Presented by: Comedy Records Live
Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash
STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT
WELCOME TO THE 2022 NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL. We may have had to adjust our plans slightly but we still have many wonderful shows for you to experience. It has been a long journey for these artists, whether experimenting with new online formats or suddenly recording a show in a venue, all of these companies have risen to the occasion and we are hoping that you, the audience, will not only support them but share their work with others. Our image this year is that of the butterfly, our theme is returning and transforming. Part of that was about coming back into a physical theatre which alas is no longer possible but I believe the imagery and idea still stands. We are returning – we have a festival still, four pieces that were curated from the very beginning with a digital space in mind and several new pieces that had to quickly pivot into creating their shows for you online. I could not be prouder of all that has been created both from our artists and the entire fringe team who have made this transformation happen. All we ask from you is to join us, be an active part of the storytelling and this chapter of Next Stage and enjoy! Happy Fringing,
Lucy Eveleigh Executive Director
December 30, 2021 Dear Next Stage Audience and Supporters, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this year’s Next Stage Theatre Festival hosted by Toronto Fringe. It gives me great joy that this year’s festival is hosted at Daniel Spectrum in our dynamic Regent Park community here in Toronto Centre. Many of the previously planned in-person productions were filmed in this incredible venue. I know these past two years have been especially hard on our arts community. I’m thrilled to see the continued success of this festival as I know its important role in the creation of new Canadian works. The Toronto Fringe and Next Stage Theatre festival have been instrumental as part of the development of new Canadian plays including Kim’s Convenience, Da Kink in My Hair, and helped foster the talent of the co-creators of Come From Away. Not only does this festival foster Canadian stories, but it promotes and encourages residents to participate in their community at large; creates new connections with emerging artists, and contributes to our community. For the 15th year, the Next Stage Theatre Festival features a great number of productions that showcase dynamic and innovative styles and formats. Even in the face of a global pandemic, you have been adaptable, flexible, and resilient. Your platform has provided the opportunity for indie theatre-makers to continue to develop their craft and showcase their talents making up an integral piece of the cultural fabric of Toronto. Congratulations to everyone involved and I wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable event. Yours truly,
Kristyn Wong-Tam City Councillor Ward 13, Toronto Centre
Toronto Fringe would like to acknowledge that our office has been built on the traditional territory of Tkaronto, “the gathering place” - we acknowledge the original caretakers of this land, the Anishinaabe, including the Mississaugas of Credit, Haudenosaunee, Chippewa, and Wyndat nations. To all the people of Turtle Island, Chi Miigwetch.
Fresh pixels.
www.hoffworks.com
PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR AMAZING LOCAL VENDORS WHO HAD PLANNED TO FILL OUR LOUNGE IN DANIELS SPECTRUM.
STAND UP COMEDY Presented by Comedy Records Live Featuring Adrienne Fish Todd Graham Dena Jackson Efthimios Nasiopoulos Nick Reynoldson Monty Scott with Host Faisal Butt
Thank you so much for coming out to support live stand-up comedy! Enjoy the show! Thank you to our frontline workers for going above and beyond for the greater good. Your hard work keeps our communities healthy and safe. You deserve many encores and standing-ovations. ADRIENNE FISH Adrienne has many national credits, recently appearing on CTV’s Roast Battles and most notably, nominated for two Canadian Comedy Awards, including Breakout Artist of the Year. You can see her at clubs and festivals across the country and listen to her comedy album ADRIENNE FISH on Spotify. www.adriennefish.com @adriennefishyfishfish @adrienne_fish TODD GRAHAM Todd is a pioneer mixed media artist and filmmaker. He is credited for creating one of the earliest mashup videos, the underground cult hit Apocalypse Pooh. You can find him on CBC Radio, The Debaters, Sirius XM, Just for Laughs, & the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. His album Bustin’ Loose is available on vinyl and on all platforms Amazon Music, Apple Music, iTunes, and Spotify. www.idiotgallant.com @Idiotgallant DENA JACKSON Dena’s credits include JFL 42, SheDot Festival, Guelph Comedy Festival and is honoured to perform for U.S. Military troops on base. Recently back from the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Dena is also a certified speaker and delivers speeches and seminars for universities and corporate audiences including a TEDx focusing on mental health and mindfulness. Find her album Blue Lights on Apple Music and iTunes www.denajackson.ca @denatalks EFTHIMIOS NASIOPOULOS Efthimios has been featured at the Hubcap Comedy Festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and JFL Northwest. He has numerous appearances on the Comedy Network, Bite TV, and MTV Canada. He credits coming from a blue collar family and growing up in a multicultural city as an early source of inspiration for his acerbic wit and charm. His self-titled album can be found on all platforms Amazon Music, Apple Music, iTunes, and Spotify. www.efthimiosnasiopoulos.com
NICK REYNOLDSON Nick is the 2020 COCA Comedian of the Year Winner! His credits include Just For Laughs, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, JFL42, Icebreakers Comedy Festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and NXNE. Nick co-hosts the popular basketball pop culture podcast Talking Raptors on Raptors Republic. His comedy album I’ll Be Fine debuted #1 on the iTunes comedy charts and is available on all platforms. www.nickreynoldson.com @nickreynoldson MONTY SCOTT Monty is the President of the Canadian Association of Stand Up, Sketch & Improv Comedians. He performs in theatres and clubs throughout North America and has been featured on the Comedy Network, MTV and SiriusXM Radio. Now available on all platforms, his debut album, The Abyss Stares Back was nominated for a 2020 Juno Award for Comedy Album of the Year! www.montyscott.com @MontymofoScott BERTHA LEE, DIRECTOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER Bertha is a writer from the Greater TKaronto/Toronto Area. She was a top 100 finalist for the Verity Bargate Award for her play You Can’t On These. She has her MA in Dramatic Writing from Central Saint Martins, Drama Centre London, UK. She is an essay writer and screenwriter for film and kids TV genres and small publications. Bertha serves on the programming committee for the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. greypapercrane.net/berthalee @Bee.Lee.93 @BeeLee93 RENNA REDDIE, DIRECTOR & STAGE MANAGER Renna is Comedy Records in-house Producer and holds a certificate in Entertainment Law from OsgoodePD. She is a Toronto Artist who wears many hats figuratively and literally. With over 15 years in live-event logistics, Renna is an award-winning theatre producer, installation artist, and fashion stylist to many of Canada’s A-list celebrities. She is the Inaugural Toronto Fringe TD Bank Young Producer and responsible for the early days at Honest Ed’s. www.getreddiestyle.com @getreddie FAISAL BUTT, HOST Faisal Butt is sure some people find him funny but name is hilarious and others find . It’s probably why started doing stand up. He regularly tours across the country and had filmed his first comedy special for the ichannel. In 2014 he was the winner of the Sirius XM “Top Comic” and then featured in the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal as well as a solo show during JFL42 in Toronto. He was also in the Bordertown and Oddball comedy festivals and recently taped an episode for The Debaters on CBC. He also has a beard.
COMEDY RECORDS LIVE is a registered non-profit and charity that takes great pride in promoting Canadian talent in cities across Canada, US, and internationally. Our mission is to advance the public’s appreciation for Canadian-centric narratives. Our Artists are awardwinning professional Stand Up Comedians with the highest levels of global comedy accreditations and can be found topping the charts on iTunes and GooglePlay and seen at clubs, festivals, Netflix, CraveTV, CBC, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, SiriusXM, and Just for Laughs. CONNECT WITH US: Comedy Records Live is heading on Tour in May 2022 to perform for Frontline Healthcare Workers. Are you on the frontlines or an Angel Investor willing to help? Pls reach out via www.comedyrecords.ca @ComedyRecords
SHE’S NOT SPECIAL
THE SUNGLASSES MONOLOGUE
STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT
STORIES OF A DISH
TANGO IN THE DARK
THE COMPLEX
HEART OF A DOG
URSA: A FOLK MUSICAL
SAVING WONDERLAND
CHECK OUT THE FULL NEXT STAGE LINEUP AT
FRINGETORONTO.COM
TORONTO FRINGE OUR MANDATE The Toronto Fringe is a platform for everyone to access, discover, and experiment with the arts. By valuing creative experiences, we contribute to a healthy arts economy and, ultimately, a thriving society.
OUR VALUES Access – in every sense of the word Accountability – we work with integrity and respect Creativity – freedom of expression permeates everything we do Exploration – we let curiosity be our guide Support – empowering you to take a chance
OUR STAFF Executive Director Lucy Eveleigh Managing Director Laura Paduch Interim Marketing and Publicity Manager Damien Nelson Projects & Operations Manager Tessa Cernik Community Engagement Senior Coordinator Yuddha Maharaj Administrative Coordinator Suzanne Wilkie Administrative Assistant Neusa Kaculo Executive Management Intern* Isabela Solis-Lozano Digital Innovations Intern** Ellen Reade Next Stage Content Manager Carly Chamberlain Technical Director Caitlin Farley Digital Production Coordinator Brianna Unger Festival Lighting Coordinator Rachel Shaen Closed Caption Coordinator Hannah MacMillan Digital Patron Services Coordinator Marissa Orjalo Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Brooks Finance Coordinator Scratch Anderson Web Developer Tom Dearden Eventotron Developer Chris Perkin Brochure & Graphic Design Trajectory Brands Inc. *With Support from the Metcalf Foundation. **With Support from the City of Toronto, Economic Development and Culture
ARTSCAPE TORONTO Senior Manager - Event Operations Carla Ritchie Assistant Manager, Events Brittany Lynn Martin Technical Services Coordinator Tiffany Ledesma Hub Manager, Daniels Spectrum Farid Jalil Building Operator and Manager Cindy Smith Ada Slaight Hall Head Technician Maya Hall Technicians: Paul Bourgeois, Jason Lane, James McQuay, Christain Wallace
OUR BOARD President Jason Murray Vice President Nancy Madonik Treasurer Garth Sheriff Secretary Boyd Neil Directors Nicole Biros-Bolton, Cindy Gouveia, Sage Paul, Barry Peters, Steven Smits, Douglas Steiner, Kate Supleve, Denise Ruzage
2022 SELECTION COMMITTEE Lucy Eveleigh, Laura Paduch, Marjorie Chan, Derrick Chua, Leah-Simone Bowen
ARTIST ADVISORY Ophira Calof, Joan Jamieson, Rob Kempson, Amy Lee, Ashley Perez, Miquelon Rodriguez, Andrew Seok, Kevin Vidal
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS Anne Fleming, Tassja Graf, Dave Mashinter, Eric Mandelker, Melinda Silman
CONNECT WITH TORONTO FRINGE AND NEXT STAGE /torontofringe
@Toronto_Fringe @toronto_fringe fringetoronto.com
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NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS Reconnect Festival and Event Program: Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation An agency of the Government of Ontario. Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario.
SPECIAL THANKS TO Our friends and family, the board of directors, our donors, sponsors and volunteers. Claire Wynveen, TAPA, Marjorie Chan, Leah Simone Bowen, Derrick Chua, Ryan Kraft, Lindsey Cassell, Gaitrie Persaud, Henry Mak, Joanna Campbell, and Blair Francey.
Support local and get into the Fringe spirit with Fringe merch for yourself and all your friends! All merch proceeds go towards the operations of the Toronto Fringe, helping us keep the lights on and continue supporting indie artists. Visit fringetoronto.com/merch to find all our available options!
FRINGE T.O. TOQUE $25 Show your Fringe pride in a most Canadian way and be warm and cool all at the same time. Available in black (with white logo) & sunset gold (with black logo).
ZOOM SWEATSHIRT $45 Stay cozy in this black, crewneck sweatshirt with “SORRY I MISSED YOUR ZOOM SHOW” written across the chest, and the Toronto Fringe logo on the back.
FRINGE MASK $12 Keep yourself and others safe with our 3 layers of cotton with a nose wire, adjustable ear loops, and a pocket to comfortably fit a filter.
$7 delivery within the City of Toronto, $15 shipping to Canada, and $20 shipping to the US (overage charges might apply depending on weight and number of items). Questions? Email Tessa at operations@fringetoronto.com.
MANY THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS Our donors believe wholeheartedly in the relentless pursuit of self-expression. We thank our community of supporters, partners, volunteers, and artists who are paving the way for a new decade of innovation at the Toronto Fringe. LEGACY DONORS $10,000+ Raymond Michael Ferris VISIONARIES CIRCLE VISIONARIES $5,000–9,999 Anonymous Neville Austin Keith Alessi Gideon Arthurs & Erin Shields Doug Steiner & Jasmine Herlt Cindy Blakely in honour of Ashley Botting LUMINARIES $1,000–2,499 Harry Arthurs Efrim Boritz Doug Ewart & Judith Keene Margaret McCain Jason Murray Barry Peters Robert Sherrin INNOVATORS $500–999 Cindy Gouveia Shelley Hobbs & Joan Jamieson Laurie Hutchinson Nancy Konopinsky Wendy MacKeigan Charlotte Ryan Kate Supleve Michelle Tocher Steven Smits Boyd Neil Chun Chang Robert Duchnicky Randy Hesp CREATORS $250–499 Brenda Blake & Arleigh Crawford Derrick Chua Cherie Daitchman Elizabeth Howson Andrew Johnston Birthe Jorgensen Ilana Lucas Robert McGregor
Susan Moellers Eleanor & Terry O’Connor Christopher Oldfield Kelly Straughan Sandra Fleischer Darlene Varaleau Anne Fleming Sebastiano & Angelina Pizzirusso DESIGNERS $125-249 Ben Bain Gail Cooper Christopher Diehl Sam Festino John Gazey Richard Gotlib Anonymous Sania Hameed Susan Hammond Ruth Hull Clark Johnson Christine Laughlen Steven Lico Allen MacInnis Michael Marshall Sam Mooney Eddy Morassutti Lesley Nicholls Milton O’Brodovich Eric Robinson N Shaffeeullah Steven Shrybman Matthew Yanchyshyn Rysia Andrade Michael Atlin Merle Garbe Donna Hutchins Martin Koven Lisa Lambert Dave Pelletier Maurianne Reade Maureen Simpson Cheryl Zinyk Teaghan Young Anonymous Helen Armstrong Andra Bradish
Celia Harte Brent Vickar Anne Christie Miriam Diamond Sholem Dolgoy Barbara Fingerote Stagepage Ltd FRIENDS $25-124 Blaine Adams Geoffrey Allen Kanika Ambrose Susan Anderson Mark Andrews Kae Bagg Dillon Baldassero Doug Balfour Janaki Banting Merriam Barbara Brian Barber Barbara Barrett Bruce Bartlett Cara Baum Graysanne Bedell Robert Beerman Andrea Berntson Cory Bertrand Catherine Biggs Nicolas Billon Jordan Bimm Tim Blair Andrew Bland Paula Blitstein Jodi Block Ryan Bobkin Junyan Boon Joseph Borowiec Aimee Bouchard Sean and Sue Boyce Kendra Boyles Anne Bradford Dianne Bradley Sandra Brewster Minna Brighton Donatucci Jane Brisebois Catherine Bruce John Buchan Claire Burns Diane Campbell John Stuart Campbell Ross Chafe Rachit Chakerwarti Amy CharlesChiu Tracey Chin Darlene Chrissley Laura Chuang
Catherine Clarke Melissa Clarke louise cochrane enrico colantoni Fides Coloma Paulina Corpuz Helen Courssaris Joy Coxworth Elizabeth Crowe-Joong Rita Czarny Alex Dallas O. Daly Todd Davies Rahul Deb Lynda Delgrande Duncan Derry Geoff Dewar Evander Dewar Ritu Dhupar Leah Dietrich James Dobos scott dobson Jeffrey Paul Dore Caroline Duncanson Karen Dunk-Green Alex Eddington Matthew Edison Andrew Edwards Penny Eizenga Anne Elliott John English Tova Epp Jennifer Evola Sophia Fabiilli Lawrence Fagan Joyce Feinberg Sheryl Ferguson Peter Fishback Steve Fisher Patty Fleming Brian Flett Dana Francoz Martin Friedland - In memory of our friend Penny Arthurs Jayne Funamoto Adrian Gaffiero Matt Gawler Jonathan Goldsbie Samantha Gough Ruth Gould Stephanie Graham Doreen Green Lauren Greenwood Paula Grgurich Shewchuk Xinhe Gu Barbara Haber
Frazer Hadwin Huma Haider Carolyn Hallett Patricia Harquail Ben Harrison Thomas Hauff Craig Heron Lynda Hill Lorraine Hill Michol Hoffman Jill Hollingsworth Suzanne Honsl Mary Hope Christine Horne Victoria Howlett Robyn Hughes Kim Hume Asad Hussain Pam Hyatt Christine Ilott Ingrid Inniss Afful Patricia Jackson Steven Jackson Kathleen James Brian Jansen Emily Jeffers Shreya Jha Abigail Johnson Robert Johnston Roxanne Joseph Romina Julian Stephanie Jung Yousef Kadoura Dana Kandalaft Howard Kaplan Nancy Kellett Barbara Kelly Rob Kempson Mary Killoran Ken King Gordon Phillip King Paula Klein Cathy Kontogianis Dena Krieger Connie Kuan Theresa Kusch Johnson Lai Wyatt Lamoureux June A Larkin Lynda Leathley Michael LeBlanc Jeff Legacy Jill Leger Anonymous Jeannine Lewis Karen Lewis
Shirley Ley Amanda Lince Cheryl Litwack Hung-Tat Lo Jeanne Lovsted Nakeela Lum Wai Isaac Luy Cynthia Lynch Tammy Mann Janet Manzo Lena Maripuu Stan Markiewicz Sid Markowski Karena Massengill Annie Massey Andrew Maykut Laura McCallum Terri McDonnell Hope McIntyre Ashley McKague Dave McKay Cate McKim Andrea McPhee Grace McSorley Julie Mee Tushar Mehta Erin Metzler Ann Meyer Wendy Miller Joanna Mills Kate Milner Susan Moellers Norm Mohamid Ginette Mohr Lynn Moore Shelby Mwambu Trishin Naidu Karen Nair Eden Nameri Paul Nash Hanna Nes June Nicholson Ryan Novosielski Larisa Orlov Angela Ottolino
Candace Palumbo Louise Parkes Judy Payne Barry Peters Vida Petrasiunas Isabelle Philipps MK Piatkowski Marina Plett-Lyle Chase Potter Marina Preman Naomi Priddle Hunter Nisheeth Proshanti Genevieve Proulx Phillip Psutka Judy Rapkin Kelly Read Julie Reitzel Norman Reynolds Nicholas Rice Josephine Ridge Andrea Risk Rachel Robbins Diane Roblin Roger Rolfe Christina Romualdo Raphael Roter Barbara Rotschild Cyn Rozeboom Ronit Rubinstein Ian Rutherford Will Santillo Mike Saver Nitin Sawant Joan and Paul Sayer Karen Scora Jim Scott Matthew Segal Natalie Semotiuk Lucy Shenouda Phillip Silver Gene Simon Carol Slama Jon Slock Jon Slock David Slonosky
Elaine Smith Barbara Snelgrove Alex Stairs Alexa Stavro Eve-Lynn Stein Kenny Streule Linda Sullivan Renata Szczypek William Tallon Suzy Tanzer Will Taylor Natalia Tcherniak Doug Tindal Mary Ann Trainor Sandi Trillo Frank Trotz Mary Upper Nicolette Vallandigham Judith van Bastelaar Lauren Vandervoort Patrizia Varrasso Jennifer Vieno Alishah Virji Sage Walker Scott Walker Donna Walsh Meghan Warby Jessica Wawoe Katherine Welsh Scott White Sunny Widerman Paula Wilkie Katherine Wilson Anthony Wilson Eric Emin Wood Ian Worling Susan Worthington Barry Wright Anna Wynveen Tim Wynveen Susan Yee Thomas Yeung Marie Yeung John Yoshida Hersh Zeifman
Thank you to all our incredible donors who make our work, and the work of independent artists possible! If you would like to support The Toronto Fringe, you can visit: fringetoronto.com/get-involved/donate or email our Executive Director to find out more information at lucy@fringetoronto.com. All donations of $25+ receive a tax receipt and various Fringe benefits. The above list includes gifts of $25+ between December 2020 and Jan 14, 2022.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL THE NEXT STAGE PRODUCTIONS VISIT FRINGETORONTO.COM