I recently wrote a piece for CBC Comedy about the talented and diverse Vancouver Comedy Scene. From stand-up to improv, podcasts to festivals and more, I'm proud to have helped showcase the wonderful comedians on the West Coast. Have a read then enjoy some laughs!

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I'm excited to be back at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for another year of Kwantlen Improv, drop-in workshops open to students, alumni and members of the public!

Kwantlen Improv meets every Monday in Birch 250 from 5:00 pm to 6:50 pm, except for Holidays. Come learn theatre games, communication techniques, make new friends and have fun! No experience necessary, and workshops are free for students! $5 for alumni and $10 for members of the public.

Come for the whole workshop or drop by during your class break, and have a laugh with your fellow students!

 

The Fictionals recently launched our Cards Against Vancouver expansion and it is a huge hit! We originally came up with the idea to celebrate our beautiful city, and the game has evolved into something that all fans of Improv Against Humanity and beyond can enjoy!

This free-to-download, remixed edition of Cards Against Humanity features 45 Black Cards and 82 White Cards about life in YVR, and blank cards for you to write your own ideas! I have been interviewed about Cards Against Vancouver by the Vancouver Courier, News 1130, and on Drex and Steele Live on News Talk 980 CKNW! The set has been downloaded thousands of times, and you can get your own copy for free on thefictionals.com!

And don't forget to come down to The Rio Theatre for Improv Against Humanity on the third Wednesday of every month!

Kwantlen Improv is back in action on Monday, January 9 with a brand new semester of comedy workshops. Whether you're new to improv, a long-time theatre lover, or just in need of laughs, everyone is welcome to join the fun at Kwantlen Surrey - FIR 324 every Monday afternoon from 5:00 to 6:50 pm. This new year will see us working on different improv skills, theatre games, and more.

Feedback on the first semester of Kwantlen Improv workshops has been fantastic, with students, alumni and members of the public discovering the joy of improv.

"Daniel provides a place where improvisers can cooperatively play and create scenes together, and to learn to say 'yes, and' to each other not only in the classroom but in other aspects of life. Daniel provides constructive feedback and is patient with his students when they are learning a new type of scene work or style of improv." - Seaira Enright

"Kwantlen Improv is a blast. No judgmental criticism, nor any worries about a right or wrong way to play, nor feeling like you have to catch up to the other players if you're a latecomer. Everyone's quite respectful of each other with each session, and Daniel Chai is a master as both a player and an instructor." - Clive "The Hitman" Ramroop

"(Kwantlen Improv) is so much fun and I laugh so hard when I am there. I feel that a lot of the skills we learn in this class can also be applied to giving oral presentations as it helps with public speaking, developing confidence and thinking on your feet." - Darlene Isaac

Weekly drop-in workshops take place from 5:00 pm to 6:50 pm in FIR 324 and are free for current students, $5 for alumni, and $10 for members of the public. For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and email kwantlenimprov@gmail.com! #KwantlenImprov

Looking for laughs in Vancouver this week? Check out these stand-up, improv and puppet shows around the city.

1) Vancouver International Puppet Festival on Granville Island, October 14 to 16 at various times.
Granville Island will explode with animated characters this October in the very first Vancouver International Puppet Festival. This unique event happens over 3 days and nights with performances, workshops, interactive panel discussions, and screenings of the work of local and international puppeteers, puppet builders, and object animators.

2) UBC Improv's "First Show of the Year" at Scarfe 100, 7:00 pm on October 14
With October in full swing, it’s time for UBC Improv's official "First Show of the Year". The show consists of three improv sets, each featuring a woven comedy tapestry inspired by audience suggestions.

3) Geeks versus Nerds - Afterlife of the Party at Seven Dining Lounge, 7:00 pm on October 15
Geeks versus Nerds Vancouver kicks off their fourth season with a Spooky Scary Halloween Showdown. The first debate features Ash Williams versus Hellboy in "Who is the greatest blue collar fighter of the macabre?" Once the dust and dusk have settled, it's Vampires versus Werewolves in "Who would run the most killer Halloween party?"

4) Debra DiGiovanni at The Biltmore Cabaret, 8:00 pm on October 16
Debra DiGiovanni has been called the “Best Comedian to see after a Messy Break Up”, and for three years running was named Canada’s favorite female comedian. She was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, often appears on CBC radio’s The Debaters, and has become a nationwide favorite on the hugely popular Much Music’s Video On Trial.

5) Little Mountain Improv - One Year Anniversary at Little Mountain Gallery, 8:00 pm on October 18
Little Mountain Improv celebrates it's first anniversary with special guests The Sunday Service, long and short form improv, and updates on how everything is going for bees, there is a lot to love.

Looking for laughs in Vancouver this week? Check out these stand-up, improv and sketch shows around the city.

1) Sean Devlin Live at the China Cloud, 8:00 pm on October 7
A full evening of stand up comedy with Vancouver based comedian and filmmaker Sean Devlin – best known for his work with The Yes Men and annoying former Prime Minister Stephen Harper (ShitHarperDid.com). Devlin has appeared at the Bumbershoot Music Festival and Just For Laughs Northwest, and been featured on CBC Radio, Upworthy.com and in the CTV mini-mini series The Party. Also featuring Ese Atawo and host Emma Cooper.

2) Teen Angst Night at the Fox Cabaret, 8:00 pm on October 8
Teen Angst Night is a comedic reading series where readers share embarrassing poetry, songs, letters, journals, diaries, essays, and stories from their teenage years. Hosted by Sara Bynoe, and featuring Jillian Christmas, Jo Dworschak, David C Jones and more.

3) Comedy Night at Hard Rock Casino, 9:00 pm on October 9
Comedy Night is back at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver on Sunday October 9th in Asylum. On the bill are Brett Martin, Chris Griffin, Patrick Maliha and Ron Josol.

4) Lights at XY YVR, 7:30 pm on October 11
An hour of improvised sketches from the hottest improv comedians in the city. From the brilliant and sharp to the absurd and messy, the rule is simple – never been seen before. Hosted by Dan Dumsha, Jamie Chrest and Sarah Dawn Pledge.

5) The Hero Show – Nine Year Anniversary at the China Cloud, 9:00 pm on October 13
The Hero Show celebrates it’s ninth anniversary with a big celebration at the China Cloud. Featuring Graham Clark, Diana Bang, Ryan Beil and more. Hosted by Cam Macleod.

Looking for laughs in Vancouver this week? Check out these stand-up, improv and festival shows around the city.

1) Bruce MuCulloch's Young Drunk Punk at Lafflines Comedy Club, 7:00 pm on October 1
Legendary Kid in the Hall Bruce McCulloch combines stand-up, live music and assorted autobiographical insights in “Young Drunk Punk”. Bruce’s new solo show chronicles his journey from wild early days as a ‘young punk’ in 80’s Alberta, to his flannel plaid days and futon nights in 90s' Toronto, to becoming a ‘pajama-clad dad’ living in the Hollywood Hills. This infamous Kid may be all grown up, but his singular brand of humour and signature wit remain firmly intact.

2) The Secret Service Comedy Show at British Ex-Servicemen's Association, 8:30 pm on October 1
A hot lineup of comedians bring out their License To Laugh at British Ex-Servicement's Association on Saturday Night. Ed Hill presents Damian Johnson, Tia Jeannette, Joey Commisso and special guest Timmy Riney, first place winner of The Great Northwest Comedy Competition.

3) 17th Annual Vancouver International Improv Festival at Performance Works and The Revue Stage, October 4 to 8
Vancouver International Improv Festival returns to Granville Island with over 30 interactive performances, inspiring workshops, an opening night gala and more. Each night of #VIIF2016 features two exciting showcases at the Revue Stage and Performance Works at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. International superstars, local comedy heroes, and new festival ensembles will take the stage with the coolest, newest and best improvisation the world has to offer.

4) Dirty Little Secrets Improv Show at XY YVR, 7:30 pm on October 4
A live comedy show inspired by audience secrets and featuring a mix of short form and long form improv. Founded in New York City by Dan Dumsha, Dirty Little Secrets returns to Vancouver with a cast of top improvisors exploring anonymous secrets on the XY stage on Davie Street.

5) Amateur Comedy Wednesdays at The Wise Hall, 8:00 pm on the first Wednesday of each month
Apocalypse Sunrise and The Wise Hall presents Amateur Comedy Wednesdays, hosted by Mark B. Hughes and featuring you! Everyone is welcome to test out their stand-up material, and you never know who's going to drop by to rock the mic.

Looking for laughs in Vancouver this week? Check out these stand-up, improv and musical shows around the city.

1) Colin Mochrie with Vancouver TheatreSports League, at The Improv Centre at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm on September 23 (Sold Out) and at The Vogue Theatre at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm on September 24
Colin Mochrie, Vancouver TheatreSports alumna and star of Whose Line is it Anyway, returns to Vancouver for four special shows. The Improv Centre shows are sold out, but tickets are still available for the Vogue performances. Not only will they be funny, but the performances will benefit the Improv Comedy Institute’s Colin Mochrie Scholarship Fund. Established in 2014, the scholarship provides assistance to people wishing to study improv but are unable to do so because of financial barriers. Comedy for a good cause!

2) Catching Fire: The Musical at Studio 1398, Various times from September 23 to October 1
Catching Fire: The Musical by Mark Vandenberg is the hilarious sequel to last year's Vancouver Fringe smash hit Hunger Games: The Musical. Based on the Suzanne Collins novel and its successful film, this pop culture parody continues the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the Capitol, plays with Peeta's heart and belts out songs in the style of Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.

3) LGBT Open Mic Comedy at XY, 8 pm on September 24
Open mic comedy early on Saturday nights in the heart of Vancouver's Davie Village. Co-hosted by Carrie Sully and Alissa MC

4) Super Scene at The Woods Studio, 8 pm on September 26
Super Scene is a long form improv show with an ensemble cast of veteran improvisers and one musical guest from all over the Vancouver improv community. Each improviser, using a suggestion from the audience and their own unique genre direct an improvised story just for you.

5) Paul Myrehaug at The Comedy Mix, 8:30 pm on September 29, 8 pm and 10:30 pm on September 30 and October 1
Paul began his comedy career in Alberta Canada and now is an internationally toured comedian with appearances on television, radio, festivals and world renowned comedy competitions. He has performed at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, entertained troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and appeared on the hit show The Debaters on CBC Radio One.

Listen to Comedy With Chai on CKNW on Friday nights at 7:20 pm.

The 2016 Vancouver Fringe Festival is upon us, with over 100 different theatre artists and companies showcased between September 8 to 18 around the city. In no particular order, here are the Comedy With Chai - Fringe Festival Faves for this year:

1) The Secret at Carousel Theatre for Young People
Why do we keep secrets? Why do we reveal them? And what would happen if you kept just one? Join Chelsey Stuyt on a quest to unlock the reason why she tells her mother everything—everything except that one little thing. The Secret weaves together psychology and a parent’s love, culminating in a heartbreaking reveal you won’t soon forget.

2) Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII at The Rio Theatre
Monster Theatre returns with their 2012 Pick of the Fringe Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII - a fast-paced, one woman, hilarious romp with the six wives of King Henry VIII. All in the space of 70 minutes, Fringe powerhouse Tara Travis will introduce us to: the Betrayed Wife, the Scheming Wife, the Peacemaker, the Ugly German, the Tarty One, and the One in Love with Someone Else.

3) Give It Up at The Cultch
Morgan Brayton has it all! Okay, well, she has questions about it all. Where is her husband Scott Baio? When is SNL going to call? What happened to her big break? Did she miss it? Is this it? Will there be snacks? Outlandish characters and true stories combine for big laughs from the award-winning comedian and Fringe Fest “Critic’s Choice”.

4) Not Enough at The Arts Umbrella
In an effort to finally grow the F up, Megan Phillips embarks on a last-ditch gambit: a 10-day gruelling silent meditation retreat. Not the relaxing vacation she was expecting, Megan gets her ass handed to her by demons she didn't even know she had. A true story of change, forgiveness and becoming enough. One of CBC's Top 5 "Fab Female-Only Fringe" Selections for 2016.

5) Sea Wall at Havana Theatre
A gripping half hour monologue written by one of Britain's most powerful playwrights and performed by Brent Hirose. Alex has it all: a great career, a beautiful wife, a wonderful child. But underneath there lies an abyss that threatens to consume him. A beautiful play about family, fatherhood and regret. 

6) Charlatan! at the Waterfront Theatre
Travis Bernhardt returns to the Vancouver Fringe to read minds, tell fortunes, and speak to the dead. Charlatan! was the winner of the Favourite cabaret/variety/magic/musical at the 2016 Victoria Fringe Festival.

7) One Good Marriage at The Cultch
Steph (Ese Atawo) and Stewart (Dan Willows) are celebrating their first anniversary. She's an English teacher; he's a high-school librarian. At the heart of the occasion, though, is a terrible sorrow. You see, Steph and Stewart arrived home from their blissful honeymoon to find that something terrible had happened? Blackly hilarious and deeply moving, this two-hander moves from pathos to humour and back again as a tragic story is revealed. Directed by Mike Mackenzie.

8) Hip.Bang! presents The History of Romance at The Improv Centre
The History of Romance is the authoritative history of romantic thought you never realized you wanted, but have always truly needed. From Romeo and Juliet to the ass-bending world that is modern dating, Hip.Bang!'s first full length sketch show since their hit WHITE PANTS will make you laugh like a child who has just learned about ice cream.

9) I Had Sex Until My Heart Stopped at Studio 16
Cheating death and finding love in the modern age. Cameron MacLeod’s true stories of flat lining, deadly food allergies, and awkward sexual escapades will have you on the edge of your seat. Join him as he guides you through a life lived and almost lost in this hilariously honest one-man show. 

10) Sink or Swim at The Rio Theatre
Beverley Elliott, winner of 2014 Pick of Vancouver Fringe, is thrilled to be back with brand new stories and songs. A romp through the early years from the safety of the family farm to the daunting one room schoolhouse, grade 8 bullys and the choppy waters of Boiler Beach. Think Little House on the Prairie meets Lord of the Flies. Navigating those first surprises, beytrayals and ephiphonies of life, that shape us all and move us closer to the adult we will become.

Listen to Comedy With Chai on CKNW on Friday nights at 7:20 pm.

Looking for laughs in Vancouver this week? Check out these stand-up, improv and fringe shows around the city.

1) Rob Pue at Yuk Yuks, 8 pm on September 2, 7 pm and 9:30 pm on September 3
Rob has performed at all 3 Major Canadian TV Comedy Festivals - Just For Laughs Montreal, Ha! Halifax Comedy Fest and The Winnipeg Comedy Festival. He was also a regular on MTV's Punk'd and has a Comedy Now special on the Comedy Channel. He has been described as having "unmistakeable charm and as one of the top clean comics working in the Canadian comedy scene.

2) Rory Scovel at The Biltmore Cabaret, 8 pm on September 2
Rory’s stand up has been featured on Comedy Central, CONAN, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. His second album, RORY SCOVEL LIVE AT THIRD MAN RECORDS, was released in 2013. Rory is also a regular podcast guest, with appearances on Comedy Bang Bang, Doug Loves Movies, and The Nerdist Podcast.

3) The Gentlemen Hecklers presents Dungeons & Dragons at The Rio Theatre, 9:30 pm on September 5
The Gentlemen Hecklers celebrate four years of movie riffing by revisiting the first ever film they heckled: Dungeons & Dragons starring Jeremy Irons and Thora Birch. Eric Fell, Patrick Maliha, and Shaun Stewart provide their unique brand of live, hilarious commentary - for the best bad movies.

4) The Magic Negro and Other Blackness, September 6 at 9 pm
Using comedic sketches, improv, and character pieces, Mark Kendall's one-man show examines the representation of black males in the media. From prison to white flight, Aunt Jemima, and even Reading Rainbow – the Atlanta comic and special guests explore some of the ways these images influence our views on race in everyday life. Hosted by Cameron Macleod.

5) Vancouver Fringe Festival 2016, September 8 to 18 on Granville Island and around Vancouver
The Vancouver Fringe is a celebration of every kind of theatre imaginable. Over 11 days in September, over 100 different theatre artists and companies come together to share their creativity on stage. Audiences are as varied as the performances with theatrical offerings for all tastes and ages.

Listen to Comedy With Chai on CKNW on Friday nights at 7:20 pm.