaves

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

Have Yourself a Menty Little Breakdown

December 13th, 5:00pm | December 14th, 5:00pm

‘Tis the season… for a complete comedic unraveling. This holiday sketch show dives headfirst into office drama, deranged family traditions, rogue mascots, and the annual toy-store meltdown. Directed by Rob Baker with music direction by Jamie Lamb, this cast of holiday hooligans is ready to make spirits bright, and slightly unhinged. Bring your cocoa. Leave your composure.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

Mitch Wood: My Impression of a Christmas Show

December 13th, 8:00pm & 10:00pm

Christmas came early and it brought impressions, characters, and total holiday mayhem. Mitch Wood is back at The Rivoli with a Christmas-a-fied version of his hit solo show, packed with familiar faves from online and festive bits you’ve never seen before. Limited tickets, unlimited cheer.

Rivoli Toronto, Tickets & Info

Tom Hearn presents…Holiday SZN

December 19th, 7:00pm & 9:00pm

Tom Hearn is taking over The Rivoli for a double-dose of holiday cheer! First up is “Holiday Ham”, a festive variety show with sketch, songs, games, and special appearances from Mary Berg and Andrew Phung. Then stick around for “Miracle on 6-7 Street”, a fully improvised holiday spectacular starring some of Toronto’s top comedic talent. See both with a Holiday SZN Pass, but act fast, they’re very limited!

Rivoli Toronto, Tickets & Info

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Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

Get Funding to Make Your Next Sketch Happen

Posted on: October 30th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Ontario Sketch Comedy Creators: Get Recommended for Funding!

Halloween isn’t over, and we know that one of the most intimidating costumes to see can be a grant to apply for funding. It’s time to put that behind you and dive into grant-writing without fear!

If you’ve got a brilliant idea for a new sketch comedy show, this might be your sign from the comedy gods (and the Ontario Arts Council): TOsketchfest is a recommender organization for the OAC’s Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators program.

That means we get to recommend artists for funding to develop new comedy projects. Yes, you could get paid to create your next show.

What This Program Is

Think of this as the development phase of your next big thing. That inspired show premise that has been sitting lonely on your notes app. Or maybe it’s even a little more structured and mapped out in your google drive. This is the grant for that project.

The OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators exist to help artists and companies develop original work for the stage. It’s about the writing, the workshops, the creative sparks, and all the weird wonderful stuff that happens before an audience sees it. It’s not about producing a full show yet, so start at the beginning.

Pro tip: This program funds creation only, not performance or production. It’s your creative lab time, funded.

Learn more about the program on the OAC website.

What TOsketchfest Is Looking For

We’re recommending comedy projects only and specifically sketch comedy or related short-form scripted comedy intended for the stage. That includes:

  • Sketch comedy by existing troupes
  • Collaborative projects between comedians
  • Solo sketch, clown, musical short-form comedy, or comedic drag

We’re not recommending improv, stand-up, or existing scripted plays.

We’re especially excited to support artists based in Toronto and Eastern Ontario (with a soft spot for Hastings and Prince Edward County).

We encourage applications from artists who self-identify as members of OAC priority groups.

Click here for a list of all 2025 Recommenders and their priorities.

How to Apply

Applications are made through the OAC Nova portal. Create your profile today!
Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 1:00pm ET.
You’ll need to choose Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival as your recommender when submitting.

Find the full program details and eligibility here:
OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators

If you’re new to applying, don’t sweat it. You don’t need fancy credentials or a theatre company, just a great idea for a sketch project and a clear sense of what you want to create.

Questions? Reach out to Virginia Woodall at virginia@torontosketchfest.com. She’s happy to help you figure out if your idea fits.

What You’ll Be Asked (No Secrets Here)

If you’ve never filled out an OAC application before, don’t worry, it’s not a test! It’s a conversation about your idea. Here’s what the form will ask you to describe (see the exact list of questions on the OAC website):

  • Your project idea: What do you want to create? What’s it about?
  • Your artistic goals: Why is this project important to you, and what are you exploring?
  • Your creation plan: How will you develop the work? What are your steps and timeline?
  • Your collaborators: Who else is involved, and what are their roles?
  • Your budget: How will you use the funds (e.g. writing time, rehearsal space, collaborators, materials)?
  • Your background: Tell us a bit about your artistic experience and practice.

That’s it! No secret handshake, no jargon test. Just an honest outline of what you’re creating and why it matters.

If you can describe your idea clearly to a friend, you can write a great grant application.

How TOsketchfest Reviews Applications

Your proposal will be reviewed by a team of sketch comedy experts with deep roots in the Ontario comedy scene. We’ll assess each project using criteria inspired by the OAC’s evaluation rubric, including:

  • Artistic Merit
  • Impact
  • Viability (does your plan make sense?)
  • Your experience and clarity of vision

We’re not looking for polished perfection. We’re looking for exciting, funny, original ideas that deserve time and support to grow.

Meet Last Year’s Recommended Projects

In 2024, TOsketchfest recommended an incredible lineup of comedy creators. Their projects ranged from all-trans sketch revues to giant puppet experiments to musical comedies about bike thieves (yes, really).

Here are a few highlights:

  • Big Chick Energy Presents: Big Chick Lethargy?! – exploring frustration and empowerment through comedy.
  • Clocked! An All Trans Sketch Show – developing an hour-long revue written and performed entirely by transgender comedians.
  • Legally Brown: The Sketch Comedy Show – refining their craft and creating an inclusive comedy and community experience.
  • The Bicycle Thief of Queen Street: A Musical Comedy – a satirical musical inspired by Toronto’s bike culture.
  • Short Attention Spa’s Giant Puppet Sketch Revue – pushing the boundaries of sketch with large-scale cardboard puppetry.

You can read more about them here.

Why You Should Apply (Even If You’re Nervous)

We know applying for grants can feel intimidating. But this program is meant for you, for artists in the middle of making, discovering, or experimenting. You don’t need a full script. You don’t need a track record of winning grants. You just need a great idea for something funny and theatrical that deserves to exist.

This is your chance to carve out paid time to write, collaborate, and grow as a comedy creator.

So go ahead: make your case, tell us your idea, and let’s see if we can help make it happen.

Ready to Apply?

Visit the OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators page, choose Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival as your recommender, and get your application in by November 7 at 1pm ET.

We can’t wait to read what you’re cooking up.
Because the next great sketch show? It might just be yours.

Questions about what TOsketchfest is looking for? Email virginia@torontosketchfest.com

Questions about OAC’s application portal (Nova)? Get in touch with OAC Program Administrator: Lucy Gouveia | lgouveia@arts.on.ca | 416-969-7432 | Toll-free in Ontario: ​​​​​1-800-387-0058

OAC Logo: Ontario Arts Council

 

 

Five Toronto Comedy Shows to See in November 2025

Posted on: October 28th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Put spooky season behind you and unpack your laughter – it’s time for the top five comedy shows to see in Toronto in November 2025. The pumpkins are composting, the clocks are turning back, and we’re all craving a little brightness to break up the early sunsets. Luckily, Toronto’s comedy scene is here to keep spirits high and cheeks sore (from laughing, obviously). Whether you’re dodging holiday prep or just in the mood for some offbeat brilliance, these are the shows we’re most excited to catch this month.

Featured photo of Brain Frogs

Two2Mango’s Hansal & Geetal

November 1st, 9:30pm

Two2Mango is back at their homeground, for one night only, before taking off to shake things up with performances in the United Kingdom. You are lucky enough to have the chance to catch this goofy new comedy before they show it to the Brits! Infused with Two2Mango’s signature brand of physical comedy, no fourth wall, and full-on audience interaction, you don’t want to miss this delightfully unhinged new show!

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets & Info

The Firecracker Comedy Cafe

November 9th, 2:00pm

If you like your comedy in the afternoon, this is the show for you! Join the Firecracker department for a delightful show featuring stand-up, sketch, improv and musical comedy by women and non-binary performers. Featuring: Taryn Dougall, Steph McLarty, Christel Bartelse, The Red Hot Sili Peppers, Ava Val, and Martha Chaves

Burdock Music Hall, Tickets & Info

BDB Comedy Presents Sketchy Sketch

November 16th, 3:00pm

Want to flex your language muscles? Do you speak Mandarin? Is laughter a favourite hobby of yours? Well we have some excellent news for you. BDB Comedy performs sketch and improv Entirely. In. Mandarin. And to everyone’s delight, this must-see variety show has returned to Toronto! Whether it’s your first language or more recently learned, this show is for you.

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets & Info

Summer Dad & Red Hot Sili Peppers in Spotlight at The Second City

November 18th & 19th, 7:30pm

November puts the spotlight on two of our favourite sketch troupes: Summer Dad and the Red Hot Sili Peppers. Audiences will get to enjoy a double-header sketch show: two acts, one amazing night of fresh comedy. Get ready for some hilarious Dad content and for the silliest of all the peppers.

Second City’s Theatre ’73, Tickets & Info

Brain Frogs Take on Late Stage Capitalism

November 27th, 8:00pm

Are you feeling the crushing burden of being beholden to corporations and “money”? Do you want to deal with that with laughter and sketch comedy? Join Brain Frogs (and opening act ‘Horse’) for an evening of sketch comedy specifically for people living under the crippling weight of late stage capitalism.

Social Capital Theatre, Tickets & Info

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Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

Five Toronto Comedy Shows to See in October 2025

Posted on: October 2nd, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

It’s time for the top five comedy shows to see in Toronto in October 2025. The days are getting spookier, the pumpkins transforming into jack-o-lanterns, and we’re putting the final touches on halloween costumes. But before you transform into a princess or a ghost, we’ve got a fresh batch of comedy picks to laugh away all of the scary thoughts.

Wondering what shows TOsketchfest is watching over the next 31 days? Consider this your comedy itinerary. Whether you’re apple picking or ducking monsters in a haunted house, these shows are the perfect excuse to have a very satisfying night of laughter.

Featured photo of the Red Hot Sili Peppers by Elana Emer at TOsketchfest in March 2025

Goth Prom

October 4

Award-winning physical comedy troupe Sex T-Rex (SwordPlay, Crime After Crime) are working on their newest piece, a gothic-horror-meets-80s-teen-movie mashup – think Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets The Breakfast Club. Join them at Goth Prom to help make it happen and experience fantastic guest performances. End the night with an epic dance party!

Video Cabaret, Tickets & Info

Gillian Bartolucci’s “i Love to Have to do This”

October 4

Gillian Bartolucci takes the stage with a best-of collection from her solo sketch work in this filmed live event. I Love to Have to Do This celebrates ten years of characters and comedy – recorded live for the very first time.

Assembly Theatre, Tickets & Info

Pep Talk

October 9

After being awarded the ‘Sketchiest Sketch Troupe’ at this year’s Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival The Red Hot Sili Peppers are excited to bring you their Sketchiest Sketch Show: Pep Talk. 

Directed by Sarah Hillier, it’s a collection of their latest and greatest bits. Expect spice, danger, women, denim, champagne, wigs, chaos, clarity, kissing, makeup (you’re welcome), and more.

All proceeds will be going directly to the seed fund for next year’s recipients of this burden – SORRY, we mean wonderful honour. 

A bit more about the award … The Understudies Sketchiest Sketch Troupe Award is a peer-nominated award and is given to the troupe performing in this year’s Festival who “best embodies what sketch and sketch troupes are all about.”

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

Laura Ramoso: Work in Progress

October 6, 20, 27 (and November 3, 10, 17, 24)

Laura Ramoso tries out new material (and brings back some crowd favourites 😉 ) in preparation for her upcoming 2026 tour.

Laura Ramoso is a German-Italian comedian best known for her live sketch specials and viral impressions on social media. She has amassed over 3 million followers with hit characters like “German Mom,” “Italian Dad,” and “Chiara”. In 2023, she performed entirely sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s Soho Theatre with her critically-acclaimed second hour, FRANCES. Laura was named a 2023 Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy. In 2024, she embarked on her first international tour with her third special, Sit Up Straight, running 60+ sold-out shows throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, Canada, and the US. Most recently, she opened for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their Restless Leg tour at the Wang Theatre in Boston.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

What We Dune in the Shadows

October 30, 31

Players presents a spooky & spicy mash-up of your favourite vampires in the sand dunes of Arrakis in our first ever Halloween show. Blood, sex, rock n’ roll… and sandworms? Come party, laugh, and dance the night away with our live band & frightening comedians. All proceeds go to charity, so you can put on your slutty pizza costume for a good cause.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

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Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

Learning + Fun: Tips for Great Live Comedy Submissions

Posted on: September 16th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

TOsketchfest kicks off the 2026 Learning + Fun Series with an informative virtual presentation with the TOsketchfest team, and guests from Denver Sketch Festival and DC Sketchfest!

Submissions for TOsketchfest26 are open from September 1 – October 15, 2025. Creating a festival submission is a job. Sure, there are the forms and submission fees to navigate, but that’s just the END of a submissions process.

How do you write about your work?
Do you have great photos?
Does your video submission do your work justice?

We thought we’d bring a few festival programmers together to talk a bit about what their festivals are looking for, and to offer tips and insights on what you can do to make your festival submission shine.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT FESTIVAL SUBMISSION?
Date: Tuesday September 23, 7:00-8:00pm Eastern Time
Location: NOW AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND
Program Length is approximately 60 minutes
Cost: FREE

Button: Video On-Demand

 

Our Guests

Photo of Virginia Woodall, TOsketchfest Producer

Virginia Woodall

Virginia Woodall (she/her) is a producer and curator with deep roots in Toronto’s comedy and theatre community. As Festival Producer of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, she programs showcases, develops new initiatives, and creates opportunities for artists to connect with audiences year-round. She is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible, and joyful arts experiences that support artists and strengthen community. It’s Virginia’s goal to support comedy artists to present themselves in submissions and applications in a way that accurately shows how funny and wonderful they truly are.

Katie Congrove

Katie Congrove

Katie Congrove is a Denver-based writer, actor, and producer with experience spanning stage, screen, and digital comedy. She has performed in numerous theatrical productions and has written for major YouTube channels including Nerdstalgic (1.49M subscribers) and Weird History Food (680K subscribers).

Katie’s comedy work includes writing and performing with the sketch teams Big Ol Mess and Midnight Snack, voice acting in the Don’t Write Me Off podcast, and producing the Denver Sketch Festival. She has also performed sketch comedy across North America, with appearances in Montreal, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Austin, and Portland. In addition to her comedy work, Katie has acted and done voiceover work in commercials and appeared in various short films and proof-of-concept projects currently on the market.

Trained extensively at The Second City Los Angeles and RISE Comedy in sketch writing, screenwriting, improv, and stand-up.

Connor Schuck

Connor Schuck

Connor Schuck is a writer, performer, and improviser based in Denver, CO. He started performing in 2013 while attending The University of Delaware, producing numerous improv and sketch shows along the way. He is a founder/producer for the Denver Sketch Festival which had a wildly successful inaugural year in 2024 and sets off for year two this October. Connor has performed in shows and festivals in NYC, Toronto, Montreal, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Portland, Austin, California, Montana, Utah, and all over this state called Colorado (if you’ve ever heard of it). As an improviser, you can find him performing regularly as a member of Basement Doctors, Last Laugh Standing, The RISE Repertory Company, or whatever indie team he’s working on at the moment. As a sketch writer/performer, he produces/writes/directs/performs for Big Ol’ Mess.

Isaiah Headen

Isaiah grew up in Northern Virginia and went to film school in Washington, DC. He’s currently a member of sketch comedy troupes Bad Medicine and The RENS. He’s also one of the producers of DC Sketchfest. Despite having a small background in dance theater he fancies himself more of a writer/producer than an actor.

Isaiah’s surrealist humor is rooted in cartoons from classics like Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls to modern breakouts such as Adventure Time and Gravity Falls. Even today his favorite sitcoms are adult animation with the top spots going to Futurama and BoJack Horseman.

 

Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret: Back-to-Sketch Edition

Posted on: September 11th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret Heats Up the Last Weekend of Summer

The Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret is back from summer break, and we’re closing out the season with a lineup that’s hotter than a Toronto patio in July. On Saturday, September 20th at 10:00pm, VideoCabaret will be buzzing with big laughs, sharp sets, and a full roster of Toronto’s funniest sketch troupes ready to bring the house down.

It’s the last official weekend of summer, and what better way to send it off than with a late-night comedy party? Bring a friend, grab a drink, and get ready for a night of fast, fresh, and fearless sketch.

🗓️ Saturday, September 20, 2025
🕗 Show starts at 10:00pm
🎭 Featuring SIX different sketch comedy acts
🎟️ Tickets: $20 + fees/taxes
📍VideoCabaret, Leslieville (10 Busy Street)

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

Small Friend Tall Friend

Small Friend Tall Friend is a dynamic sketch-comedy group founded by Becky Ablack and Zoe Marín. The troupe is known for their sharp wit and playful absurdity. Most recently, they performed at the Spotlight at The Second City, alongside troupe members David Civcic and Stephanie Perri.

The troupe has been making waves in the Toronto comedy scene, performing at the Toronto SketchFest 2025 and Montreal Sketchfest 2025. In July 2023, they brought their hit show Do You Think You’re Better Than Me? to the Toronto Fringe Festival and Hamilton Fringe Festival, receiving glowing reviews from Intermission Magazine, Parton and Pearl, So Sumi, and more. The show’s success was further cemented when it was named Critics’ Pick at the Hamilton Fringe Festival 2023. They have gone on to perform at festivals, including The Theatre Centre’s Comedy Is Art Festival in 2024. Their humour is rooted in pop culture, identity politics, and the awkward realities of being in their early 20s. They draw inspiration from boundary-pushing artists such as Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave), Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle (PEN15), Ziwe, Garfunkel and Oates, Bo Burnham, and Julio Torres.

Lower Class Act

Lower Class Act, comes from the working class school of comedy. With many of the members coming from acting, improv, sketch, and musical theatre, their unique voice takes inspiration from all across human history and their own intrusive thoughts. They have created a style of comedy that both delights and shocks, and will have audiences holding their sides with laughter. With members who can be seen all around the city doing all sorts of comedy, you will leave thinking, wow, that really was a Lower Class Act.

The Banana Loafers

Gordon Harper, Ivan Hutomo and Jennifer-Beth Hanchar give you “The Banana Loafers”: a loveable and laughable sketch troupe based out of Toronto. A shared passion in writing, comedy, aliens, and well..a good hot slice of banana bread, these three are ready to make you laugh your loaf off. For the record, Gordon has made banana loaf for the group twice.

Debit-Cash-or-Credit

Debit-Cash-or-Credit (Mike Jankovich, Emma Friedman, and Paul Smith) is a new-generation Toronto-based sketch troupe who have been laughing and playing together since meeting in Kingston, ON. (2017). Audiences have defined their work as “glamourous”, “structured”, “silly”, and “is it okay for me to laugh at this?”. With performances at SketchFestTO, their semi-finalist title in Sketch-to-the-Death, their “Dumbest Sketch in North America” win at Cam Wylie’s Sketch Comedy Invitational, and being labelled this year’s “Ones to Watch” by Toronto Police Services, DCC is willing to bet that they’ll have you running a tab.

Truffle Chips

Truffle Chips. Definition: 1. Posh movie theatre snack 2. Two arrogantly ambitious community theatre stars (Emilia and Srutika) joining forces to do sketch comedy. Clown, c*nt, canonically online.

Portero Jones

Portero Jones is a sketch duo whose absurdist and observational sketches are formed out of spite for the world, society, and each other. We’ll see how long they last.

Button: Buy Tickets

That’s your lineup, and what a way to close out the summer! Whether you’re a festival regular or brand new to TOsketchfest, this is the perfect night to jump back into live sketch, share some laughs, and celebrate the return of the Cabaret.

Come for the summer send-off. Stay for the sketch chaos. The Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret is back in action, and we can’t wait to see you on September 20th.

Laugh loud, stay late, and make this summer send-off one to remember.

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TOsketchfest26 – Submissions OPEN

Posted on: September 1st, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Submissions close October 15th for the 21st edition of The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival!

It’s that time of year again! Toronto’s favourite comedy festival is gearing up for its 21st year, and that means we’re on the lookout for the best scripted comedy from across North America and beyond. Submissions are now open until October 15, 2025 at 9:00pm Eastern Time.

This is your one stop shop for all things TOsketchfest submissions!

TOSketchFest26 will take place in-person March 4 – 15, 2026 with live presentations of sketch comedy work and the TOsketchfest Film Festival. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is programmed through a combination of curation (i.e. we ask a troupe/performer to be part of the festival) and jurying (i.e. a stand-out troupe or artist selected from the juried submissions process). Live festival submissions are collected via Zone Festival, and film festival submissions are collected via FilmFreeway.

LIVE PERFORMANCE

LIVE SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

If you experienced difficulties with your submission, or require assistance retrieving your submission code and require it to make edits to your active submission, please contact Virginia Woodall at virginia@torontosketchfest.com

.

Logo: TOsketchfest Film Festival

TOSKETCHFEST FILM FEST – SUBMISSIONS OPENING SOON

The TOsketchfest Film Fest is on the lookout for the best comedy shorts in the world produced in the last year. Character bits, reels/TikToks, sketches, musical comedy, short animations… if it’s short, and hilarious, we want to see it! The TOsketchfest Film Fest is accepting submissions using FilmFreeway.

Please note acceptance into past festivals does not guarantee a slot in future festivals.

SUBMIT FILM FESTIVAL APPLICATION:

FilmFest Submissions Opening Soon!

FAQS

As you apply to TOsketchfest26, you might be asking yourself “how is TOsketchfest programmed?” or “what are they looking for this year?”  We are happy to share our TOsketchfest 2026 programming principles to help answer some of your questions!

Do you want to apply for the live festival, but will not have a reel available before October 15? Please reach out to virginia@torontosketchfest.com for alternative options.

Do you want to apply for the film festival, but will not have your project completed before the deadline? Please reach out to ivan@torontosketchfest.com for alternative options.

If cost is a barrier to completing your application, please reach out to virginia@torontosketchfest.com.

Still have questions? We welcome all questions! Reach out to Virginia Woodall for live submission or Zone Festival questions, and Ivan Hutomo for film festival or FilmFreeway submission questions.

 

Five Toronto Comedy Shows to See in September 2025

Posted on: August 28th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

It’s time for the top five comedy shows to see in Toronto in September 2025. The days are getting shorter, the air’s getting crisper, and your iced coffee order is dangerously close to becoming a hot one. But before you swap tank tops for cardigans, we’ve got a fresh batch of comedy picks to help you laugh your way into fall.

Wondering what shows TOsketchfest is watching over the next 30 days? Consider this your comedy itinerary. Whether you’re soaking up the last bits of summer or fully embracing back-to-school energy, these shows are the perfect excuse to get out of the house and into a seat where your only job is to laugh ’til your cheeks hurt.

Spotlight

September 2 & 3

Sketch comedy takes centre stage in this brand new monthly showcase, and we’re already obsessed. September kicks off with extended sets from two of our all-time faves: Potato Potato and Small Friend Tall Friend. Big laughs, big talent: you’ll want a front-row seat.

Theatre ‘73 at The Second City, Tickets & Info

Monster Island

September 10 & 24

Toronto’s most chaotic alter egos are coming out to play. This new show is a love letter to solo character comedy, featuring the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful one-person performances around. Stick around for the “open mic” after, where anything goes and every character gets a shot.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

Carson & Taylor Make the CN Tower Disappear

September 23-27

Will the CN Tower disappear? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as magic-comedy duo Carson & Taylor return to pull off their biggest trick yet. Part illusion, part improv, all mischief. This award-winning duo is back to make you laugh and gasp in equal measure.

Theatre ’73 at The Second City, Tickets & Info

Colonial Circus by Two2Mango

September 23-28

An immersive comedic romp through the tangled history of colonization, led by two clowns with a mission. It’s playful, pointed, and has plenty of playful winks and unexpected turns.  Think of it as clowning around with a purpose and hold onto your hats, Toronto!

Native Earth Performing Arts – Aki Studio, Tickets & Info

Lipsynced

September 26

Part drag, part improv, and all party! Hosted by show creator Tom Hearn (a.k.a. Hunni Krüller), this high-energy showdown features Toronto’s top comedians battling it out in lip-sync-fuelled scenes. Expect iconic songs, outrageous comedy, and one fabulous winner crowned by audience vote.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

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Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

Five Toronto Comedy Shows to See in August 2025

Posted on: July 31st, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

It’s time for the top five comedy shows to see in Toronto in August 2025. Wondering what shows TOsketchfest is watching over the next 30 days? Consider this your comedy itinerary. After a day of summer sunshine, the best way to cool off is with a belly laugh. These shows will keep your cheeks sore from laughing!

Galen’s Grocer

August 14, 9:00pm

We elbowed our way into a ticket back in July (okay, we clicked fast), and now this sold-out, award-winning Toronto Fringe show is back for one night only! There’s a serial killer. There’s more than one CEO. There’s a sitcom so meta it might implode. Basically, it’s the best grocery store comedy-drama you never knew you needed.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

Judge Mintz

August 18, 8:00pm

Think Judge Judy, but with more laughs and zero legal credibility. This improvised courtroom comedy is hosted by J.J. Greenberg & Brandon Craggs. Filled with appearances by Toronto’s top improv (and sketch) comedians, every show is one-of-a-kind. We caught it at Toronto Fringe, fell in love, and now it’s our monthly dose of courtroom chaos (without any legal repercussions). Guilty of delivering laughs? Absolutely. See you in court.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

Literal Trash: A Comedy Experience

August 19, 8:00pm

Back in June we had the pleasure of attending an artist talk-back and got the behind-the-scenes scoop. And now we’re fully invested in Literal Trash’s delightful journey. We will be there this August to see the character Literal Trash brought to life. Comedy that existentially dives into self-doubt and belonging? Yes, please!

Tranzac Main Hall, Tickets & Info

Cam Wyllie’s Sketch Comedy Invitational

August 23, 7:00pm & 9:00pm

We’ve been waiting a whole year for another Cam Wyllie Sketch Comedy Invitational presented by Cam Wyllie. He’s the glue that binds sketch comedy together across North America, and honestly? We’d follow Cam Wyllie into battle. Or at least into a sketch show. With this double-show night, he brings us incredible sketch stylings from Sarah Bennett (Toronto, ON), Bicycle Jousting (St. John’s, NL), Big Ol’Mess (Denver, CO), Debit-Cash-Or-Credit (Toronto, ON), Sage Huston (Chicago, IL), and Cam Wyllie (Canada).

Factory Theatre Studio, Tickets & Info

Wednesday Night Live

August 27, 8:00pm

Who needs their sketch comedy live on a Saturday Night? Not us! There’s no better way to get through the week than with a laugh. Midweek blues? Not on our watch. We’re ending August with a laugh-loaded Wednesday. Your boss doesn’t need to know why you’re smiling Thursday morning.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

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Take a Summer Comedy Road Trip

Pack your snacks and playlists because this summer road trip is worth it. Head out to Prince Edward County on August 22 (Stirling Festival Theatre) & August 23 (The Regent Theatre, Picton) to see A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy! Step out of the house for an unforgettable evening with Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly (CBC Radio’s This is That) as they reunite with Carolyn Taylor (Baroness von Sketch Show). These comedy powerhouses come together for the first time since their early days at The Second City to deliver a delightfully absurd and wildly entertaining variety show.

Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

Late Night Comedy Cabarets: July 5 & 12

Posted on: June 24th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Meet the sketch comedians hitting the midnight stage in July

July 5 & 12 at 11:30pm | VideoCabaret, Leslieville

Fringe by day, Sketchfest by night.

This July, we’re taking the late-night slot and filling it with fast, funny, fearless sketch comedy. After you wrap up your last Toronto Fringe show for the day, make your way over to VideoCabaret in Leslieville for the Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret, our monthly series of bite-sized brilliance from some of the city’s sharpest sketch troupes.

Both July 5 and July 12 at 11:30pm, we’re serving up fresh lineups, big laughs, and the kind of chaotic creativity that only happens when sketch comedy stays up past its bedtime.

Come sketch party with us.

Button: Buy Tickets

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

Hosted by Dave Barclay, on July 5th you’ll see sketch comedy from…

Cheap Wine

We are Cheap Wine. We won the Sketchiest Sketch Troupe Award at TO Sketchfest 2023, the Best Newcomer Award at Sketch to the Death 2020, and produced our own sold-out run of our full-length sketch comedy and wine-tasting show, IS IT JUICE? at the Assembly Theatre in Toronto. Our biggest comedy influences are probably Armando Iannucci, Anton Chekhov, Tim Robinson, and Sex-T-Rex. Jack, our head writer, is a data scientist with a philosophy degree, and Jesse and Charlotte are classically-trained actors who spent three years at Stella Adler’s NYC Conservatory doing mostly Shakespeare and Greek Tragedy — and when you see our stuff, you’ll be like “yeah, that checks out”.

Brain Frogs

Brain Frogs is a mixed bag comedy troupe that examines the condition of the urban Canadian. The new age of relationships, mystic rental conditions and the safety of our communities. Also poop butt joke where applicable. Emerge from the brain fog and join the Brain Frogs.

Legally Brown

Legally Brown explores pop culture, current events and politics… with only a few commercial breaks!

Summer Dad

Kids, Daddy’s home! That’s right, Summer Dad is BACK with their ninth original sketch revue to date. After a year of festivals, holiday shows, and traveling across the country to bring their shenanigans to the East Coast, the living breathing party that is Summer Dad is here to make you laugh with all different perspectives from each of their many members. This ensemble of Gen Z/ Millennial codependent hotties brings elevated comedy through the means of their writing, acting, and musical talents. Daddy Issues? More like Daddy Solutions.

Beggar’s Canyon

Featuring Canadian Comedy Award nominees and 20-year sketch comedy veterans Pete Hill & Ian MacIntyre, Beggar’s Canyon are a charming two-man sketch troupe who delight in delivering fun, clever scenes that spoof pop culture and all its franchise forms.

Rakhee Morzaria

Absurdist auto-fiction meets broadway euphoria!

 

Hosted by CHEAP WINE, on July 12th you’ll see sketch comedy from…

Potato Potato

Potato Potato makes work about changing climates, both political and environmental. In a world obsessed with the US, Potato Potato shows the Canadian side of the story, throwing light (and shade). Part political satire, part sketch show, and with a generous dose of dread. This is a platform for the problems that terrify us and leave us feeling hopeless, an opportunity to discuss the things that get you in trouble at thanksgiving dinner, and a space to laugh at the things that make you cry. Prepare for bad impressions, heated debates and maybe even a song or two (or six!). Potato Potato is Daniel Bagg, Callan Forrester, Rami Khan, Ashlyn Kusch, Erika Rogstad and Lizzie Song.

MILK!

According to its wikipedia page, MILK! is a “Toronto-based doomsday cult whose members believe that enlightenment comes from consumption of copious dairy products”. MILK! sketch comedy simmers in the awkward moments of daily life, churns the serious cream of humanity into big buttery characters, and ages itself with references to 1990s and 2000s era pop stars and musicians. MILK! walks the line between excruciating awkwardness and satisfying relief, whether it’s larger than life superheroes, a hustlin’ young lad from the days of yore, or just the hijinks average dairy-loving family.

Hillary Yaas

Hillary Yaas is Toronto’s only drag queen who does comedy! Known for her solo shows MISERABLE OLD WHITE WOMAN, PART-TIME EVERYTHING & CHROFATICA she also works as a comedy duo with Yaas & Vyle (see: 2 time Canadian podcast winner SQUIRREL TALK!) and appeared as a finalist on the 4th season of OutTV’s campy drag reality competition Camp Wannakiki! She now delights as a solo-sketch-stand-up-comedy-kidfriendly-improv-tramp (SSSUCKIT!) artist as she galavants through the GTA performing drag nights, bingos and friend to the elderly and children alike!

Janelle McGuinness

Janelle is a Toronto-based comedian, actor and content creator with 7 years of experience in comedy. Her most notable stage credits include understudying Second City Toronto’s sketch comedy revue, If I Could #Throwback Time, as well as, producing, co-writing and performing in the Best of Fringe winning sketch comedy revue, Carpe into my DMs at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Her sketches and songs can be seen online on Tik Tok and IG with sketches reaching as high as 2.4 million views. Additionally, Janelle can be found performing with her improv troupes Soft Ruffians, Birdhouse and MIRV-ish. Check out her online content @janellemcguinness on IG, Tik Tok and Youtube Shorts.

Two2Mango

Two2Mango the duo that clowns, dances and improvises – the duo behind communities like Hinprov and shows like Colonial Circus.

Andy Assaf

Andy Assaf, originally from Montreal, is a Toronto based sketch and improv comedian and is a Second City Toronto Mainstage alumni where he wrote and performed 3 Sketch Revues. You might know him from as the Cravensworth’s MONSTER on season 6 of What We Do In The Shadows on Fx, the Recruit on Netflix, or you might have seen him as that Canadian guy in the Domino’s commercial. He has performed across Canada and the US including: NYC – Del Close Marathon, Montreal + Toronto Sketchfest, DC sketchfest, Vancouver Improv Festival Ensemble and the Rapid Fire Theatre in Edmonton.

 

Button: Buy Tickets

That’s your late-night lineup, folks! Whether you’re riding the Toronto Fringe high or just looking for something fun and unfiltered to cap off your night, the Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret is your excuse to stay out a little later and laugh a lot harder. Come support bold, brilliant sketch comedy and keep the good vibes going.

Learning + Fun Webinar: Comedy Meets Funding

Posted on: June 24th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Comedy Meets Funding: Understanding OAC Theatre Grants

Looking to secure funding for your comedy project? The Ontario Arts Council’s Theatre Projects grant program is currently accepting applications until August 6, 2025 – 1pm.

This workshop, led by Daniel Carter, Theatre Program Officer at the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), provides an in-depth guide to navigating the Theatre Projects granting program. Learn how to frame and position your work within the grant’s five categories—Creation, Development Workshops, Productions, Festivals/Initiatives, and more.

Daniel will break down the application process, share specific strategies for aligning comedic projects with funding criteria, and offer insights from his extensive background in theatre administration and programming. This is a must-attend for comedy creators eager to transform their creative ideas into fundable projects. Let’s get your comedy the support it deserves!

COMEDY MEETS FUNDING: UNDERSTANDING OAC THEATRE GRANTS
Date: Thursday, July 3, 6:00-8:00pm Eastern Time
Location: Virtual Session – Zoom
Program Length is approximately 2 hours
Cost: FREE

Button: Pre-Register

 

 

Special thanks to

Logo: The Ontario Arts Council

Sketch Comedy Artist Profile: Anesti Danelis

Posted on: June 23rd, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Musical Comedy’s Chaotic, Absurd, and Relatable Maestro

If you’ve been anywhere near Toronto’s comedy scene in the last few years, you’ve probably caught wind of Anesti Danelis. Whether you’ve seen him wielding a guitar onstage, skewering the digital age in a viral video, or crooning sweet nothings to a tub of feta cheese, Anesti has carved out a space in the comedy world that’s entirely his own. We got to know him better and are sharing that insight with you in this Sketch Comedy Artist Profile.

From Flight of the Conchords to Fringe

Anesti’s journey into comedy was surprisingly relatable: “I always wanted to do comedy, but I never knew how to get started,” he said. It all began with an internet ad for Second City. “I actually contacted the office and said, ‘Be honest, is this a scam?’” Spoiler: it wasn’t.

After making his way through Second City’s classes, Anesti discovered solo musical sketch almost by accident. People kept asking him to perform a song from his conservatory grad show. Around the same time, he found Flight of the Conchords. “I didn’t even know you could do solo musical comedy until I saw them. And I was like—oh, that’s all you do?”

That revelation led to his first Fringe show, Songs for a New World Order, in 2017. “I missed the deadline to pull out and get a refund, so I just went for it,” he laughed. “It was a bunch of random songs. Not terrible.”

Since then, Anesti has brought multiple shows to Fringe stages across Canada and Edinburgh, including Six Frets Under (about grief and loss), and This Show Will Change Your Life, which is being released as a comedy special this year (!!!)

The AI Show That’s Always Outdated

His latest solo show, Artificially Intelligent, premiered at the 2024 Toronto Fringe and returns this July for two performances at Second City’s John Candy Box Theatre. It’s sharp, timely, and already evolving. “AI is expanding so fast that I feel like I have to update the show every month,” he said.

Despite its title, Anesti is no AI evangelist. “It kind of reinforced my belief that AI is not good,” he said bluntly. One of the show’s songs, Feta Cheese Boy, is a hilarious Frankenstein made from ChatGPT’s worst ideas. “They were so bad I had to turn them into a song.”

A Soundtrack of Family, Chaos, and Feta

Anesti’s musical background runs deep. “My grandpa is a professional Greek folk violinist. He taught me to play by ear.” Music was always around him, from bazoukis to beats. Eventually, it made sense to bring it into his comedy.

But make no mistake, this isn’t coffeehouse open mic material. His comedy is theatrical, sometimes absurd, and always disarmingly personal. His early sketches poked fun at family life (“Let’s play house!”… “Where were you?! Whose perfume is that?”), and those themes still echo through his work. “I guess family does play a big part in what I do,” he admitted.

A favourite sketch even featured his grandpa. “It ends with him saying to me in a thick Greek accent, ‘Nobody likes you.’ And now he says it all the time, like a catchphrase. He wants to make more videos.”

Online Fame Meets Live Stage

His songs travel easily from the internet to the stage with important adjustments for the format. “The social media versions are produced like pop songs, with synths and backing tracks,” he explained. “Live, I’ll strip it down to just guitar or sing it a cappella.”

While he used to stress about creating shows with perfect thematic arcs, he’s shifting. “I think people just want to have a good time. They want to see that one song from TikTok live.”

His pre-show ritual? A solo dance party. “I just dance to my favorite song. But I’m not telling you what it is.”

What’s Inspiring Anesti Right Now

Anesti’s creative fuel comes from both early influences and today’s rule-breakers. “Initially it was Flight of the Conchords, The Lonely Island, Mr. Bean, MadTV/SNL,” he shared. “But the more my own sense of style developed, I started being influenced by outliers, people who create unconventional comedy like: Patti Harrison, Meg Stalter, Marc Rebillet, Chris Flemming.”

When he’s in the audience instead of on stage, Anesti’s drawn to bold, off-the-wall work. “Patti Harrison’s My Huge Tits Huge Because They’re Infected NOT Fake! was one of the best comedy shows I’ve ever seen. Nothing can prepare you for that show. Everything was unexpected and chaotic in the best way.”

He also keeps an eye out for Toronto favourites. “Elephant Empire is a hilarious troupe I’d always see, and Cam Wylie always has unique shows at Sketchfest that are cool to check out.”

And if you’re browsing the Fringe brochure this summer, here’s Anesti’s watchlist: $20 Sandwich, Bitty Bat, Cheap Wine, David Lynch’s Seinfeld, A Play We Wrote Just Now, and People Suck: The Musical.

Looking ahead, Anesti’s focus is on the release of his comedy special This Show Will Change Your Life on YouTube, growing his podcast ya sure why not with Alia Rasul, and continuing to tour Artificially Intelligent. “And creating more fun content,” he added. Of course.

Who Should See Anesti Live?

“Any child of immigrants. Millennials, Gen Z. Basically anyone who can’t afford a home but can afford a comedy ticket.” That’s his sweet spot, he jokes. “People who want to laugh really hard and have a good time.”

Expect bold songs, surprise twists, and a performance style that combines polish with playful unpredictability.

Catch Artificially Intelligent Live in Toronto

Anesti Danelis returns to the stage in Toronto with Artificially Intelligent for two performances only:

🗓️ Saturday, July 5 & Sunday, July 6, 2025
📍 Second City – John Candy Box Theatre, Toronto
🎟️ Get your tickets here – use promo code torontosketchfest for a discount!

Whether you’re a Fringe convert or a TikTok fan, this is a rare chance to see his uniquely weird and wonderful live act.

Toronto Comedy Shows to See in July 2025

Posted on: June 20th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

July in Toronto is stacked with comedy thanks to the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2–13. The Comedy category is overflowing with talent this year, and narrowing this list down to just ten shows was nearly impossible. As TOsketchfest’s producer (hi, it’s Virginia), I’ve got 21 shows on my own must-see list and am currently puzzling through how to fit them all in. Chances are I’ll end up seeing even more.

This blog is technically for July, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a shoutout to MANWORLD, running June 26 & 27 at Comedy Bar Bloor. Hosted by Sarah Bennett (Amazon Prime, TOsketchfest) and Katie Yoner (Rat Academy, Santa Monica Comedy Fest), the lineup is stacked with some of our sketch faves: Ajahnis Charley, Jon Blair, Rebecca Payne, Chris Locke, Legally Brown, and 24 Double B.

Ten Comedy Shows to See at Toronto Fringe 2025:

Bitty-Bat and Friends

Join Bitty-Bat as she charms and intimidates the audience deep into her world, only to be interrupted by a strange know-it-all voice interfering with her daily rituals. Each Bitty-Bat performance will feature a guest opening act, making every show an incredible night to remember!

Tickets & Info

Childhood by Cheap Wine

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD at the 2025 Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.
“Cheap Wine” is family. For real. As in two of them have the same parents and two have a marriage certificate. Which is fun, but also kind of weird! Try to figure out who is what to who, how much is based on real life, and if spending this much time together is healthy. Part sketch comedy, part unhinged autobiography, part inability to leave behind the hopes and fears of childhood.

Warning: This is a friendly family troupe, but not a family-friendly show.

Tickets & Info

A Cigarette That’s Good For You

An all-star collection of Toronto’s top comedians present a brand new sketch review where they explore how the “cigarettes of life” (Toronto rents, aging, Roz and Mocha) can actually be good for you. Sit back, relax, and remember to drink your cigarettes. WARNING: May contain stars of CBC, YouTube, and The Second City Holiday Review.

Tickets & Info

David Lynch’s Seinfeld

An original episode of Seinfeld that descends into a Lynchian nightmare. Starring a cast of current & former members of the Second City, the Sketchersons, and the Bad Dog Theatre Company.

Tickets & Info

Galen’s Grocer

Galen Easton is the most hated man in Canada. It doesn’t help that there’s a CEO Killer on the loose.
Galen needs to improve his public image fast.
He’ll try by making a TV sitcom about how hard it is to run a grocery store: Galen’s Grocer

Tickets & Info

Judge Mintz

Step into the courtroom of Judge Mintz, where the cases are created through YOUR suggestions. Chaos reigns as performers passionately argue cases that they have no prior knowledge of, and are forced to navigate; surprise witnesses, never-before-seen evidence, and shocking twists. Hosted by the honourable Judge Mintz and his trusty sidekick, Bailiff Hay, come and see the show everyone’s calling “The love child of ‘Judge Judy’ and ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’.” With a different cast of Canada’s top comedians every night, no two shows will be the same. So come see Judge Mintz and all his judgements.

Tickets & Info

A Play We Wrote Just Now

Drag! Improv! Theatre!

Award winning drag comedians Hillary Yaas (Camp Wannakiki) and Selena Vyle (Far Cry 6) present an entirely improvised play, based on audience suggestions.

Armed with nothing but a clothing rack full of fabulous outfits, they invent multiple outrageous characters through the magic of costume and wig changes live on stage!

Tickets & Info

Sweet Action Theatre Presents UFC 3: No Laughing Matter

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It’s all led to this…witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Tickets & Info

This Show Will Change Your Life

This Show Will Change Your Life is a bold, unscripted comedy experience from the self-appointed lifestyle gurus at $20 Sandwich. Each show, we interview a brave audience member about their real-life joys, struggles, and unanswered questions—covering love, work, family, friendship, and even spirituality. Then, using the mystical art of improv, we hold a mirror up to your life and perform transformational scenes designed to help you unlock your full potential.

This show just might change your life… or at least make you laugh really hard.

Tickets & Info

Very Shady Arab Ladies

Mama’s birthday. Too bad they’re in jail.
Maryem and Roula: Angelic katkootas or devilish criminals?
Featuring Dora-winning actor HRH Anand Rajaram
Satire and song for an apocalyptic age.
Sponsored by Shawarma Whore – Za best hot pitas in town! Mention za show & get 15% off.
Put zat in your hookah and smoke it!

Tickets & Info

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Each of these 10 Toronto Fringe Comedy Picks brings something unexpected, smart, or completely unhinged to the stage, in the best way possible. Whether you’re a die-hard sketch fan or just here for the weirdness, July’s comedy lineup has you covered. Happy Fringing!

Sketchfest Comedy Cabarets – Late Night Comedy

We will be out and about at Fringe all day every day, ourselves. What better way to celebrate a great day of Fringing with nibbles and tastes of a late-night sketch comedy cabaret?

Video Cabaret’s Deanne Taylor Theatre is a satellite venue featuring eight Toronto fringe shows this year. Each Saturday night, when Fringe shows are complete for the day, TOsketchfest will be moving in with some late-night Sketch Comedy. July 5th & 12th, join us at 11:30pm to unwind with some big laughs!

Take a Summer Comedy Road Trip

Venture out to Comedy Country in Prince Edward County on Saturday, July 26th to see Middle Raged! Fresh off its Mirvish run, Middle Raged is a hilarious live sketch comedy revue starring Geri Hall (22 Minutes, Second City), and Gary Pearson (MadTV, Corner Gas), that explores life between 30 and 65–when the bloom is off the rose, but the thorns are sharper than ever.

Want to see more funny in the city?

Thanks for checking out TOsketchfest’s 10 Comedy Shows to see in Toronto July 2025. Like our picks? Let us know!

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

Meet the Lineup: June 21 at 8pm

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Meet the lineup hitting the stage at Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret Toronto

The very first Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret is almost here and we’re kicking things off with a seriously stacked lineup of sketch stars, scene-stealers, and fresh-faced funnies ready to bring the house down at VideoCabaret in Leslieville.

On Saturday, June 21st at 8:00pm, hosted by Dave Barclay six incredible acts will take the stage to launch our brand new monthly series with a bang (and a healthy dose of delightful chaos). From award-winning writers to buzzworthy newcomers, this is a night of sketch comedy you do not want to miss.

🗓️ Saturday, June 21, 2025
🕗 Show starts at 8:00pm
🎭 Featuring SIX different sketch comedy acts
🎟️ Tickets: $20 + fees/taxes
💸 Accessible pricing available

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

Ajahnis Charley

Ajahnis Charley (they/them) is a Canadian sketch and stand-up comedian and actor. They are most noted for their work as part of the writing team for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, who collectively won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Writing in a Variety or Sketch Comedy Program or Series at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards in 2024. For more, see their Wikipedia page, which they – against all odds – have.

The Red Hot Sili Peppers

The Red Hot Sili Peppers is made up of Toronto-based improvisers and sketch comedians Emily Callahan, Julia Ettlinger, and Glenna Walters. Their sketch debut was at the 2024 Sketch to the Death competition in Toronto where they took home the Best Newcomer Award. Since then, they’ve been writing and performing sketch and improv all over the city and sending each other texts like “jealous ghost bit” ever since (They ask that you please not take that hilarious idea as they’re still working it out.).

Good News Toronto

We’re a news show happening at a house party.

Nkasi Ogbonnah

If Kamala Harris did comedy, and was Canadian, and was actually Kim Campbell… this would be her show. Get ready for Intelligent, acerbic and weirdly gentle comedy! Tackling relevant social issues through the eyes of an angry Black woman.

Pat Gourdeau

Pat Gourdeau is a sketch comedian, actor, stand-up, writer and improviser who’s been delighting audiences in both Toronto and Montreal for the past few years. In addition to co-producing and performing in Toronto’s monthly hit improv show Unhinged, he has trained and/or performed at Toronto’s Second City, Montreal’s L’École Nationale de l’Humour, New York’s Del Close Marathon, Off-JFL, Outside the March’s Ministry of Mundane Mysteries, Zoofest and Montreal’s Sketchfest, where he was selected to take part in their ‘Best of the Fest’ showcase in 2023 and 2025.

All Sorts

ALL SORTS is a powerhouse sketch comedy group based in Toronto, Ontario, made up of up and coming of the comedy scene: Brandon Craggs, JJ Greenberg, Margaret Rose, Noor Dhanda, and Taylor Efford. With deep ties to institutions like Bad Dog Theatre and The Second City, they’re making waves across the city—both on stage and in the film and television world. Known for their sharp writing, bold performances, and undeniable chemistry,

ALL SORTS has delivered hit shows at the Guelph Fringe and beyond. This is the group to watch—poised to take Toronto by storm and redefine what sketch comedy can be.

Button: Buy Tickets

That’s your lineup, folks and what a way to kick off our new monthly series! Whether you’re a longtime TOsketchfest fan or brand new to the world of live sketch, this is the perfect night to dive in, laugh hard, and support some of the funniest voices in the city.

Come for the characters. Stay for the chaos. Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see you on June 21st.

Come be part of the very first night. We’d love to see you there.

Can’t make it June 21st? Join us for our extra late-night Sketchfest Comedy Cabarets on July 5th and 12th, at 11:30pm.

 

Introducing Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret!

Posted on: June 4th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

A brand new monthly sketch comedy series, kicking off June 21st!

If you’ve ever wished TOsketchfest happened more than once a year, you’re not alone. We heard you. We agreed with you. And we did something about it.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret, a brand new monthly live show series celebrating Toronto’s vibrant sketch comedy scene. Each cabaret features a handpicked lineup of hilarious, risk-taking, genre-bending sketch troupes performing bite-sized 10-minute sets.

And the best part? We’ve found the perfect home for it: the intimate and atmospheric VideoCabaret’s Deanne Taylor Theatre in Leslieville. This gorgeous black box theatre will be our sketch comedy clubhouse for the rest of 2025, and we can’t wait to fill it with laughter, weirdness, and brilliant performances Every. Single. Month.

Sketchfest Comedy Cabaret

🗓️ Saturday, June 21, 2025
🕗 Show starts at 8:00pm
🎭 Featuring SIX different sketch comedy acts
🎟️ Tickets: $20 + fees/taxes
💸 Accessible pricing available

For this debut edition, the theatre will be set in the round, which means you’ll be right in the middle of the action, surrounded by sketch comedy on all sides. It’s a unique way to experience live comedy, and the perfect way to kick off this brand new chapter of Sketchfest fun.

Button: Buy Tickets

Come be part of the very first night. We’d love to see you there.

Photo by Victoria Laberge: Anand Rajaram (Artistic Director, VideoCabaret) & Virginia Woodall (Producer, TOsketchfest) stand in front of the entrance to VideoCabaret, 10 Busy Street, Toronto, ON M4M 1N8

 

Can’t make it June 21st? Join us for our extra late-night Sketchfest Comedy Cabarets on July 5th and 12th, at 11:30pm.

5 Toronto Comedy Shows to See in June 2025

Posted on: May 29th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

It’s June, and Toronto’s comedy scene is getting gloriously weird in all the right ways. This month, we’ve got musical mashups, physical theatre fever dreams, anniversary celebrations, and spotlights on rising stars from across the city’s most vibrant communities. Whether you’re in the mood for mutants in Oz, surreal solo quests, or barrier-breaking stand-up, here are 5 Toronto comedy shows to see in June 2025. Grab a friend, grab a ticket, and celebrate the start of summer with a laugh!

WICKEDPOOL

June 5-7

(and May 29-31, but this blog is about June)

Queen’s Players Toronto is back with Wickedpool, a wild musical mash-up where X-Men variants crash land in Oz and team up with some colorful, magical locals. With mutants, witches, and more innuendo than you can click your heels at, this parody adventure is part musical, part fever dream, and totally unforgettable. Catch it while it lasts!

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

THE MUSIC SHOW

MONDAY, JUNE 16th

Looking for the perfect mix of music and comedy? The Music Show has you covered. Hosted by David Hudon, this Monday night staple blends musical improv, sketch, and stand-up in one tuneful, laugh-filled hour. With a new lineup every time, it’s the kind of variety show that keeps you coming back.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

THE ROUTINE

JUNE 21st & 22nd

Death of a Salesman meets Mr. Bean… A lonely office worker squeezes through a portal in their bathroom mirror and goes on a quest for the meaning of life in this surreal physical comedy. The mundane becomes extraordinary as each vignette and dance takes you deeper into a whimsical world of illusion. The Routine will leave you in stitches and remind you of the magic within.

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets & Info

DISABILITY PRIVILEGE PRESENTS: LAUGHS WITHOUT LIMITS

SUNDAY, JUNE 29th

We love a good anniversary party, especially when it comes with a mic. Laughs Without Limits celebrates one year of smart, bold, and barrier-breaking comedy from performers whose lives are influenced by disability. Hosted by Blair TheHandy and headlined by Jared Nathan, this Pay What You Can show proves that the only limit to comedy is how loud you’re willing to laugh.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

BOODLE FIGHT COMEDY

MONDAY, JUNE 30th

Filipino improv, sketch, and stand-up? Yes, please. Hosted by the always-incredible Tita Collective, Boodle Fight Comedy is serving up some of the freshest, funniest Filipino voices in Toronto. It’s a spicy, joyful, Monday-night laugh-fest—and you’ll be glad you made room for it.

Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info

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Each of these 5 Toronto comedy shows brings something bold, bizarre, or beautifully funny to the stage. Whether you’re into musical mayhem, surreal stories, or sketch with heart, there’s a show this month that’ll hit your sweet spot. Make June your funniest month yet.

Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

 

5 Toronto Comedy Shows to See in May 2025

Posted on: May 2nd, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

May has arrived, and the comedy cauldron is bubbling in Toronto. From fresh-faced weirdos debuting brand-new bits to seasoned acts serving up polished crowd-pleasers, this month’s lineup is full of surprises. We’ve picked 5 Toronto comedy shows to see in May 2025 that promise characters, chaos, and the kind of laughter that sticks with you. Whether you’re into offbeat oddballs or fast-paced sketch brilliance, there’s something magical waiting on stage. Call your funniest friend and grab a seat, the comedy is blooming.

TOM MORAN IS A BIG FILTHY DISGUSTING LIAR

FRIDAY MAY 2ND & SATURDAY MAY 3RD

Have you ever told a lie? How bad was it? And how far would you go to keep it a secret?
After wowing audiences at the Dublin Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, and the Irish National Theatre, Tom Moran is bringing his critically acclaimed, award-winning solo show to Toronto. Brimming with humour and heart, Tom takes the stage to share a story, spill some secrets, and maybe—just maybe—set things right.

Theatre Passe Muraille, Tickets & Info

WTFESTIVAL’S SPRING THING

SATURDAY MAY 3RD

We’re big fans of chaos and WHAT THE FESTIVAL never disappoints. Their Spring Thing cabarets, THING ONE and THING TWO, are serving up an unpredictable mix of clown, puppetry, drag, and burlesque in two delightfully outrageous showcases. If you like your comedy with a side of “what did I just witness?”, this is your moment. #WTF

Sweet Action Theatre, Tickets & Info

NEW ARRIVALS: A DEPARTURE SOLO SKETCH SHOWCASE

THURSDAY MAY 8TH

We can’t wait for this one. New Arrivals is a showcase of solo sketch comedy from some of Toronto’s best and boldest. Co-produced by Departure and The Second City, it’s packed with names we love and hosted by the brilliant Tricia Black. These are the voices shaping the future of Canadian comedy, and you’ll want to say you saw them here first. Featuring performances by Gillian Bartolucci, Anders Yates, Paloma Nuñez, Gavin Pounds, Sam Hancock, Andy Assaf, Jon Blair & Chelsea Larkin.

The Second City’s Theatre ‘73, Tickets & Info

ANNA ROISMAN AND TOM HEARN PRESENT: FABULOUS SWEETIE

FRIDAY MAY 23RD

Viral comedians Tom Hearn and Anna Roisman have teamed up for a night of chaos with the Fabulous, Sweetie! This comedy extravaganza blends stand-up, musical performances, and unforgettable celebrity impressions of icons such as Ina Garten, Kris Jenner, James Corden, Countess Luann, Martha Stewart, Joan Rivers, Hillaria Baldwin, Kody Brown and many more. After touring the US including the New York Comedy Festival, this fabulous duo lands in Toronto for one night only. Don’t miss it, sweetie.

Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info

TROUPES: SKETCH SHOWCASE

FRIDAY MAY 30TH & SATURDAY MAY 31ST

We’re closing out the month with a laugh riot. TROUPES: Sketch Showcase is a hilarious sketch comedy trip straight to laugh town! With a cast ready to tackle life’s weirdest moments, this show is part sketch revue, part hug for your funny bone. This night of laughter, song, sketch and improv is a “mind hug,” not to be missed! Come for the chaos, stay for the catharsis.

CB Pro, Tickets & Info

Each of these 5 Toronto comedy shows brings a fresh dose of funny to the stage. Whether you’re into outrageous characters, sharp sketch, or unpredictable variety, there’s something this month that’ll leave you laughing. Let May be your comedy era.

Feeling like a road trip?

Say bonjour to Montreal Sketchfest May 1-10 or hop on a quick flight to St. John’s for NL Sketch Fest May 13-19!

Want to see more funny in the city?

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

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

 

Laugh Loud, Live Forever: Tom Hearn’s GAY GARBAGE

Posted on: March 11th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Experience the Ultimate GAY GARBAGE at TOsketchfest’s 20th Anniversary!

For one night only, Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is bringing you a must-see live event! The inimitable Tom Hearn is returning to the Comedy Bar Mainstage to record his debut sketch comedy album, GAY GARBAGE, with Howl and Roar. If you’ve ever seen Tom perform, you know you’re in for a treat – if you haven’t, this is your chance to witness his brilliance live AND have your laughter immortalized in his first-ever sketch comedy album!

Why You Can’t Miss This Show

Tom Hearn is a comedy powerhouse, known for his award-winning sketches, over-the-top characters, cheeky innuendos, and jaw-dropping musical numbers. He’s bringing his signature brand of hilarious absurdity to TOsketchfest’s 20th anniversary, and this performance will be extra special. Not only is it one of the last chances to see this show live, but your laughs will be captured for eternity in this milestone recording.

Adding to the excitement, musical genius Jordan Armstrong will be leading the charge with her unparalleled musical direction. And as if that weren’t enough, an extra special mystery guest from Canada’s Drag Race will be making a fabulous appearance!

Tom Hearn: Comedy’s Biggest Sensation

Tom has taken the comedy world by storm. With 575K+ followers on Instagram and TikTok and over 150 million views, he’s been recognized as one of “The Best TikTok Creators To Follow in 2023” by ET Canada. His razor-sharp impressions—of Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, James Corden, and more—have been featured on NBC’s Today Show, Delish, BBC, and beyond.

His live performances are legendary. Tom’s hit show ‘How Fabulous Is That?!’ has sold out shows across Toronto, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, and the legendary Joe’s Pub in NYC. He’s toured internationally, earning 5-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and picking up the JFL Award at Montreal Sketchfest. And let’s not forget—he recently opened for Matteo Lane’s SOLD-OUT Canadian tour!

You’ve also seen Tom lighting up your screens in hit TV shows like ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (FX), ‘Children Ruin Everything’ (CTV/The CW), ‘SkyMed’ (CBC/Paramount), ‘Roast Battles: Canada’ (JFL), and many more.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of Comedy History

This is not just a show—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime comedy event. Whether you’ve seen Tom before or are discovering his genius for the first time, this night will be one for the books. Be there to laugh, cheer, and make your mark on Tom’s historic album recording.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 7:30pm & 9:30pm
📍 Location: Comedy Bar Bloor, Mainstage
🎟 Tickets: Click here

Seats are going fast—secure yours now and be part of TOsketchfest’s 20th-anniversary celebration in the most unforgettable way possible. Get your tickets today!

Button: Buy Tickets

TSCF25 Insiders’ Guide – Part One

Posted on: February 25th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

During the annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, you can fill your calendar with shows by top notch comedy talent from across North America. But don’t take our word for it. You need legit insider recommendations for your Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival experience, and we knew just who to ask. Some TOsketchfest favourites and die-hard fans share what they’re most excited about seeing at TOsketchfest25. Grab a pass. Book some tix. Have some laughs.

Photo: Srutika Sabu

Srutika Sabu

Catch Srutika on March 5th & 12th at The Theatre Centre as Santosh Santosh her drag king clown show about a troubled tech bro, also fresh off Toronto Fringe and WTFestival.

At my first TOsketchfest in 2022, I witnessed a giant bat with tiny hands steal the show with nothing but eyebrow raises, dramatic wing flaps and meeps. It was so funny, I laughed all the way to Sweet Action theatre and joined a clown cult. Since then, watching clown at TOsketchfest (especially Sweet Action Sweeties!) has been a highlight. As a certified Emily Jeffers stan, I highly recommend Bitty-Bat! and her new character, the Mathemagician. Having seen her develop this scholar at Sweet Action, you are in for a treat. Fresh off their award-winning Toronto Fringe run, Shreya and Sachin of Two 2 Mango teach colonial history in Colonial Circus—with nothing but head nods, gibberish, and impeccable timing. If you too want to join a clown cult (but only for a few hours), check out the Brunch! A Clown Workshop by Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. These three directed most of the nonsense in our shows, so come bottle the nonsense from the source. Chase and Kenneth are sure to continue infusing cartoonish clown sensibilities to their sketch once again in West 2 West 3: Return of the 2.

For non-clown shows, I highly recommend Amanda Xeller and Comedy Dance Chicago. Amanda plays messy (literally and figuratively) characters, and I love it every time. I’ve seen her perform in three cities so I’ll be taking her character workshop. Comedy Dance Chicago blends comedy and dance into ridiculous but beautiful physical comedy using amazing choreography. Every sketch is pure joy.

Photo: Amanda Xeller

Amanda Xeller

Catch NYC’s own Amanda Xeller on stage at Comedy Bar March 7th and 8th and in her workshop “Character Creation in Context” on March 9th.

Amanda Xeller here! I’m honored to be returning to The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival to perform and celebrate their 20th Anniversary! Congratulations on this incredible milestone! Here are a few of my not-to-miss-picks for the fest – Toronto Edition:
The Tita Collective – Beyond talented. Expertly curated. AND THEY CAN SING. If you’re looking for top tier ensemble work, see The Tita Collective. They blend unified performances with their individual talents making their shows consistently stand out. Also, fun fact, they are some of the most supportive and kind people there are.
The Templeton Philharmonic – I’ve had the privilege of watching Gwynne and Briana own the stage for over a decade. The Templeton Philharmonic blends history, performance art, and sharp wit to craft sketch comedy with a powerful feminist perspective. They’re brilliant.
Jon Blair – I’d be hellishly mistaken to not shout out my fellow and long-time solo sketch brother, Jon Blair. His accolades speak for themselves (Best of the Fest at numerous festivals). His work is consistently fresh, innovative, and he always, ALWAYS, commits. I’m stoked AF to see what he has in store this year.
Cam Wyllie – If there’s one person who lives and breathes sketch comedy, it’s Cam Wyllie. You can feel the love and dedication he pours into every performance. Every Cam Wyllie show is a proclamation of deep respect for sketch comedy.
Tallboyz: One City World Tour – Absolute Masters of The Craft. Smart, creative, & ridiculously funny. Skip the gym and get your ab workout in at a Tallboyz show. If you haven’t seen them you need to and if you’ve seen them I already know you have your tickets bought.
More recs:
My fellow New Yorkers: Ghost Girl (Magnet Theater represent!), Big Apartment, Jackie & Allison Into The Multiverse, & Woody Fu (yeah yeah he’s in LA now. We miss you Woody!)
And of course Joy Provision, Tony Ho, Carson & Taylor, Tom Hearn, Bad Medicine, and The Seth K Thomas Show. PS: Seth is an incredible person, incredible teacher, and has an incredible show. See his show and take his workshop!

Photo: Pat Gourdeau (aka Gaylulu)

Pat Gourdeau 

Pat Gourdeau is an actor, writer and performer showcasing his solo show Gaylulu at Comedy Bar on March 6th.

Oooh, I love Sketchfest. It’s always a fun opportunity to see a ton of hilarious shows from dear friends and mortal enemies who are still very funny, even though they have wronged me. I wanted to include 20 shows, but I was told by a Sketchfest team member to limit my list to 5, which is rude. Sounds like I have another mortal enemy to add to my list…
1. Please name your baby Dave Barclay – Dave is the best! He is a master writer and his characters always kill. Bonus: he has not wronged me… yet.
2. Cheap Wine – Three big sweeties who always bring the laughs. Warning: I am biased, as troupe members Jess and Jack both go the same gym I do.
3. Carson and Taylor – These two weirdos do a mix of magic and comedy that somehow works amazingly well. Warning: Carson ALSO goes to my gym, so take my recommendation with a grain of protein powder.
4. Janelle McGuinness and Big Chick Energy – Janelle is a master TikToker who actually has a nice voice, and I’m not saying that in a ‘nice voice for someone who does comedy’ way. Bonus: She’s paired with Big Chick Energy, who are great as well. Warning: None of these women go to my gym, so proceed with caution.
5. Tallboyz – Hot take: award-winning and CBC-show-having sketch troupe Tallboyz is funny. I know, I’m really taking a risk with this one. But any Tallboyz show is a can’t-miss event, so… get thee to the venue they’re performing at. Stat.
Oh, and come see my show Gaylulu! March 6th! Comedy Bar! I’ll be the guy wearing wigs on stage. See you there!

Photo: Rob Knox of The Understudies

Robert Knox

Rob is performing with The Understudies on March 5th and 9th at The Theatre Centre.

The Understudies are excited for our 8th time at TOsketchfest! Looking at the lineup, Sketchfest’s 20th year might be its best ever. Sketch took longer than stand-up or improv to fully recover post-pandemic, but it’s back big time. Tough to pick only 5 recos, but here goes…
1. Carson & Taylor. Straight up: their TOsketchfest show last year was the funniest sketch show I’ve seen in the past three years. If you can get a ticket, do it immediately, and then come back and read the rest of this article. Plus, they’re with Comedy Dance Chicago!
2. Vivek Srikanthan. His solo show in Fall 2024 was fresh and hilarious, occasionally veering into the territory of important. Vivek will cringe at that, but I’m not wrong. Biographically inspired yet universally relevant, his scenes float from sweet to raw to idiotic and always funny; Plus, they’re with Woody Foo!
3. Summer Dad. Every sketch troupe at some point comes up with a great idea for a sketch buuut it would require like 8-9 people on stage at once, so they have to nix it; Summer Dad gets to do it. So many members yet so tight and in sync. They put in a lot of reps at Fringe and are better than ever. Plus, I love The Mathemagician!
4. Legally Brown. I love a troupe that is clearly having a lot of fun together on stage. Their writing is smart, fresh and funny, and the performances are compelling. Plus, they’re with Amanda Xeller!
5. Sketch to the Death. Don’t be fooled by the vague and lame show description , this is gonna be a good one. We competed in Sketch to the Death (STTD) this year, and were blown away with how deep with talent in the Toronto scene is right now. This show features hot sets from other STTD competitors who are some of the best new acts in town. [Editor’s note: the Sketch to the Death show description will be updated any day now with more detail]

Honourable shout-outs to Colonial Circus by Two2Mango, BDB Comedy and We’re All In This Forever. And you can’t go wrong with TOsketchfest mainstays like Cam Wyllie, Dave Barclay, Cheap Wine, Vest of Friends, Jon Blair, Big Chick Energy, TallBoyz, and Tony Ho.

 

See you at TOsketchfest

Got all that?! That’s a full dancecard. And we can’t argue with these picks. Crazy thing is … here are some links to Insiders’ Guide Part One, Insiders’ Guide Part Two, Insiders’ Guide Part Three and Insiders’ Guide Part Four.

We hope you enjoyed the first installment of our TOsketchfest Insiders’ Guide. Stay tuned for Part Two, featuring tips from more TOsketchfest artists and insiders.

Now go get your TOsketchfest Festival Pass and get ready for 12 days of the best live comedy on earth!

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

The 2025 Film Festival Round-Up

Posted on: February 20th, 2025 by Virginia Woodall

Announcing the lineup of the 2025 TOsketchfest Film Festival presented by New Metric Media.

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Film Festival Premiere Screening takes places live, in-person on Wednesday March 5th 2025 at The Theatre Centre @ 9:00PM EST. Walk the blue shag carpet and rub shoulders with the filmmakers at

 

The Lineup:

#GloryForGary by Five Minute Funeral

This documentary explores one man’s journey to honour the memory and legacy of their deceased father.

Five Minute Funeral is a new group comprised of Andrew, Ryan and Tyler, with all of them sharing duties writing, directing and acting in their sketch comedy shorts. The group draws influences from Canadian sketch shows like SCTV and Kids in the Hall as well as SNL and MadTV plus too many stand up comedians to mentions. This is their first time at any event and they all have diarrhea about it.

IG: @fiveminutefuneral
TT: @fiveminutefuneral
YT: @fiveminutefuneral

 

Breakups Are Always Hard by Jono Hunter, Amit Ohm, Nick Atef, Glenna Walters

A doctor goes through one of the toughest moments of his life: losing his beloved patient.

Jono Hunter is a director, and has an award winning web series called “Night Drives”. Nick Atef and Glenna Walters are actors who regularly perform comedy in Toronto. Amit Ohm is a huge fan of comedy and has been writing scripts for over ten years.

IG: 
@jmbhunter 
@amitohm
@nickatef
@glenna.walters

 

day in the life [chained to a pipe by a serial killer edition] by Brick Penguin  

Just a sneak peek into the life of your favorite social media influencer <3 Come along and spend a productive day being kidnapped and tortured in a basement. (Don’t worry, it’s chill.)

Brick Penguin is the longest-running, highest-octane, hardest-hitting, most stupendous, most attractive, least litigious, funniest, best, most remarkable sketch group to ever come out of Washington, DC. Since 2010, Brick Penguin has been entertaining audiences in DC and has quickly become the longest-running, most attractive, et al., group ever in festivals across New York, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia, North Carolina, and Baltimore.

IG: @brickpenguin

 

Douche Canoe by Brother Mouth & Craig Melville

Brother Mouth presents ‘Douche Canoe’, a music video that satirizes the greedy, environmentally destructive elites who can’t tell their mouths from their derrières.

Artist: Brother Mouth 
Creative Director: Dave Gibson 
Director: Craig Melville 
Executive Producer: Thomas Gibson 
Producer: Larissa Anako

IG: @brothermouthofficial
TT: @brothermouth
X: @BrotherMouthOG
FB: @brothermouthofficial
YT: @brothermouth
W: https://bio.site/brothermouth

 

Death By Vitamin C Written by, Produced by and Starring Susan Serrao. Directed by Sandy Hoekstra. Featuring Victoria Souter, Jessica Garcie, Nancy Ngo and Laura Yenga

Have you ever been addicted to health foods, supplements, super foods or any other fad diet/lifestyle? Ever feel like it’s controlling your life? Like if you don’t follow it step by step it will be the end of everything in your life as you know it? That’s how Chantel feels about her new favourite drink/supplement, Vitamin C. How far will Chantel go before she fizzles out? Can her friends stop her before she goes too far? How far can you go with a supplement like Vitamin C before there’s no turning back? Find out in Death By Vitamin C!

Susan Serrao is a comedian, actor, writer and creator who produces her own work. She is also a single mom of 4 sons seeking the fame and fortune of the comedy lifestyle in the land of Calgary and beyond! Susan studied comedy at Upright Citizen’s Brigade (NYC and LA), Loose Moose Theatre (Calgary) and life (everywhere!). She finds humour in everyday occurrences and in the silly thoughts that interrupt her glamourously milfy lifestyle (think hockey arenas and grocery stores). Having performed internationally with people such as Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dave Foley, Kevin MacDonald, Lamorne Morris and Juno Temple, Susan’s presence, comedic timing and commitment to character draws the audience in and keeps them on the edge of their seats. She is known for fearlessly pushing the line while keeping the audience safe, engaged and laughing their god damn faces off. Most recently, Susan wrote, directed and starred in short film Love Stuck as part of the Igniter Challenge with the Canadian Film Festival and the Firecracker Department. She also has a feature film in development that she co-wrote called Back Road. Susan is a “YouTuber”, as her kids like to say, who has over 4.2M views and over 15K subscribers on her channel “Susan Serrao Sketch N Stuff” which includes her sketch series Sketchy Beavers (co-created with Jamie Matchullis), Sandy and Susan Do Stupid Shit (co-created with Sandy Hoekstra) and her most recent, series got milf?. You can also listen to Susan chat with Calgary-based female artists on her podcast; Completely Off Topic, With Susan Serrao which is available on Telus Optics, and her YouTube channel. Check her out! Death By Vitamin C Written, Produced and Cast by Susan Serrao Directed, Edited and Assoc. Prod. by Sandy Hoekstra DP and Colourist – Rachelle Hughes Cast Chantel – Susan Serrao Ruby – Nancy Ngo Sandra – Victoria Souter Meghan – Jessica Garcie Server – Laura Yenga Camera – Akim Vincent and Ryan Wishart Location Sound – Thomas Foote and Akim Vincent Special thanks to Colette Nwachi and BNA Brewing.

IG: 
@iamsusanserrao 
@sandy_hoekstra_ 
@victoriajsouter 
@jessicagarcie 
@__illuminancy__ @laurayenga
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanSerraoSketchnStuff

 

Cuhz by These Triggas

Fam, you can’t just have an American cousin drop in like that!

These Triggas is Canada’s answer to In Living Color. Irreverent, daring, and hilarious. This show will utilize the power, the insecurities, and the injustice of being Black in Canada to generate hilarity. Comedy BY Black Canadians, ABOUT being Black in Canada, FOR everyone in Canada. Cuhz is written by the show’s creator Anthony Q. Farrell and directed by Cory Bowles. It features the performers Ajahnis Charley, Brandon Hackett, Dayton Sinkia, Hannan Younis, and Jonathan Langdon. The sketch was produced by Canfro Productions and LetterFIFTY Productions.

IG: aqfarrell
TT: @TheseTriggas
YT: @TheseTriggas

 

F.A.S.H. by Alex Vance

FASH is a harassment training video! about a new way for womxn to protect themselves. 

Alex Vance is a female filmmaker based out of Vancouver, BC. She met actress/producer Alison Chang in the Vancouver sketch comedy group the “Smashed Potato Kids” or SPK and have collaborated on other sketches and musical numbers together. Alex met Christina Marie Adams while working for Vancouver’s renown 48 hour film festival: Run N Gun – and have collaborated on previous projects together. Fun Fact: FASH was first presented as a live sketch during SPK’s first live show!

IG: @a_hodgie

 

Maple, She Wrote by Yes, Let’s! Media

Seasoned detective Detective Michelle Agave is called to uncover the truth as a scandal unfolds amongst maple syrup giants. From ex-employees, to heirs of maple royalty; everyone wants a piece of the pancake. As interrogations ensue, more layers are peeled back as we see into the cutthroat world of the maple syrup industry.

Yes Let’s Media is a collective of female filmmakers, comprising of Krystle Meixner, Kayla Subica and MK Morris with Joanne Gnatek. With a focus on comedic storytelling, Maple, She Wrote was born out of the Fire Cracker Igniter series, an initiative to have more women and non-binary people step into the world of creating comedic short films! Maple, She Wrote was chosen to premiere at the 2024 Canadian Film Festival, a real accomplishment for the collective first short film! Top to bottom, our cast, our crew, and all the helping hands that shaped this short film are to thank for solving this mystery of a murder.

IG:
@yesletsmedia 
@mk_morris 
@joannegnatek 
@kaylasubica 
@frickstle

 

Night Drives: Goin’ Down by 

Tired of terrestrial transportation, Alex and Jono somehow find themselves in command of a plane.

Night Drives is an award-winning animated sketch comedy series about the joy and futility of life. Shot in live action and rotoscoped after the fact.

IG: 
@jmbhunter
@ilovenightdrives
TT: @ilovenightdrives
W:
Ilovenightdrives.com
Jmbhunter.com

 

Onlyfans by Tommy Marshall

Charlie and Bono find out that their friend Terry has an Onlyfans page and its really blowing up. 

Onlyfans was written, directed and edited by Tommy Marshall. Tommy is a comedy first filmmaker who studied film at TMU as well as The Second City Film School in Chicago, IL. Tommy cherishes silliness above all else, if we can’t have a little laugh then we will never make it out of this whole weird thing alive. His short film Antarctica, the Last Frontier was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Short at last year’s edition of the TOSketchfest Film Festival. The film stars Myles and Lauren Andrews (both of whom also starred in Antaractica, the Last Frontier) as well as Tommy himself as the titular Onlyfans creator. The film was shot by Aaron Hanek (you guessed it he also shot Antarctica). The film was shot on an absurdly hot July weekend with no crew over the course of two long days. By all means we absolutely should have gone crazy and killed one another, but we’ve been doing this together in some variation for a while and thankfully we all love each other very much.

IG: @prestige.television
TT: @tommymarshall

 

Parking Lot For Virgins by Alex Kolanko

A commercial for the new parking lot for virgins

Alex Kolanko is a pervert with a camera

IG: @just_a_turd
TT: @just_a_turd
X: @alexkolanko

 

Real Actual Skaters by Sidetracked Show

Three Real Actual Skaters (who definitely aren’t posers) make their very own skate tape. 

Sidetracked Show. Three friends, roommates, and collaborators since 2010. Creating absurd, cinematic sketches with a DIY spirit.

IG: @sidetrackedshow
TT: @sidetrackedshow
X: @sidetrackedshow
YT: https://youtube.com/@sidetrackedshow

 

Samaritan by Tony Ho

The existence of Good Samaritans implies the existence of just regular Samaritans. 

Tony Ho took some time off from making movies so they could make some TV and also some babies and some cabinetry as well. Now? They’re back, this time with help from friends like Edward Pond, Chris Sandiford, Gwynne Phillips and Chris Sandiford.

IG: @TonyHoSucks

 

Slop King by Andy Assaf, Peter Schnobb

A documentary about one of the least known culinary geniuses.

WRITTEN BY AND STARRING Andy Assaf – Andy Assaf, originally from Montreal, is a Toronto based sketch and improv comedian and is a Second City Toronto Mainstage alum where he wrote and performed 3 Sketch Revues. You might know him from as the Cravensworth’s MONSTER on season 6 of What We Do In The Shadows on Fx, the Recruit on Netflix, or you might have seen him as that guy in the Domino’s commercial. He has toured to multiple sketch and improv festivals around Canada and the US. 

DIRECTED BY PETER SCHNOBB – Peter Schnobb is an award-winning Cinematographer based out of Toronto, Canada. In 2019, Peter received a Juno Award certificate for Music Video of the Year for his work on “No Depression” by Bahamas, directed by Ali Eisner.

IG: @msweetandysour
TT: @sweetandysour
X: @sweetandysour
W: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnmUEu_1xDE

 

Something Bad That Happened in My Past by Mike Mildon and Clare Mcdonnell

As they embark on their most ambitious crime yet, a seasoned criminal must confront the shadows of his past.

Mike Mildon is an award winning filmmaker and comedian living in Toronto, Ontario. 2021 marked his TV debut with For Heaven’s Sake, a true crime comedy series produced by Muse Entertainment and Funny or Die. He executive produced, wrote, and exploited his entire family for the series, which aired on Paramount+ and CBC. The series was nominated for 3 Canadian Screen Awards (which included ‘Best Series – Factual’ and ‘Best Writing – Factual’). Before TV, his claim to fame was his comedy sketch troupe, Trophy Husbands, where he has written, directed, and released over 40 shorts onto the World Wide Web. His short films have attracted millions of views online and have been featured on some of the top websites including Amazon Prime, Funny or Die, and Huffington Post. He continues to implement his genre-bending style and sense of humour in the television and commercial spaces, having directed spots for some of the biggest brands in Canada (Tim Hortons, RBC, McDonalds, etc). 

Clare McConnell an actor and comedian best known for portraying ‘Effie Newsome’ on the popular CBC series Murdoch Mysteries and Klingon Leader ‘Dennas’ on the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Discovery. Additional television credits include American Gods (Starz), Coroner(The CW), Killjoys (Syfy), Nurses (Global/NBC), Wynonna Earp (Syfy) and Hudson & Rex (Citytv). I’m also an alumna of the Second City Mainstage, and was nominated for “Breakout Artist” at the 2018 Canadian Comedy Awards.

IG: @mikemildon @itsclaremcconnell
W: mikemildon.com
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@TrophyHusbands

 

The Drake Sisters by Wench World Productions Becky Swannick, Maddy Foley and Blair MacMillan

Two sisters struggle to make a commercial for their used car dealership, resulting in an existential crisis. 

Director: Hailing from Birmingham, UK, Becky Swannick is an acclaimed Queer Filmmaker, Film Editor, Comedian and Multidisciplinary Artist currently residing in Toronto, Canada. After graduating from The Northern Film School, Leeds UK in 2014, Becky has spent 8 years in live comedy, particularly in writing and performance and has since merged her love of filmmaking with her love of Comedy! 

Cast: Maddy Foley is a Toronto-based actor and writer with a passion for storytelling. After earning her BSc from the University of Toronto, Maddy followed her creative instincts, studying Screenwriting at UCLA and UCB, and completing the Second City Conservatory program in Toronto. As an actor, Maddy has appeared in Deaner ‘89, One More Time, The Boys, and What We Do in the Shadows. Blair MacMillan is a Toronto based Actor, Writer, Comedian and cohost of Girl Historians Podcast. She has appeared in Homeschooled, Murdoch Mysteries and Twin Lies and can be regularly seen performing comedy in and around Toronto.

IG: @beckyswannick.mov
W: beckyswannick.com

 

The Fart Genie by Murray Cummings

Just when you thought it was safe to fart! It’s the morning after a first date that’s gone REALLY well… The only problem is… she needs to fart… but that’s ok. It’s not like a thousand year old Genie is going to pop out of her butt and announce it to everybody!

Murray Cummings is a director, screenwriter and songwriter born in London. He is passionate about music and comedy and received a masters in screenwriting from Royal Holloway University. 

Michael Diaz aka 36th degree is an animator from the UK. He is a passionate and professional designer with a strong eye for detail in Motion Graphics and Animation.

IG: @murraycummings
X: @murraycummings
YT: @murraycummings

 

What About Mexico? by Jack Creaghan, Brendan Kane, Blair MacMillan, Jesse McQueen

Brendan has started a new business and he’s excited to show his friends but Jack always they were going to do business together someday. Ouchie!

Jack Creaghan, Brendan Kane, Blair MacMillan and Jesse McQueen will be known collectively, from here on out, as DOUBLE BJ. 

They’re starting a business together. 

Visit byoboss.info to stay on top of this new and exciting opportunity.

IG: @jackey_cee

 

The Perfect Bite by Mike Mildon & Bryan Nothling

Two rival foodies crash the same party, fueled by whispers of an epic charcuterie board, turning their hunt for the perfect bite into a hilariously high-stakes battle of taste and ego.

Mike Mildon is an award-winning filmmaker and comedian living in Toronto, Ontario. His passion for film and comedy is the driving force behind each project he does. 2021 marked his TV debut with For Heaven’s Sake, a true-crime comedy series produced by Muse Entertainment and Funny or Die. He executive produced, wrote, and exploited his entire family for the series, which aired on Paramount+ and CBC. The series was nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Series – Factual and Best Writing – Factual.In addition to his work on For Heaven’s Sake, Mike directed Season 1 of Ghosting for CBC in 2024 Before TV, his claim to fame was his comedy sketch troupe, Trophy Husbands, where he wrote, directed, and released over 40 shorts onto the World Wide Web. His short films have attracted millions of views online and have been featured on top platforms, including Amazon Prime, Funny or Die, and Huffington Post. He continues to implement his genre-bending style and sense of humor in the television and commercial spaces, having directed spots for some of the biggest brands in Canada (Tim Hortons, RBC, McDonald’s, etc).

IG: @mikemildon
TT: @thebnoth
W: mikemildon.com
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@TrophyHusbands

 

When the memes too long by Sidetracked Show

Luc shows Adam and Tim a meme that’s far too long

Sidetracked Show. Three friends, roommates, and collaborators since 2010. Creating absurd, cinematic sketches with a DIY spirit.

IG: @sidetrackedshow
TT: @sidetrackedshow
X: @sidetrackedshow
YT: https://youtube.com/@sidetrackedshow

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