Press & Stories
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (TOsketchfest)
About TOsketchfest
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, known as TOsketchfest, is Toronto’s longest-running live comedy festival. Founded in 2005, TOsketchfest presents two weeks of live sketch comedy performances, workshops, and special events each March in Toronto.
The festival showcases scripted sketch comedy from emerging and established artists, and is produced by a registered charity dedicated to supporting comedy creators and strengthening the comedy community.
TOsketchfest takes place at venues across Toronto, including The Theatre Centre and Comedy Bar Bloor, and welcomes both general audiences and comedy-curious newcomers.
Festival at a Glance
- Founded: 2005
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Focus: Live sketch comedy
- Format: Performances, workshops, and special events
- Timing: March, annually
Press Coverage
TOsketchfest has been featured by local and national media outlets for its role in supporting comedy artists and presenting innovative live comedy experiences.
Selected coverage includes:
- Curiocity (2026) “Toronto Winter Festivals 2026”
- Over Here Toronto (2026) “Free & Paid Things To Do in Toronto This March 2026”
- Parton & Pearl (2026) “TOsketchfest Announces 2026 Lineup”
- Broadway World (2026) “Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival Returns in March 2026”
- blogTO (2025) “Toronto’s longest-running comedy festival turns 20 this year”
- TorontoToday.ca (2025) “Twenty years in, TOsketchfest is ready to bring more laughs to locals”
- NOW Toronto (2018) “Sasheer Zamata and Scott Thompson to play Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival”
- CBC (2016) “Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival”
- NOW Toronto (2015) – “Cover Story: Kate McKinnon“
- HuffPost (2014) – “Kids In The Hall: Brain Candy’ Live Reading: Cast Reuniting In Toronto, One Night Only“
- NOW Magazine (2005) “Something’s Sketchy” Coverage by Glenn Sumi of the first ever Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Stories from the TOsketchfest Community
Beyond performances, TOsketchfest is a gathering place for comedy creators and audiences. Over the years, artists have used the festival to develop new work, connect with peers, and build sustainable creative careers.
These stories highlight the impact of TOsketchfest on artists, audiences, and the wider comedy ecosystem.
- Sesayarts 2026 Artist Perspective: Cody Sullivan
- Montreal Guardian, 2026 – Tragedy Plus Time: She/They
- A View From The Box, 2025: Stage Door Dialogues with Naomi Snieckus and Julie Nolke
- CBC Arts 2025: 13 Plays About ADHD
- Sesayarts 2025 Artist Perspective: MK Morris
- Sesayarts 2025 Artist Perspective: Comedy Dance Chicago
- Toronto Guardian, 2025 – Tragedy Plus Time: Emily Jeffers
- Toronto Guardian, 2025 – Tragedy Plus Time: Nkasi Ogbonnah
- Toronto Guardian, 2025 – Tragedy Plus Time: Sachin Sharma
- Parton and Pearl: TOsketchfest23 reviews (2023)
Why TOsketchfest Matters
TOsketchfest exists to make live sketch comedy visible, accessible, and valued. The festival provides paid performance opportunities for artists, professional development through workshops and panels, and welcoming live comedy experiences for audiences.
As a charitable organization, TOsketchfest reinvests in the comedy community year-round through programming, showcases, and artist support initiatives.
Click here to learn more about the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information:
Email: victoria@torontosketchfest.com
Website: torontosketchfest.com
High-resolution logos and images are available upon request.