I have a lot of sympathy for the first show of the first day, especially since there are only 3 hours of technical rehearsal for fringe artists, but the performers of Spookeasy on September 10th did not make it easy. Starting a show expecting applause will get you off on the wrong foot with me every time. As will breaking character to apologize/complain about your own show multiple times, insulting the audience and hideously missing your light (as in leaning OUT of the spotlight).

That said, in spite of all the disastrous technical issues, the troupe kept their energy up throughout the...

My friend and I got the last two seats on Sunday night. We were barely seated when the whole room (the crowded, oxygen-deprived Carousel Theatre Studio A) started chanting: “CHURCH! CHURCH! CHURCH! CHURCH!”

Every night is different but I hadn't checked to find out I was about to attend an “improvised church service.” Not to be confused with Fringe regulars “Peter 'n' Chris” (Peter Carlone and Chris Wilson), this duo is new on the scene, at least in this configuration.

...

I begin with a story. Sketch comedy and homelessness. A combination not suitable for the
Vancouver East side. (In my best Al Pacino voice.) “Yah, funny.” Granted, I feel that way because I had a short interaction with a homeless person out in front of the theatre just prior to the show.

“Hey, can you spare some change?” She said in a slightly cracked voice.

“I have a dime I don’t need for parking.” I handed her the pittance.

“Thanks, man. Saved me.” She said and walked off.

It wasn’t a unique experience. This is Vancouver after all. But,...

Toronto’s fifth annual Sketch Comedy Festival has (long) come and gone, leaving behind a wake of satisfied audiences and enthused sketch artists.