North of the Border

Canuck comics need a wake up call.

There's a question that many comics in Canada often ask themselves: How the hell do I get out of here? In my travels across the country, I've encountered mounting frustration in Canadian comics, bookers, and fans. My goal here at SHECKYmagazine is not only to enlighten readers outside of Canada about the northern scene, but to inject some much needed optimism into our industry.

I can understand and relate to the dissatisfaction many are feeling up here. There seems to be only two options: work for Yuk Yuks or work for yourself. Yuk Yuks was started in the mid-1970s by Canadian comedy kingpin Mark Breslin. At around the same time that Pryor, Letterman, Leno, and others began making their mark at the Comedy Store in LA, Breslin started the premiere comedy room in Canada, where Jim Carrey had his first on-stage experience and where future Canadian heavyweights like Mike MacDonald got their start. Almost 30 years later, Yuk Yuks now boasts 13 clubs, various one-nighters, colleges and corporate work throughout Canada.

Outside of the Yuk Yuks, there are 10 independent clubs, several agencies for corporate and college work, and whatever the ambitious comedian can book for him or herself. Most Canadian bookers, unfortunately, can't see the benefit in sharing talent, in giving comedians the autonomy they inherently crave. The result of this forced loyalty is damaging to comics. Having only one option creates precipitous dips in work.

It's also damaging for clubs-- less talented acts get booked in order to fill spots that should go to the more talented comics sitting at home watching hockey... er, curling. (Damn NHL lockout!)

The frustration among Canadian comics is also borne out by the numbers. Per capita, I'm beginning to think Canada has more comedians than hockey... er, curling fans. Toronto, in particular, is crawling with comedians. The combination of Yuk Yuks comedians, independents and open-mic performers in "Hogtown" is astounding.

Not to mention the Humber School of Comedy. This college program accepts comedy students from far and wide, planting fields of comics every September (harvest time is April), spilling another thrity to fifty into the local scene each year. I'm beginning to think we should all combine forces, set up a coup and take over city hall. Or maybe cross the border and head for the White House. I hear congress has great sight lines.

Simply put, a lot of comics means a lot of bad ones. That means more comedy fans are being exposed to terrible comedy. Worse, pros are being discouraged from attending alternative open-mic rooms because many of these shows are extremely painful to sit through-- sadly, even those that were at one-time considered cutting edge. And that hurts all of us. I have spoken with many of the wounded. The saturation of Toronto is a definite threat to comedy in Canada. And with little quality control, audiences will continue to drop off.

In other cities, such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, bookers have traditionally made it difficult for comics to open workout rooms for fear they may cannibalize their business. Why pay $15 a head to watch a pro show when you can head to an alternative room and watch the same comic fool around for free? Bookers and comics will probably never see eye-to-eye on this issue and a negative spiral is most always the result. That said, if a stripper flashed me on the sidewalk and told me she was peeling at the Brass Rail all week, I'd not only remember her name, I'd tell my buddies, visit her website, and be front row center at the Friday early show.

Another perceived downfall is the lack of prospectsfor advancement to the next level in this country. I think standup is perhaps the only pure form of entertainment left and great standups should feel successful. However, due to the lack of cooperation between bookers, few in this country are working as much as they should and fewer still make the kind of money they deserve. As well, theater and concert opportunities are sparse. Those interested in television see Canadian networks that would rather purchase American programming than develop homegrown talent. Our movie industry? No real comedies since "Porky's". That's why so many canuck comics see the staff-price beer as half empty (and you can only get two.)

So now Canadian comics are pocketing their passports and checking their options. Talented friends and colleagues are examining US and UK markets. If there's an English-speaking comedy club in Belarus, chances are some Canadian comic knows the booker's name. It's sad to see so many talented people leave Canada. But, like surfers, we have to go where the big waves crash. Or do we?

Here's the thing. Canada has the tools to make its own waves. Be it comics, bookers or fans, our expectations of comedy in this country should be greater. Sure there are too many comics, but the cream rises. Stop worrying about the abundance of comics. Stop complaining about the lack of work. Focus on developing your talent. Start creating opportunities. Eventually those who can't compete will collapse. Just look at the Expos.

My friends, have the confidence that a true metamorphosis is taking place in Canada. Politically speaking, sure Nova Scotia still won't allow Sunday shopping and Albertans continue to gang-beat vegetarians, but look at a couple other trends:

-- Leniency on pot use and possession;

-- Legal gay marriages in 7 of 10 provinces (no word yet on the Territories-- I still can't picture a gay celebration on frozen tundra); and,

Is Canada actually taking a few leaps of faith? You bet. In terms of standup comedy, here's some moves you may find interesting. Proof that we can develop our own talent right here at home:

-- Brent Butt had the backing of CTV and created his own hit show, Corner Gas;

-- Sean Cullen was given the opportunity to develop his own series for CBC;

-- Just for Laughs has produced theater tours with Canadian-based standup comics such as Derek Edwards, Mike Wilmot, Russell Peters, Joey Elias and Andrew Grose;

-- World class festivals take place annually in Halifax, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and of course, Montreal; and,

-- New comedy clubs have popped up in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton and Calgary.

Truth be told, I personally want to travel abroad, see new places, perform comedy and watch curling in as many countries as I can. However, I also think Canadian comics should be able to pursue their livelihood, and not just develop, but benefit, from opportunities where most of them want to be-- At home.