Comedy is Art 2026 at The Theatre Centre

The Theatre Centre has announced year seven of Comedy is Art, three nights of can’t-miss comedy with over 40 comics from across Toronto and beyond. Headlined by legendary Canadian comic Debra DiGiovanni, this year’s festival features a wealth of Canada’s best artists working in stand-up, sketch, and improv. Shows include Sketchy Business, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (Laughing), Improv (and a lil sketch) Magic, A Night with Debra DiGiovanni, and Bright Lights, a special evening to raise funds for The Theatre Centre hosted by Hisham Kelati with a stellar lineup of stand-up comedians. Single tickets are on sale now at theatrecentre.org.

This year Comedy is Art doubles down on its curatorial mission to present excellent shows that punch unapologetically up, through poignant and witty observations about the world, and a commitment to making you laugh. The festival’s show program is curated by comedian, writer, and storyteller liza paul, with programming support from Tim Blair (TallBoyz) and Ellie Posadas (Tita Collective).

Says Comedy is Art artistic director liza paul: “I can't believe we have done this six times and are back for a seventh. Comedy remains unrecognized as an official art form in its own right at every level of government funding, and so it remains urgent to declare that comedy is art. Not only is Canadian comedy legend Debra DiGiovanni headlining, the artists on the bill are all reflective of the excellence that Canada’s comedy scene has to offer: whether new to the scene or in it to win it, the talent is on point. With a broad range of comedic styles for audiences to enjoy, the programming features stand-up, sketch, and improv, all of which take an enormous amount of talent, dedication, and fearlessness to do well. This year, on October 22 following the fundraising performance, we are also throwing a big opening night party that is free of charge and open to everyone: all the artists and audiences who have participated in and/or believe that comedy is art, and all The Theatre Centre’s many community members who make it such a special place to be. So come through and let’s have a drink and dance the night away. Whether you've ever been to Comedy is Art before or not, this is a night for all of us. I can't wait to see you there.”

The Theatre Centre saw a total of 72 artists audition for the festival this year, through an open call that received 209 submissions, with a commitment to open doors for talented comics and program them alongside more established artists from whom they can learn more about their respective crafts.