Christel Bartelse

Storyteller, Actor, Improvisor, Clown, Director, Writer

Christel Bartelse is a multifaceted performer whose work spans acting, comedy, storytelling, clown, directing, writing, and education. She began her career in comedy and improv as one half of the acclaimed physical comedy duo The Burnt Marshmallows (Canadian Comedy Award Nominees), and has since collaborated with a wide range of artists to create bold and original independent work.

A fixture in the Toronto comedy scene, she is regularly seen on stage performing character work, physical comedy, stand-up, and storytelling. She was the co-producer and co-host of the hit storytelling show "But That's Another Story", and currently produces and hosts "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" where veteran actors and comedians present material on the theme of Age. In addition to her performance work, she is a passionate educator, leading workshops in improv, physical theatre/clown, and solo performance across Toronto.

IG: @cbartelse

FB: @christel.bartelse

Dre Pavez

Comedian

Dre Pavez is a stand up comedian and producer born and raised in London, Ontario (and not ashamed to say it!!) who now lives in Toronto. Her dry sensibility is in stark contrast to the vivid storytelling and often personal nature of her comedy. Her monthly stand up show, Let’s Go Comedy, takes place on the 1st Thursday of every month at Wenona Craft Beer Lodge.

IG: @dre.pavez

Emily Butcher

Improvisor

Emily Butcher is an HR professional who moonlights as an improvisor at The Second City Training Centre Toronto. A proud chronic over-sharer and lover of all things funny, she believes life’s toughest—and most embarrassing—moments make for the best material. Whether she’s in a boardroom or on a stage, Emily’s favourite thing is connecting with people by making them laugh (and occasionally making herself the punchline).

IG: @emlizbutch

Karim Kanji

Comedian/Podcaster

Karim Kanji is new to stand-up, but not new to talking. He’s spent over 20 years in advertising and hosts a couple of podcasts, so holding a mic feels natural — being funny on purpose is the new part. Somewhere between media meetings and a mild midlife awakening, he decided to try comedy. Turns out, marriage, kids, health scares, and growing up in Scarborough give you a lot to work with. He’s just getting started — which is either inspiring or concerning.

IG: @karimkanji

Rosani Christy

Comedian

Rosani Christy is a Toronto based Tamil comedian whose comedy has been described as anecdotal and witty. She has been performing since 2017, when she graduated from a standup comedy course at The Second City and has never looked back. She has been featured on Alt Dot Comedy Lounge, The Reel Abilities' Comedy Night, the Disability Collective's Sit Down Comedy Show and appeared on Breakfast Television. I recently headlined for sick kids fundraising show. When she is not on stage she is lounging on beaches via zoom filters.

IG: @rosanichristy

Sarah London

Comedian

Sarah London brings an adorably dark energy to stand-up comedy stages across Canada. She’s been featured on the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Craft Island Comedy Festival, and recorded a compilation album with Comedy Records.

IG: @realsarahlondon

Yvy Ringler

Improvisor/Storyteller

Yvy Ringler is a multidisciplinary artist who believes every art form tells a story. Whether she is improvising, singing, creating art or storytelling, she crafts experiences that resonate at the heart level. Whether page or stage, the power of story connects, inspires and transforms.

IG: @yvy_ringler

Michael Salvatore

Host

Michael is a nerdy Italian stand-up comedian, improvisor and storyteller who performed all over Ontario at venues like Second City, Comedy Bar, Yuk Yuks, the Rivoli and more. He's excited to bridge the gap between storytelling and stand-up comedy as the host and co-producer of the monthly comedic storytelling show Listen to This.

IG: @michaelsalvatoreto

Ella Dias

Improvisor/Comedian

Ella Dias is the type of person who had a weird upbringing and thinks the odd things she says are normal. A Brazilian comedian and improviser. she loves sharing stories that are equal parts heartfelt, ridiculous, and relatable (if you're cool).

IG: @theelladias

Justin Shaw

Comedian/Storyteller

Justin Shaw is a comedian and storyteller originally from Prince Edward Island (and if you’re also from Prince Edward Island, his dad probably knows your dad.) He has been featured on CBC Laugh Out Loud, SiriusXM, Hubcap Comedy Festival, Yuk Yuks Official Roster, JFL42, Departure Festival, and has opened for Harland Williams and Fortune Feimster. Fusing comedy and storytelling, Shaw has created solo theatre shows that have toured across Canada, having presented works with Theatre Aquarius, Blyth Festival, Charlottetown Festival, Here For Now, and Live @ The Centre. Shaw’s latest comedy album Mostly Clean showcases his down-home yet outrageous sense of humour, and can be heard on Sirius XM Comedy Club.

IG: @justinshawmedy

Nads

Comedian

Nads is an employment lawyer by day and a stand-up comedian by night. Her comedy journey started in the most unexpected place: a public washroom line. When a stranger asked her what her hobbies were, Nads panicked — not only because a stranger was talking to her, but also because she realised she didn’t have any! Since then, she’s been making up for lost time on Toronto’s open mic scene, competing in comedy contests, and producing fundraising shows under the banner Laugh It Forward.

IG: @nads_short_for

Michael Salvatore

Host

Michael is a nerdy Italian stand-up comedian, improvisor and storyteller who performed all over Ontario at venues like Second City, Comedy Bar, Yuk Yuks, the Rivoli and more. He's excited to bridge the gap between storytelling and stand-up comedy as the host and co-producer of the monthly comedic storytelling show Listen to This.

IG: @michaelsalvatoreto

More performers to be announced!