Montréal, July 24, 2023 – Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL is delighted to unveil the highly anticipated list of up-and-coming comics who make up the prestigious 2023 New Faces of Comedy showcases. Since its conception, the showcase has featured the hottest comedians on the rise, setting them up to take the microphone on JFL’s stage and change the face of the entertainment world.
Over the course of three days, all seven New Faces cohorts will be showcased in Montréal with shows hosted by the likes of Langston Kerman, Chris Redd, Mark Forward, Nath Valvo, and Darcy Michael & Jeremy Baer.
Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL is celebrating its 41st anniversary this summer and has grown to be recognized as the largest comedy festival in the world. Over the past 27 years, the New Faces showcase has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous internationally acclaimed artists who credit this opportunity for propelling their journey to success. Artists who were once named a Just For Laughs “New Face” include Kevin Hart, Mike Birbiglia, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Tom Segura, Iliza Shlesinger, W. Kamau Bell, K. Trevor Wilson, Fortune Feimster, Pete Davidson, Ramy Youssef, and many others. The New Faces series remains an essential highlight of every JFL Festival, and the 2023 edition promises to maintain this tradition.
“New Faces continues to be an iconic milestone for comics breaking into the industry.” shares Bruce Hills, President of Just For Laughs. “With the massive impact of virtual entertainment, the unique opportunity for everyone from undiscovered talent to industry decision-makers to be in the same room is quite remarkable.”
You can catch all of the New Faces of Comedy showcases as part of ComedyPRO, or in OFF-JFL with New Faces of Comedy Encore shows.
CLASS OF 2023:
The New Faces of Comedy 1 & 2
Showcases will be taking place at Monument National; Ludger-Duvernay on Wednesday July 26, 2023 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM.
Fumi Abe
Fumi Abe is an LA-based Japanese-American standup comedian and writer who has performed on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and been a staff writer on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He has written for NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, the 2022 TIME100 Gala hosted by Simu Liu, and was part of the 2020 Comedy Central Digital Creators Program. He currently co-hosts the personal finance comedy podcast Cash Cuties with Steffie Baik and previously hosted Asian Not Asian, which was included in Vulture’s Comedy Podcast Roundup and The AV Club’s Podcast series highlights.
Darius Bennett
Darius Bennett, originally from Detroit, bought a spur of the moment one way ticket to LA in the middle of the night and has never looked back. He can currently be seen on Netflix’s Introducing… and in his short time on the west coast, he has been featured in numerous commercials for 5 Hour Energy and Rocket Mortgage as well as in the features CornerStore and Gifted Hands.
Troy Bond
Troy Bond is a comedian and writer based in New York City, known for his sharp crowd work skills, first-rate joke writing and tongue-in-cheek impressions that helped to build his fast-growing audience of more than 2.5M across social platforms. Beginning his impressive rise in stand-up at 17, the now-27-year-old is booked nightly in the city on his days off from selling out headlining shows across the United States. Tackling everything from capitalism and big banks to superheroes and the wizarding world, Bond is a versatile comic to watch. In addition to his work on camera and on stage, he co-hosts the Bonding podcast with fellow comic Torey Cole.
Zach Brazão
Zach Brazão is a stand-up comic based in New York City by way of Boston. He recently taped a set for Don’t Tell Comedy, was named a Comic to Watch at the 2021 New York Comedy Festival, and headlined Caroline’s on Broadway as a Breakout Artist.
Tommy Brennan
Tommy Brennan is a Midwest kid now living in Los Angeles and touring acclaimed comedy clubs across the country. He was recently named a Comic to Watch at the New York Comedy Festival. He regularly opens for Kelsey Cook and Becky Robinson, and was lucky enough to open for the late, great Louie Anderson as well. Along with his standup, you may know Tommy from his web series and podcast Roommates-In-Law (co-created with fellow comic Tim Smith), which is very silly and objectively a good time.
Nico Carney
Nico Carney is a Brooklyn based standup comedian, actor and writer. His standup covers his experiences as a trans man, growing up in Savannah, Georgia, and whatever else he finds silly and interesting. His monthly show at Club Cumming, Boy’s Club, was recently a headliner at the 2022 New York Comedy Festival and has been spun off into a popular podcast. He performs frequently at Union Hall, Club Cumming, Broadway Comedy Club, The Bell House and Greenwich Village Comedy Club. He was a part of Netflix’s Introducing…showcase at the 2022 Netflix Is A Joke Festival, has been featured on Comedy Central’s The Gag and is developing the half hour comedy Boys with Imagine Entertainment and Scott King.
Morgan Jay
Morgan Jay is a musician and comedian based in Los Angeles, Jay has made appearances on MTV’s Wild n Out, NBC, and Comedy Central. First generation American – he takes his musical influences from his Brazilian and Italian background and 90’s upbringing. He got his start in New York where he attended the Tisch School of the Arts while at the same time doing stand up in the backrooms and bars of the alternative New York comedy scene. He’s won multiple awards and festivals across the US but with millions of followers across his social media platforms he’s most recognized from his viral TikTok’s and IG posts.
Dan LaMorte
Dan LaMorte is a unique stand-up comedian, and that’s not just because he’s on the spectrum. His career started young, at 19 years old, after suffering a career-ending injury as a college baseball player. He appeared on Fox’s Red Eye, AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, and Getting Doug with High. He released two albums, Not Enough Pieces and Infect Me Once, both are still popular plays on SiriusXM and have amassed over a million streams on Pandora. Over the course of three years, he would personally go on to lose over 185 pounds, become an ultra-runner, and inspire many of his fans to pursue their own weight loss journeys along the way. His story and transformation have been featured on FOX, Runner’s World, and Muscle and Fitness. He may have lost weight but his sense of humor is still fully intact. LaMorte is a fixture of the New York City comedy scene, and has been for the better part of a decade, you can regularly see him at the Comedy Cellar and The Stand comedy clubs.
Leslie Liao
Leslie Liao is a writer, performer, and stand-up comedian using the stage to reflect on her experience as a single Chinese-American female living in Los Angeles. She was recently named a 2023 JFL New Face, placed first in Bert’s Back Room’s LA’s Top Comic Competition, and was a finalist in the Crazy Woke Asians comedy festival. She’s worked on productions for E!’s Not Fancy, NBC’s Superstore, and Saturday Night Live, as well as studio films such as Central Intelligence, Office Christmas Party, and YouTube Red’s Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television. Her comedy has graced the stages of The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv, Flappers, Westside Comedy Theater, HaHa Comedy Club, a random hotel she’s pretty sure is haunted, and many more.
Sam Morrison
Sam Morrison is a Brooklyn based comedian and writer. He just made his late-night television debut on Late Night With Seth Meyers and his solo show Sugar Daddy played Off Broadway for 14 weeks after three encore engagements and a sold out in London Run. He is also a Stand-Up NBC Finalist, has performed on The Drew Barrymore Show, appeared on Watch What Happens Live & Tamron Hall, and was on the first season of Blind Date, hosted by Nikki Glaser, which aired on Bravo.
Chike Robinson
Chike Robinson is a comedian, writer, actor, and 3D animator based in Los Angeles. Hailing from Flint, Michigan, he was recently named a Comic To Watch at the 2022 New York Comedy Festival. He’s one-third of the sketch comedy trio ZANG. Chike is also a 2023 Yes, And Laughter Lab fellowship recipient.
Kelly Ryan
Kelly Ryan started stand-up at the age of 17 in New York City. While getting her B.S. in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University, she performed improv for four years and taught the art form for three. At TCU, she got to open for SNL’s Vanessa Bayer and Aidy Bryant, as well as NBC’s Retta and BJ Novak. She can now be seen performing on any given night. During the pandemic, she moved to Portland where she continued standup when possible. In August of 2021 she was named the winner of the Portland’s Funniest Person competition at Helium Comedy Club. This year, she can be seen headlining and featuring for acts like Anthony Jeselnik, Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings and more. She co-hosts NightCoop, a podcast, with her twin sister, Ali.
Brittany Schmitt
Brittany Schmitt is an LA-based, Wisconsin-raised comic. She likes her comedy like she likes her cheese: stanky. Don’t be fooled by her girl-next-door looks, her humor is insidious and unapologetic. She’s been featured in clubs across the country opening for Theo Von, Chris Redd and more. She was just on Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Featuring, Don’t Tell Comedy: Backyard Series and just put out her debut comedy special, From Ho to Housewife with 800 Pound Gorilla on July 19th, with many of the clips hitting over 10M+ views.
Anna Seregina
Anna Seregina is a writer and stand-up comedian named one of Time Out LA’s 2020 Comics To Watch and Vulture’s 2019 Comics to Watch. She produces the Los Angeles branch of the long-running SF show The Business and has toured in theaters and comedy festivals all over the country. She is the co-creator and co-host of season two of the scripted comedy podcast Truth Hounds for iHeartMedia with her best friend Kyle Mizono, and can also be seen opposite her soul-sister Jennifer Lopez in this commercial.
Sahib Singh
Sahib Singh has not only proven himself on the battlegrounds, but also on the stage. The rising star from the Baltimore/D.C. stand-up scene has performed at clubs and colleges across the country, and in 2019, he won the Magooby’s New Comedian of the Year competition. His original videos have earned him a strong following on social media, and in 2021 he worked as a writer and performer for Comedy Central. His work has been featured on the CBS Comedy Showcase and the digital series As Seen on Adult Swim.
Sahana Srinivasan
Sahana Srinivasan is originally from Dallas, TX, and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Now a stand-up comedian and actress, she can currently be seen in recurring roles on Freeform’s “Brownish” and Apple’s “For All Mankind”. She recently guest starred on HBO Max’s “Minx” directed by Carrie Brownstein. as well as in a special episode of AMC’s “Fear The Walking Dead”. In 2021, Srinivasan heavily recurred in the final season of HBO’s “Insecure”, opposite Issa Rae. She first broke onto the scene by hosting the Netflix series, “Brainchild” produced by Pharrell Williams. Her feature film credits include a supporting role in Hulu’s “Sex Appeal” as well as the independent film “Space Warriors” opposite Josh Lucas. In 2022, she was selected to participate in the prestigious CBS Diversity Showcase and was also named one of TimeOut’s “10 Comedians to Watch” in 2020.nShe will next be seen in a leading role in the Michael Showalter and Vijal Patel Amazon Freevee series, “The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh”.
Derrick Stroup
Derrick Stroup is an Alabama native and stand-up comedian but not your average slow talking Southerner. With the cadence of an angry auctioneer, he locks people in with his detailed stories and over the top energy. He has been described as a fun mix of Lewis Black and Ron White on stage. Angry rant comedy combined with the charm of southern storytelling and unique perspectives only someone from Harvest, Alabama could have. Stroup moved to Denver, Colorado in 2015 and has never looked back. Since then, he has become a regular headliner at the world-famous Comedy Works in Denver, Colorado along with headlining clubs all across the country. He regularly goes on the road with Josh Blue and John Crist.
Audrey Stewart
Audrey Stewart is a stand-up comedian/ actress based in Los Angeles, California who is a regular at the Hollywood Improv. Audrey has been accepted into several festivals, including the Laughing Skull Festival. Audrey studied at The Groundlings School, and prior to moving to LA, she completed all levels of IO Chicago. Audrey’s stand-up clips have accumulated over 17,000,000 views allowing her to gain a loyal following. Audrey has been heard on Netflix is a Joke Radio, been on the NBC Series Bring the Funny, The Drew Barrymore Show, and the Facebook Watch series Fuzzballs.
Saul Trujillo
Saul Trujillo is stand-up comedian with blue collar roots in Stockton, CA. His man-child sensibilities have been featured on Comedy Central. His obscure observations on his own life will keep you scratching your head and laughing at the same time. He can be seen performing regularly at the World-Famous Comedy Store.
Asha Ward
Asha Ward is a comedian and writer based in NYC. She recently joined the 48th season of NBC’s Saturday Night Live as a writer. Ward hails from The Windy City where she is a recent grad of Columbia College Chicago’s Comedy Writing and Performance Major. Ward got her start in comedy through school and quickly became a novel performer in the Chicago comedy scene, known for her unique delivery and stoic nature. You can catch her showcasing her dry wit and eccentric point of view at local clubs and venues around New York including Stand Up NY, Union Hall, The Bell House, and more.
Maggie Winters
Maggie Winters is a Chicago-fried comedian turned internet personality best known under the moniker @saggiesplinters. With training through both Second City and iO Chicago, Winters quickly transitioned her talents from the stage to online where she immediately amassed thousands of followers through her unique online characters. In the live space, Winters is credited with opening for the likes of Colin Jost, Hannah Einbinder, Matt Rogers, and was named a Content Creator to Watch at the 2022 New York Comedy Festival. In 2023, Winters debuted her solo show “Marguerite” to sold-out crowds in Chicago and Los Angeles. In the TV space, she can most recently be seen recurring on Season 3 of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones” opposite Adam Devine and Tony Cavalero.
NEW FACES: CHARACTERS
The New Faces of Comedy: Characters showcases will be taking place at Monument National; Ludger-Duvernay on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Chris Cafero
Chris Cafero is an actor, writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. Recent television credits include Inventing Anna, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Other two, Chicago Fire, Bull, Billions, and many more. He is a founding member, writer, performer and managing director of Uncle Function, ‘one of NYC’s premier sketch comedy troupes’ by Broadway World. He has produced countless comedy shows, including sold-out runs at UCB-NY, The PIT, Asylum NYC, Toronto SketchFest and Dynasty Typewriter (LA). His work has been featured in the NY Times, Funny or Die, HuffPo and ABC, and his characters and sketches have amassed millions of views online.
Parker Callahan
Parker Callahan is a comedian, writer, and director based in Chicago, IL, and no joke, he’s literally gay. SICK! Parker is a regular fixture of Chicago’s underground comedy community, and he’s toured with Second City aboard the NCL Breakaway, written for Cards Against Humanity, and recently performed in Paul F Tompkins’ Varietopia. He is fresh off the heels of directing & performing in Stepmom, a recreation of the Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon film blended with a lesbian fever dream, at Chicago’s famed Steppenwolf Theatre. Parker is currently gearing up for the fall run of his new solo show This Is Not A Cult.
Carl Foreman Jr.
Carl Foreman, Jr. is an actor, writer and comedian based now in Los Angeles after establishing his career in New York. He is the voice of two characters in the Comedy Central sitcom Fairview, executive produced by Stephen Colbert. He has also appeared in Search Party, Jon Glaser Loves Gear and The Following. He was also named a Comedy Central Comic to Watch for his original characters as part of the New York Comedy Festival. Shortly after performing in the 2020 CBS Showcase, he was hired for his first staffing position, writing for Season 2 of Fuse’s animated sketch comedy show, Sugar & Toys. Most recently, Carl wrote for seasons 17 & 18 of Studio C, a sketch series on YouTube and BYUTV. Along with Anthony Gaskins, Carl is the co-writer and co-lead of the critically acclaimed IFC Comedy Crib series Frank and Lamar.
Chris Kleckner
Chris Kleckner is an actor/writer proudly born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. His latest film and television credits include the Joe Carnahan feature Copshop, Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave, Steve Levitan’s Reboot, Grown-ish, and Superstore. He is a Main Company member of the prestigious Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles.
Evan Mills
Evan Mills began working at Second City in 2018. He has written and performed in three Main Stage Revues, including Do The Right Thing, No Worries If Not which earned him a Jeff Award nomination for Outstanding Performer in a Revue, and a spot as one of the Ten Best Theater Performances of 2022 in the Chicago Tribune. Currently he is starring in the Second City’s 111th Main Stage Revue Don’t Quit Your Daydream. He co-created and wrote Queer Eye: The Musical Parody and most recently can be seen in the 2023 CBS Showcase.
Hannah Pilkes
Hannah Pilkes is an actress, comedian, and improvisor who began her acting career as a child and was nominated for independent spirit awards for both best debut and best supporting actress for her performance in The Woodsman. After taking a break from acting and completing school, she debuted her sketch show, Princess Party, premiered at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A Second City Conservatory graduate, she acquired over 400,000 followers for her character-driven comedy videos on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram. Season 1 of her female-driven sketch show titled Sorry Not Sorry which she co-wrote, produced, and starred in aired on Verizon Go90. She premiered her one woman show, A Woman On The Verge at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Laura Ramoso
Laura Ramoso is an Italian-German comedian based in Toronto. She has amassed over a million followers online with her hit characters German Mom, Italian Dad, and Girl who just got back from…. She is taking her critically acclaimed solo-show, Frances to the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. Her debut special, Diane, became the first solo-show ever to win the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival’s Best of the Fest award. Her on-screen credits include, What We Do In the Shadows and Showtime’s upcoming series, Fellow Travellers.
Susan Song
Susan Song is a Korean-American actor, writer, and comedian based in Los Angeles. She has a recurring role on the upcoming Netflix series The Brothers Sun with Michelle Yeoh. Recent credits include Apple TV’s The Afterparty and Party Down on Starz. An alum of The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre LA, Susan has performed sketch comedy on Maude Night and original characters on Characters Welcome.
Chloe Troast
Chloe Troast is an actor, writer and comedian based in New York City. She will be seen in the upcoming feature films Sweethearts for HBO Max, and the Please Don’t Destroy movie. In addition to performing with her sketch/improv team, A Crazy Amazing Friendship and sketch team LISA, she hosts her solo show An Evening with Pepper Slit as well as her weekly show with Moss Perricone and Auguste White, Cherry at the Public Hotel. She most recently played Ashlee in the Ellie Kemper/Michael Showalter pilot Drop Off.
NEW FACES: UNREPPED
The New Faces of Comedy: Unrepped showcases will be taking place at Monument National; Ludger-Duvernay on Thursday July 27, 2023 at 9:30 PM.
Clara Blackstone
Clara Blackstone is a queer standup comedian that has been seen performing at clubs, festivals, backyards, and gas station parking lots in and around Austin for several years. She has performed alongside many well-known acts such as Jenny Slate, Adam Conover, and Chris Gethard. If you’re a fan of chain-smoking trans women with absurd jokes that are darker than the circles under her eyes, you’re in for a treat.
Liz Blanc
Liz Blanc is a Los Angeles-based comedian. She has also been featured in the Chicago Women’s Funny Fest, Cleveland Comedy Festival and Flyover Comedy Festival. Clips from her December 2022 Don’t Tell Comedy set have amassed millions of views on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. She loves to take awkward situations and make them just a tiny bit more awkward, illustrating her experiences involving teaching high school, dating and other horrific moments through a comedic lens. Her relatable, cringe-worthy humor will definitely make you laugh at her, and maybe even with her.
Aldo Campana
Aldo Campana is a 19-year-old stand-up comedian based in Phoenix, Arizona. He writes jokes about his upbringing in the city and learning the ropes of becoming an adult. He enjoys skateboarding, weightlifting as well as goldfish crackers.
Aminah Imani
Aminah Imani is a stand-up comedian, host, and actress who lives and performs regularly in New York city. She is known for her recent appearances on Inside Amy Schumer, Showtime’s Season 2 of Flatbush Misdemeanors, Comedy Central Short Sets as well as Hulu’s late night television show, Up Early Tonight. She has contributed to online content with Scary Mommy, Viceland, and Buzzfeed. Her most notable performances include the prestigious Lincoln Center, the world’s famous Apollo Theatre, and the Stand Up comedy special, Aint Ya Mama Heat Wave, featured in the Environmental Film Festival.
Ibhan Kulkarni
Ibhan Kulkarni is a standup comedian, writer, and improviser based out of Brooklyn, NY. His work has been featured in comedy festivals across the US, as well as some of his friends’ podcasts.
Neill Lynskey
Neill Lynskey is a comedian, writer and actor from New Jersey, currently based in New York City. He performs all over the city, appearing at venues such as Union Hall and the Bell House. In addition to stand-up, he’s written and acted in several viral sketches and short films.
Max Manticof
Max Manticof is a Latino and Jewish standup comedian, writer, actor, and content creator born and raised in Queens, NY. Known for his wildly popular Street Talk Comedy which has since produced 100+ shows in 15+ cities around the country. He has been seen on Amazon Prime’s Basement Yard with host Joe Santagato, as well as Lyft Comics on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. When he’s not headlining, he has enjoyed touring with Tim Dillon, Leonard Ouzts, Matt Rife, and more. His outlandish storytelling takes on a life of its own allowing audiences of all ages and backgrounds to relate.
Lukas McCrary
Lukas McCrary originally from East Tennessee, Lukas is an Austin, TX-based comedian. His stand-up was featured on Netflix’s 20 Somethings, and he has performed at SXSW and Skankfest. On Instagram and TikTok, his comedy has been seen over 7 million times. He has worked with numerous headliners including Tim Dillon, Maria Bamford, and Brian Simpson. In Austin, Lukas successfully auditioned to be in the first class of comedians at Joe Rogan’s club, the Comedy Mothership.
Wellington Ojukwu
Wellington Ojukwu is straight out of Arkansas. He comes to make you laugh even if he has to tickle you himself. Ojukwu made his television Debut on Fox Station Laughs, and has also been on Standup Nashville Live from Zanies on the Circle Network. Wellington was a Performer in the 2019 & 2022 Laughing Skull Comedy festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival 2021, and St louis, Mo 2019 Fly Over Comedy Festival.
Bianca Parato
Bianca Parato is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and now resides in Austin, Texas, where she has been making her mark on the city’s thriving comedy scene. She currently produces three weekly comedy shows, making her the top independent show runner in the city. When she is not performing on the road, Bianca can be found on stage in Austin’s top comedy clubs. She uses quick wit as a catalyst for her infectious energy and captivating stage presence. Filterless confessions about her life’s experiences are winning over audiences from all walks of life.
NEW FACES: CANADA
The New Faces of Comedy: Canada showcases will be taking place at Monument National; Ludger-Duvernay on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 9:30 PM.
Spencer Adamus
Spencer Adamus is a stand-up comedian and actor from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. His stand up career began to take off when he won Winnipeg’s Funniest Person with a Day Job contest at Rumor’s comedy club back in 2017. He has since produced shows all over Winnipeg and became the booking manager of his own stand-up comedy room. Not only does he do stand-up comedy, but he does sketch comedy as well. He is one of the founding members of the sketch comedy group Family Dinner. The sketch group has been a part of numerous comedy festivals all around Canada and has appeared in the Vancouver Just For Laughs Film Festival.
Brendan D’Souza
Brendan D’Souza is a nationally acknowledged comedian and writer from Toronto, Ontario. They have performed across the country at festivals such as Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, Just For Laughs TORONTO, NXNE and dive bars all over the GTA, and has been featured on The New Wave of Standup for CBC Gem, Out For Laughs for OUTTv, Roast Battle Canada Season 3 for CBC Comedy, and 1 Queen 5 Queers for Crave. In 2023 they released their debut comedy album Brendan D’Souza: Clever, Hip, and Scary!
Michelle Forrester
Michelle Forrester is a Canadian comic and writer born in Montreal who has performed as an opener all over the country. In 2023, she moved to Toronto to complete an MFA in Screenwriting and Story Design at TMU. She has since co-created The Writers Room Sketch Show which was selected as a finalist for JFL’s Stand Up and Pitch Competition. In 2022, she recorded with JFL on the Montreal Originals Album Heavy Petting Zoo.
Dakota Ray Hebert
Dakota Ray Hebert is an actor/comedian/writer on the rise. On the small screen, Dakota co-stars in the CTV comedy Shelved. She also co-hosts the informative and entertaining APTN series Crazy like a Lynx, alongside Indigenous comedian Don Kelly. In addition, you can see her on this season’s Run The Burbs on CBC, as well as Roast Battle Canadaon Crave. She is also an accomplished stand-up comedian, having performed across Canada, the US and Mexico. She has released her first comedy album, I’ll Give You An Indian Act. She is currently working on her second album Trailer Treasure which she toured west this winter; and is working on an eastern tour. Always in demand, she has several television shows in development, writing, co-writing and consulting on. In theaters, she stars in the fantastic feature film, Run Woman Run. Her outstanding performance won her the Best Actress Award at the 2021 American Indian Film Festival.
Faris Hytiaa
Faris Hytiaa was born in Toronto to Sudanese parents and then raised in Alberta, he brings a unique mix of storytelling and observational humour to the stage. Known for his relaxed delivery and quick wit, his unpredictable style makes for big laughs and unforgettable crowd work moments. A Yuk Yuk’s regular, he has been featured at Just For Laughs VANCOUVER, Sled Island 2022, and has toured all over Canada. Faris partnered with Telus StoryHive to film Telus’ first ever comedy special, Send Help, released in February 2023. He is also featured on the Just For Laughs: Originals album, Substitute Teacher Energy.
Moe Ismail
Moe Ismail is an Egyptian-Canadian stand-up comedian bringing new levels of energy, diversity, and most importantly, authenticity to the entertainment space. Immigrating to Canada when he was 9 years old, he has been a center-stage comedian for the past 13+ years and has built nationwide recognition as a touring headliner across Canada. In 2022, he co-headlined Just For Laughs TORONTO, and in 2023 was selected by the Canadian Academy of Film and Television to host the Prism Prize Awards. He has been featured on CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud and CBC’s The National. Some of his more significant acts include opening for Colin Mochrie, Todd Barry, and Marc Maron, among others.
Maddy Kelly
Maddy Kelly is known across Canada for her unique comedic voice. As a performer, writer, and producer, Maddy has worked on projects that have been spotlighted in Vulture Magazine, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and iHeartRadio. You can check out her work on CBC’s The New Wave of Standup, JFL’s The Standup Show, The Debaters, or her podcasts Popcorn for Dinner, Let’s Make A Sci Fi, and Let’s Make A Rom Com. Maddy is always looking to perform and take on new projects.
Natasha Lyn Myles
Natasha Lyn Myles is an Edmonton-based stand-up comedian originally from the Maritimes. Her comedy focuses on stories from her life, often garnering laughs sometimes at her own expense. When she isn’t performing, she is indulging in reality TV. The latter provides ample commentary. She has performed throughout Canada and featured at Just For Laughs Northwest, The Grindstone Comedy Festival in Edmonton, and can be heard on SiriusXM.
Henry Sir
Henry Sir is an All-Canadian basketball player, comedian and writer. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Henry has lived in Los Angeles but is based in New York where he regularly performs at The Comedy Cellar. Henry recently took part in Season 13 of Comedy Central Stand Up Featuring and his debut album, Chalant, and his multiple recordings with Just for Laughs Originals are featured on SiriusXM.
Ryan Williams
Ryan Williams is one of Canada’s most exciting comics. His energetic performances, coupled with sharp material, make him a performer not to be missed. His Debut album Manual Labour of Love was released by Comedy Records and went #1 on the iTunes Canada Comedy charts. He has appeared on CBC Radio’s The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud, The Winnipeg Comedy Fest, Just for Laughs Vancouver, JFL 42, JFL Northwest, Grindstone Comedy Fest, The Drew Mclean Comedy Festival, was a finalist in Sirius XM’s Canada’s top comic and was featured on JFL Northwest’s best of the west compilation album.
NEW FACES: INTERNATIONAL
The New Faces of Comedy: International showcase will be taking place at
Monument National; Ludger-Duvernay on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Ceyla AB
Celya AB is originally from Paris, she is a stand-up and writer – with a magnetic stage presence and brilliantly crafted material. Her Best Newcomer Award win at the Chortle Awards last year cemented her growing reputation as one of comedy’s most exciting new voices. She has just enjoyed a critically acclaimed sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Soho Theatre. She has appeared on Yesterday, Today And The Day Before (Comedy Central); Festival of Funny Live (BBC); written for and appeared on The News Quiz and was a series writer on Guessable. Her rapidly growing fan base has led to her supporting both the legendary US comic Maria Bamford, and the acclaimed musician St Vincent, on their respective recent UK tours. She is also currently a regular stand-up on The Guilty Feminist podcast’s live UK tour.
Brennan Reece
Brennan Reece is one of the UK’s most hotly tipped talents. As seen on Live At The Apollo, and Roast Battle, he was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and most recently sold out a 50-date national tour. Using his cheeky charm and baby-faced brutality, he has racked up over 20 million views online.
Katie Boyle
Katie Boyle is a comedian from Ireland living in NYC. Her debut album I’ll do it myself released this year with Pinch records and New York Comedy Club hit number 1 in the charts. Boyle is the host of The Shift Podcast where she and guests talk about dating, relationships and mental health from an Irish perspective. She has headlined amazing clubs around the States and Ireland and is a regular at New York Comedy Club, Eastville and many other amazing clubs in NYC. She was featured in the NY Funniest showcase for the New York Comedy Festival 2022. She has also been featured in Laughing Skull, Women in Comedy, Kansas City Irish Fest and heard on Sirius XM. Her debut special will be out this summer with New York Comedy Club.
Abhay NadkKarni
Abhay NadkKarni was born in Delhi, raised in Doha and Bangalore, is an English-speaking comedian of Konkani descent with an international flair. His unique third culture experiences infuse his comedic style with a refreshing perspective. His journey into stand-up comedy began as an escape from the mundane, utilizing voices, impressions, and characters to captivate audiences. Now performing throughout the Americas, he has gained widespread recognition with performances at prestigious events like SF Sketchfest. His humor has been featured in The Huffington Post, solidifying his place in the comedy scene. With a dedicated following of over 100k on Instagram and TikTok, and accumulating over 15 million views on social media, Abhay’s comedy resonates with audiences worldwide.
Sarah Keyworth
Sarah Keyworth is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer. Keyworth’s TV credits include: Live at The Apollo, Mock the Week, House of Games, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Stand-Up Sketch Show. They wrote and performed two series of their own show for Radio 4, entitled Are You A Boy Or A Girl?, a timely, hilarious and insightful exploration of gender. Their debut hour Dark Horse received a Herald Angel Award, a Pleasance Theatre Award and a nomination for Best Newcomer in the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards. The show was filmed as a stand-up special for Amazon Prime. Their subsequent stand up shows Pacific and Lost Boy received widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Keyworth is an experienced podcast host. They created and co-host the hugely popular podcast Thank F**k For That. They also co-created and co-hosted the hit relationship podcast You’ll Do for BBC Sounds. They have also guested on top comedy podcasts, including: Off Menu and The Guilty Feminist.
Glenn Moore
Glenn Moore is one of the best and most prolific joke writers in the UK and a frequent guest on The Great American Joke Off. Glenn is a regular face on TV, having appeared on Mock The Week, The Russell Howard Hour, Guessable, Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central, Richard Osman’s House of Games and The Stand-Up Sketch Show. His own BBC Radio 4 Stand Up series Glenn Moore’s Almanac, will be airing later this year. He also appears regularly on The News Quiz. His critically-acclaimed stand-up show Glenn, How Do You Like It, was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. He also toured the UK with his follow up hit Edinburgh show Love Don’t Live Here Glenny More.
James Roque
James Roque is the Filipino step-son of New Zealand comedy. A veteran of the country’s comedy scene, he has climbed the ranks to become a household name in New Zealand. In 2019, his show Boy Mestizo garnered him a nomination for the Fred Award for Best Show at the NZ International Comedy Festival and went on to become his first stand-up comedy special which aired on national television and is available on Warner Bros. Through his comedy, he has amassed a loyal following on TikTok and Instagram. In 2023, he moved to Toronto, Canada with an eye on the future. He is part of cult-hit improv troupe Snort which continues to sell out its weekly show at Auckland’s Basement Theatre and in 2023 had a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is a co-founder of Proudly Asian Theatre, a theater company dedicated to showcasing more Asian-NZ stories onstage and has played the lead role of Sidu in Indian Ink Theatre Company’s Kiss the Fish, which has toured New Zealand and USA.
Amy Gledhill
Amy Gledhill is a comedian, actor, writer and director from Hull who brims with natural warmth and charm. One half of double Edinburgh nominated duo The Delightful Sausage. In 2023 her debut show, The Girl Before The Girl You Marry was nominated for Best Live Show at The National Comedy Awards. She was also nominated for Best Newcomer and Best Show at The Edinburgh Fringe – A never before attained accolade in the same year. Following a sold out run at Soho Theatre she is now embarking on a UK wide tour. With numerous BBC appearances, she is skilled in both comedic and dramatic acting with roles in Netflix’s Sex Education, BBC1’s Life, C4’s Somewhere Boy, BBC2’s Alma’s Not Normal, BBC3’s Starstruck, C4’s Hull Raisers and more.
Emmanuel Sonubi
Emmanuel Sonubi has only been on the comedy circuit for what feels like “five minutes” and he’s already garnering himself a reputation as the “one to watch”! Having gone from open spot to closing BBC’s Live at the Apollo in an incredibly short space of time, you will be seeing big things from this big man in the coming few years. His comedy career only started at the end of 2015 and has since become a regular favorite at the Comedy Store London, the MECCA of the UK comedy circuit. He made his TV debut on Comedy Central UK and was recently on QI and Pointless Celebrities, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains for Dave, The John Bishop Show, The Stand-Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live on Comedy Central.
Tom Walker
Tom Walker is a performer, writer, improviser and clown. In 2016, he took out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Best Newcomer Award with his show Beep Boop as well as Director’s Choice for Zanzoop as part of Feeble Minds. Tom’s 2019 show, Very Very, was another huge success across Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh; and was filmed as a comedy special for global streaming service Amazon Prime, released internationally in May 2020. He was a main ensemble member of Whose Line Is It Anyway?Australia for Foxtel’s Comedy Channel, which also aired to audiences on Network Ten. He also made guest appearances on Aaron Chen Tonight on the ABC. He recently filmed a couple of roles in the local Australian series of Drunk History, which can currently be viewed on 10play. He trained at the prestigious École Philippe Gaulier, sharpening up his skills across all areas of his performing life during the two years of training, graduating in 2015. In 2020, his latest comedy show Tom Walker Is Tim Walter played Adelaide Fringe. He can also be heard co-hosting the hilarious podcast bigsofttitty.png alongside Demi Lardne.
NEW FACES: CREATORS
The New Faces of Comedy: Creators showcases will be taking place at DoubleTree by Hilton – Grand Salon Opera on Thursday July 27, 2023 1:00 PM.
Caroline Baniewicz
Caroline Baniewicz is an actor, musical comedian and viral content creator, who is currently full time at Barstool Sports writing and starring in sketches for their socials. She also created the Barstool sketch show Please End This. She starred in the short film Unessential which premiered at the Chelsea Film Festival and sold out Gramercy Theater last fall with her band, Pup Punk.
Cliff Benfield
Cliff Benfield was born and raised in New York City, he is an animator and comedy writer who gained notable recognition through his captivating short sketches on his social media account, Space Skits. Last summer, his creativity made waves with the premiere of his Adult Swim Smalls series, titled Indolent Alien. Recently, he successfully completed a series of comedic shorts for Bento Box, showcasing his remarkable ability as a storyteller and comedian. Next up, he will embark on a new short series for Funny or Die. Cliff’s work is characterized by his ability to create absurd yet relatable original characters and craft sharp, witty dialogue.
Heather Chelan
Heather Chelan creates relatable content about every aspect of her life. Currently living in Los Angeles, the Seattle native has found a way to carve out a niche for herself as a comedian, singer-songwriter, and lover of dogs. People are drawn to her authenticity and unique way of putting her opinions and life experiences into bite-sized songs. Via her unique POV, natural comedic voice and musical talent, she has accrued quite a following on both TikTok and Instagram and her goal is to create/write/star in TV.
Devin Gant
Devin Gant is an actor, writer, editor and director living in Brooklyn, NY. His work has been shown in short film festivals in Brooklyn and Philadelphia and has been featured multiple times in Vulture Magazine’s Funny Videos of the Month showcase. He performs monthly as a member of the New York sketch comedy team Young Douglas, is a Digital Editor for VICE Media, an Assistant Editor with Saturday Night Live, and has appeared on several comedy podcasts Everyone is Hot, Bit Heavy, and Repeater.
Leo González
Leo González is a comedy creator based in Los Angeles. He’s best known as a producer, writer, and actor whose comedic sketches and characters have taken him from his broadcast journalism roots into the homes of millions of fans across the country and around the world. He’s become a favorite face amongst mainstream talent on music and entertainment red carpets, from appearing at The Grammys and Premio Lo Nuestro to hosting events for Warner Bros. features and Netflix series. With roles in upcoming film and television projects, collabs with the biggest stars in music and television, features with professional sports teams, and a steady string of viral hits, he has become one of the most important rising stars in Hollywood.
Hayley Morris
Hayley Morris is a comedy actor and writer with 7 million followers across her platforms. She’s an exceptional talent, tackling taboo topics and championing feminist themes. ‘Me vs Brain’, the inner monologue of Hayley’s body parts, is the top-performing format on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, generating views of 28M, 21M, 16M per video. Me vs Brain, an Overthinker’s Guide to Life (Penguin, Feb 2023) was Penguin’s most pre-ordered non-fiction for 2023 and a Sunday Times Bestseller. Creator of the Year (Funny Women Awards 2021) and Sunday Times Style Sunday 10 Faces to Know (2022). Behind the scenes, Hayley is busy developing her sitcoms. Hayley spoke at the BBC Comedy Festival, and has hosted workshops for BBC Studios International and BBC Entertainment Commissioning. Morris is represented by InterTalent Group exclusively, with Echolake representing her for Acting in the US.
