Performers

*Please note, the video clips attached to each performer come from youtube and are not necessarily PG-13. The views/opinions expressed in these clips reflect the opinions of the performers, not of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

Wanna know who’s been here before? Interested in knowing if your favourite comedians are regulars at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival? See if they are part of our Alumni!

Steve, Patterson Steve Patterson

STEVE PATTERSON
CANADA’S BEST MALE STAND-UP
CANADIAN COMEDY AWARDS
HOST OF “THE DEBATERS”, CBC

Though most familiar to over 750,000 weekly listeners as the host of “The Debaters” on CBC Radio One, it is as an international headline…

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Seán , Cullen Seán Cullen

Seán  has been featured in Time Magazine in the USA as the vanguard of comedy's next generation. He was a finalist in last season of NBC's The Last Comic Standing and has appeared on shows such as The Ellen Show with Ellen DeGeneres,…

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Jonathan, Torrens Jonathan Torrens

2013 is Jonathan Torrens’ 25 year anniversary of working in TV & Film. He started the year off by writing and producing The Jenny McCarthy Show for Vh-1 before reprising his role as J-Roc in the 3rd Trailer Park Boys movie, currently in…

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Debra, DiGiovanni Debra DiGiovanni

Debra DiGiovanni has just been awarded the 2011 Canadian Comedy Award for best comic (female) for the third time in 5 years. She’s been called the Best Comedian to see after a Messy Break Up and for two years running-she was named her…

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Jon, Dore Jon Dore

Canuck Fave Going "Dore to Door" at 2013 Winnipeg Comedy Festival

Still busy in the kitchen, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival has added a few more ingredients to its surefire recipe for laughs, having confirmed Canuck fave Jon Dore as the…

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Aisha, Alfa Aisha Alfa

Aisha is well known as the former host of Talk Soup and The Fifth Wheel, and for appearing in TV roles on Friends and CSI: Miami. No wait...that's the wrong Aisha....

Alfa is the 2011 winner of Winnipeg's Funniest Person with a Day Job

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Chad, Anderson Chad Anderson

Chad Anderson is a stand-up comedian who is currently living in Winnipeg. Chad has been performing for over 4 years now and is a big part of the local comedy scene. He is 25 years old, aboriginal and sober. He will entertain you with his…

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Ryan, Ash Ryan Ash

Ryan Ash has already experienced a lot of the great things the world of entertainment has to offer. Ryan has appeared in movies, TV shows, made-for-TV-movies… but is still holding out for a good infomercial. He’s also a fight…

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Ace, Burpee Ace Burpee

Ace Burpee is one of the most recognizable and sought after media personalities in Manitoba today. He’s the hardest working and most dedicated person you will ever meet with a boyish charm that has mass appeal with all ages. He wakes up…

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Chuck, Byrn Chuck Byrn

Working professionally as a comedian since 1994 and as a national touring headliner since 1996, Chuck Byrn has the experience and knowledge to ensure your show or event is a success. Having performed in almost every conceivable…

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Martha, Chaves Martha Chaves

Martha Chaves’ stage persona is mischievous and subversive, yet vulnerable and insightful. Her numerous TV credits include her own national comedy specials on the CBC (COMICS!) and on The Comedy Network (SOMETHING ABOUT MARTHA). She’s a…

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Kate, Davis Kate Davis

Through motherhood, Kate found her passion for comedy. A speaker, writer, comedian, actress and mother of three, she has the unique ability to find humour in any situation.  A five-time nominee at the Canadian Comedy Awards and star of her…

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Ivan, Decker Ivan Decker

Since his start in comedy in a dusty broken down bar in East Vancouver Ivan Decker has quickly become one of the most enjoyable comedians in the country. He has honed his comedic skill and craft to one day hopefully end up back at that same…

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Rosanna, Deerchild Rosanna Deerchild

Winnipeg personality, Rosanna Deerchild is Cree from South Indian Lake in northern Manitoba. 
She is a writer and broadcaster who has been heard on NCI-FM as host of All My Relations and on CBC Radio,including as host of The (204) and…

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Charlie, Demers Charlie Demers

Charlie Demers is a Vancouver comedian, humourist and author, heralded by CBC Radio as ''Truly one of the smartest comics out there.'' In addition to having performed in clubs and at festivals across the country, and as a regular guest on…

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John B., Duff John B. Duff

John B Duff is a Winnipeg stand-up comic and the 2005 winner of Winnipeg’s Funniest Person with a Day Job competition. He placed in the top 10 of CTV’s Nationwide Corner Gas Comic Genius competition and was a local finalist in the Just for…

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Mark, Forward Mark Forward

For those who think Oakville, Ontario is the most boring place on Earth (a) you've never been to Sackville and (b) at least it gave us Mark Forward.

From the start Mark was a breakout talent, being a finalist for the Phil Hartman Award

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Diana, Frances Diana Frances

Diana Frances is an award-winning comedy writer and performer currently living in Toronto.

She can be heard weekly on CBC Radio One with her national syndicated column, Dating Diana. She is also a contributor to the sketch comedy show…

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Darren, Frost Darren Frost

Long considered one of Canada’s most controversial comics, his ability to command the undivided attention of an audience is remarkable. 

Most recently Darren has joined the cast of the hit CBC show ''Mr. D'' playing the new…

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Michael, Gelbart Michael Gelbart

With appearances on CBS’ The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, performances at sold-out clubs and theaters, and two of his own prime time stand-up comedy specials, comedian, screenwriter and novelist Michael Gelbart is truly someone to…

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Dan, Glasswick Dan Glasswick

Dan Glasswick originally hails from Calgary Alberta but has made Winnipeg his home. He is the 2010 winner of Winnipeg's Funniest Person With a Day Job and a regular host at Rumors. He tells everyone his favorite cereal is harvest crunch but…

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Mike , Green Mike Green

"Funny", "intellectual", and "ambiguously brown" are the three tines that make up the trident of Mike Green’s comedic style.  Willing to turn the microscope on the idiosyncrasies of his own backwards generation with a wisdom that surpasses…

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Shannon, Guile Shannon Guile

Actor, writer, comedian, stunt performer and mime artist, Shannon Guile is a woman of action… or maybe just has ADD. Shannon fell in love with comedy while studying Theatre and Film at the University of Winnipeg. She was inspired and…

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Jonny, Harris Jonny Harris

Jonny Harris is a graduate of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College's School of Fine Arts. His comedy has been showcased in every medium and at the highest levels across the country.

As a stand-up comedian he has appeared at the Halifax,…

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Chadd, Henderson Chadd Henderson

Chadd started improvising in high school and has not stopped since. As a member of Outside Joke he’s had the opportunity to perform not only in his hometown of Winnipeg, but all across Canada. Chadd also has been teaching improv almost as…

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, Hot Thespian Action Hot Thespian Action

Hot Thespian Action is thrilled to be back at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival once again, their fifth appearance at the fest. Formed in Winnipeg in 2006, Hot Thespian Action has been pegged as one of the up and coming comedic voices in Canada.…

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Dan, Huen Dan Huen

25, single, a lover of cats and…listening , Dan Huen has been in the comedy game four years now. After doing the fest in 2011 he has spent the last two years working on the TV show The Week Thus Far (WTF). Drawing inspiration from ocean…

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Emma, Hunter Emma Hunter

As one of Canada's top up-and-coming young comedic talents, Emma Hunter is a multiple award nominated actress, writer, and comedian. Emma's ability to transform into her characters and has garnered her lots of attention. 

Emma has been…

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, Imaginary Cities Imaginary Cities

Imaginary Cities was born in a Winnipeg club called The Cavern, in between sets. This new group, founded in a chance meeting, is fast becoming one of the world’s brightest new bands.

Western Canadian band Imaginary Cities’ debut disc…

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, ImproVision ImproVision

ImproVision makes stuff up. The “kings of short form improv” (CBC Manitoba) perform their own special brand of improv (smothered in gravy-Texas-style!) combining new twists on improv favourites with mousetraps, clothespins and…

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Dean, Jenkinson Dean Jenkinson

Since starting his comedy career over a decade ago, Dean has gone on to do television appearances on The Comedy Network’s Comedy at Club 54, CBC’s COMICS! and Global’s Comedy on Stage.  CBC news viewers recognize Dean from his award…

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Ron, Josol Ron Josol

Ron Josol represents a new generation of comedy. With his modish comedy style and commanding stage presence, he is one of today’s hottest acts. Ron has taken his comedy around the world, performing in Canada, U.S., Pacific Islands,…

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, Keener Keener

Like Madonna and Bono, Keener needs only one name.

Keener’s standup looks at the world with an indomitable sense of optimism that many have lost as they grew up and became cynical adults. Keener takes you back to that happy place with…

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Deborah, Kimmett Deborah Kimmett

Deborah Kimmett is not just a funny face. Packing 30 years of Comedy in her, Spanks Kimmett is a Second City alumnus, who for 20 years, acted, directed and taught at the improvisational theatre, becoming one of the co-architects of…

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Elvira, Kurt Elvira Kurt

Elvira is a Second City Alumnus who has had many years of comedic success in Canada and the U.S. She has starred in The Comedy Network’s series’ Popcultured with Elvira Kurt  and Elvira Kurt: Adventures in Comedy and has had her comedy…

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Sook-Yin, Lee Sook-Yin Lee

Sook-Yin Lee loves a good story. The musician, filmmaker, actor and radio and TV broadcaster fronted the art-rock band, Bob’s Your Uncle before embarking on a solo career. The former MuchMusic VJ hosts the salon-style radio show…

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Andrew, Lizotte Andrew Lizotte

Andrew got his start as a professional performer seven years ago when he began doing stand-up comedy. In that time he has already been on the road under the Yuk-Yuk’s comedy chain, done rural tours for the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, as well…

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Jacqueline, Loewen Jacqueline Loewen

Jacqueline is a member of Hot Thespian Action, a Winnipeg group that has produced fantastically well received, sold out, shows for the last six years of Winnipeg’s Fringe Festival. They have also been nominated the past two years for…

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Chantel, Marostica Chantel Marostica

Chantel Marostica, known for her high energy, physical comedy, creates scenarios through impressions, delivery and timing, making Chantel a captivating performer, with a skewed perspective on observational comedy.

As an Improviser…

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Dave, Martin Dave Martin

Born and raised in Toronto, Dave Martin began comedy in 1996 and believes anything can be made funny. Dave performed at the Late Night Danger Zone at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. In 2001 Dave received his own hour-long stand-up…

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Trent, McClellan Trent McClellan

Trent McClellan is from the far eastern part of Canada...namely Newfoundland.

Based out of Calgary, this new talent has been making a big splash on the Canadian comedy scene. Trent has been heard on XM Satelite and Sirius Satelite…

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Kevin, McDonald Kevin McDonald

Kevin is widely known for his work on Kids in the Hall which he founded with friend Dave Foley. He has also appeared on The Martin Short Show, Ellen, That 70’s Show, Seinfeld, Friends, NewsRadio, Arrested Development, Corner Gas and Less…

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Kathleen, McGee Kathleen McGee

Kathleen McGee is the girl your parents warned you about. She will make you laugh and blush all at the same time. Kathleen has been seen at Just for Laughs, on Bite TV and can be heard regularly on Sirius XM Radio

In December 2009…

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Ryan, McMahon Ryan McMahon

Ryan mixes a traditional stand-up comedy sensibility with a loose improvised slacker style and he blends it all together with characters, multimedia, music and hilarity. Based out of Winnipeg, McMahon is a comedian / actor / writer that is…

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Dave, Merheje Dave Merheje

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Dave Merheje found a love for comedy at a young age and started performing in Detroit. Now living in Toronto, Dave’s comedy style has been described as aggressive in-your-face funny. Dave has gained a following with…

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Garth, Merkeley Garth Merkeley

With a baby face like that, it may be hard to believe that Garth has been acting for over 20 years, but it's true. Apart from his involvement with two-time Canadian Comedy Award nominated Hot Thespian Action, Garth's work has included…

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Darcy, Michael Darcy Michael

One of Canada’s brightest comedic performers has had an interesting and eventful rise to the comedy stage. Recently undergoing a complete transformation, Darcy Michael has lost over 100 pounds….hopefully not the funny ones.

In…

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Ryan James, Miller Ryan James Miller

Ryan James Miller has been a fixture in the comedy world for years performing with sketch comedy troupe Hot Thespian Action, having appeared at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival with the likes of Andrea Martin and Alan Thicke.  With HTA, Ryan…

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Zarqa, Nawaz Zarqa Nawaz

In 2007, Zarqa Nawaz created the television series Little Mosque on the Prairie, which premiered to record viewership and became CBC’s highest rated sitcom, running for six seasons, airing a total of 91 episodes. The success of her series…

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Matt, Nightingale Matt Nightingale

In February of this year, Matt Nightingale shocked the world when he resigned as Pope in order to make his second straight appearance in the Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

In just three years, Matt's animated performance has earned him a spot…

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David, Pryde David Pryde

David Pryde is a Montreal comic whose humor is often called “cerebral”, a word which he hasn’t looked up but assumes means “hilarious”. He has performed comedy in the USA, the U.K., and Australia, plus a whole lot of stuff in Canada,…

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Rob, Pue Rob Pue

A gregarious and dynamic comedian with a knack for telling it like it is, Rob has become one of the brightest voices to hit the Canadian comedy scene.

With unmistakeable charm, wit and trade-mark act-outs, Rob is a must…

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Paul, Rabliauskas Paul Rabliauskas

Paul Rabliauskas is “Manitoba’s fastest rising comic”, a member of the Poplar River First Nation Paul has been able to share his experiences from living in rough Neighborhood’s to overeating to his advantage. Paul’s high energy and his…

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Al, Rae Al Rae

Al Rae is a Winnipeg stand-up comic and comedy writer. He is the winner of the Just for Laughs National Homegrown Comic Competition 2000. Prior to Little Mosque on the Prairie, Al was a writer on the sitcoms Blackfly and Big Sound

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J.D., Renaud J.D. Renaud

J.D. Renaud is one of the most prolific and righteously twisted voices in the Winnipeg comedy scene. With a warped perspective on pop culture and a shady past full of mistakes, strippers, and fireworks, his high energy comedy has taken him…

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Bill, Richardson Bill Richardson

Bill Richardson has a long history with CBC Radio. He is now the host of Saturday Afternoon at the Opera and In Concert on CBC Radio 2. He has published a number of books and is making very slow progress on a new one. A recent happy…

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Kenny , Robinson Kenny Robinson

Kenny Robinson is one of the few comedians that can be called a Canadian Comedy legend.

For over 25 years Kenny Robinson has been touring across North America winning both audiences and critical acclaim with his raucous, irreverent,…

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Adam, Schwartz Adam Schwartz

Adam Schwartz has performed stand up comedy for three years and during that time he has had the distinctive honour of being a finalist for Winnipeg Free Press's Wackiest Comedian contest. In addition, he is a semi-finalist for Rumor's…

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Derek, Seguin Derek Seguin

A much loved headliner with the Yuk Yuks chain of comedy clubs, Derek has worked with some of Canada’s best like Russell Peters, George Strombolopoulous, Steve Patterson, Jeremy Hotz, Mike McDonald, Sugar Sammy, Mike Wilmot, Mike Ward and…

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Michelle , Shaughnessy Michelle Shaughnessy

Michelle began her career as a teenager moving from small town Ontario to the metropolis of Toronto. She was quickly playing comedy clubs nationwide and soon landed on television appearing on The Comedy Network and The Women's…

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Leonard, Shaw (Musical guest) Leonard Shaw (Musical guest)

Leonard Shaw (keys, sax, flute & vocals) has toured with The Guess Who since 1990; as well he has toured with Ian Hunter , Ian Thomas, Dianne Heatherington & Terry Crawford, but he started playing Blues and jazz-edged R&B with Mojo and the…

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Erica, Sigurdson Erica Sigurdson

Based in Vancouver BC, Erica Sigurdson is a dominating force in the Canadian Comedy scene as well as an award-winning writer.  Her comedy festival credits include Montreal Just For Laughs, Winnipeg, Halifax, St. John’s, Moncton, P.E.I.,…

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Jeff, Sinclair Jeff Sinclair

Jeff Sinclair is a writer, improviser, storyteller, and stand up comedian who has performed all over the world. His well received one man show, Letters At Large, in which he reads comedic letters he wrote to real companies, and the replies…

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Niigaan, Sinclair Niigaan Sinclair

Niigaan Sinclair is an Anishinaabe writer, editor, and speaker by night while by day is an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba teaching courses in Indigenous cultures and communities. He appears regularly on CBC, CTV, and APTN

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Carmen, Stockton Carmen Stockton

Carmen is thrilled to move back to Canada after a long stint living in Los Angeles, where she studied the pros and cons of plastic surgery. She has performed at the Just For Laughs Festival, twice on Madly Off In All Directions and made her…

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Kelly, Taylor Kelly Taylor

From the first time stepping on stage it was only 9 short months later that Kelly was headling. In just his second year of comedy, Kelly Taylor shocked the comedy industry by placing second in the prestigious Just for Laughs Homegrown…

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Big Daddy, Tazz Big Daddy Tazz

For more than a decade and a half, Tazz has been delighting crowds at fundraisers, corporate events, festivals and television. He recorded his own Comedy Now! special in 2008 and has appeared in many national festivals including Just for…

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Jane, Testar Jane Testar

Jane is a multidisciplinary comedian, regularly performing both improv (with Outside Joke) and sketch comedy with Hot Thespian Action. Jane is also a member of the theatre ensemble, Foolish Wit, who perform Commedia Dell’arte and have…

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Pat , Thornton Pat Thornton

Pat Thornton is both an established stand-up and sketch performer. He's a founding member and former head writer of Sunday Night Live, with the Sketchersons. He's also the creator, star and head writer of the series, Hotbox currently on The…

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Dan, Verville Dan Verville

A born and bred Winnipegger, Dan Verville brings his honest and quirky observations to the stage that make for hilarious commentary.  Dan is one of the youngest comics ever to headline Rumor's Comedy Club, has been a part of the Winnipeg…

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Kristeen , von Hagen Kristeen von Hagen

Kristeen von Hagen is the 2012 recipient of the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Female Comic

Kristeen has had 3 Just for Laughs Gala appearances, has been seen SHOWTIME’s Comedy Without Borders and Premium Blend on Comedy Central.…

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Ben, Walker Ben Walker

The most recent winner of Rumors Comedy Club Funniest Person with a Day Job, Ben is a rising comedian, whose quick off-the-cuff style engages himself to the audience.  In 2011, Ben was heard as a semi-finalist in Sirius XM's Canada's Next…

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Jordan, Welwood Jordan Welwood

Hailing from Winnipeg, Jordan Welwood is a regular host at Rumor's Comedy Club and is a staple of the local stand up comedy scene. Jordan is an enigmatic performer, who risks it all on stage for the big laughs. His dead on interpretations of…

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George, Westerholm George Westerholm

George is hoping to give his new musical comedy an air of legitimacy by mounting it on a theatre stage. Will that happen? Or is it all a sad charade? George also hopes you pronounced that “Sha-rod”. Come and celebrate one man’s enduring…

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K. Trevor, Wilson K. Trevor Wilson

K. Trevor Wilson has spent over half his life in entertainment, a graduate of the Etobicoke School of the Arts, he started his career as a child actor before making the move to stand up comedy in the year 2000. As an actor, with TV credits…

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John, Wing John Wing

John Wing is a standup comedian.

  • has performed all over Canada and the United States
  • has over 200 television appearances
  • 6 Tonight Shows, 9 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival galas
  • 2 hour-long Comedy Now
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