 Famous and Funny Comedians in Winnipeg

Stand-up Comedian

Adam Schwartz is brilliantly awkward and immensely lovable. His deadpan delivery, as well as clever wit, will turn any audience into lifelong fans. His clean, but, funny material mostly about being on the Autism spectrum, makes him perfect for any audience no matter what the occasion. He has performed throughout the country and was the runner-up in the 2014 Rumor's Funniest comedian with a day job contest. He was runner-up for 2015's funniest comedian with a day job. He has travelled the country on the Fringe circuit with his unique brand of comedy which explores how weird and wacky the world is around him. He has an extremely unique perspective and is truly a one-of-a-kind entertainer. Not only will you laugh, but you'll find yourself learning from his experiences on the Autism spectrum without even realizing it. His clean humour is perfect for your next conference, convention, or mother's 90th birthday party.

Comedy Improv Duo

We make you the star!

Stephen & Caity have a wonderfully charming and hilarious show to bring to your event. These two well-known improv artists make up an entire show live. The show will not only be fueled by the suggestions and inspirations from the audience, but it will also be fueled by the audience themselves! Volunteers are never forced to go up onto the stage; in fact, they will be made into the star of the show.

“In addition to reviving classic bits by the likes of Abbot and Costello and Nichols and May, Curtis and Sim riff on the dynamics of those teams with improv that proves the crack timing and rapid-fire verbal one-up-man-ship isn't just an influence on them, it's also their achievement.”- CBC Manitoba 2016

“The duo do break out an improv. They’re so sufficiently adept they’d make you think it was scripted.”- Winnipeg Free Press 2016

Stand-up Comedian

From the first time stepping on stage, it was only 9 short months later that Kelly was headlining. In just his second year of comedy, Kelly Taylor shocked the comedy industry by placing second in the prestigious Just for Laughs Homegrown competition. Later that year Kelly did a tour of the Canadian Colleges and was Named Canadian College Comedian of the year. Already conquering Canada he has now moved on to being one the busiest comedians on the American college scene. Kelly also starred as the lead role in the movie Sure Shot Dombrowski. Kelly’s ability to headline clubs, corporate and college events at just three years into his budding career is evidence that this kid is the real deal. Aside from Just for Laughs, he has already appeared at the Winnipeg, the Vancouver and Halifax Comedy Festivals. Kelly has performed all across the country including LA and New York City at some of the most well-respected clubs in the industry. Additionally, he has performed overseas for the troops.

Stand-up Comedian

Ryan Ash is one of the fresh faces hotly accelerating through the ranks of Canadian comedy. After multiple appearances at the Winnipeg Comedy Fest, including a spot at the “Best of Fest Gala”, Ryan went on this year to be one of 24 people selected throughout Canada for the Sirius XM Top Comic contest. With appearances for Sony and NBC on TV and in movies, Ryan is an all-around entertainer who most recently wrote and produced his own kid’s TV show. The Edmonton Journal has called him “incredibly clever” and CBC radio has dubbed him “uncommonly well written”. Ryan is passionate about making people laugh and it shows in what he does on stage.

Comedian, Host, Writer

Matt Nightingale's unique blend of absurdist and observational comedy styles makes him a favourite with comedy lovers wherever he goes. A regular host at Rumor's Comedy Club in Winnipeg, Canada, and member of sketch comedy group hunks, Matt has performed in comedy clubs and festivals across North America, including Just For Laughs Northwest, The San Francisco Comedy Festival, Oddblock Comedy Festival, Chicago SketchFest, Seattle SketchFest, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Edmonton's Improvaganza, and Montreal SketchFest.

Stand-up Comedian

Matt Falk has been performing his unique style of stand-up comedy for nearly a decade. His album; Apple Pie & Scars reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and is currently being played on Sirius XM Canada and USA. Matt is one of the writers and stars of RocKids TV and the writer of the record-breaking celebrations and jubilations Dinner Theatre shows; ‘The Big BOOM Theory’ and ‘The Big BOOM Theory II’ now touring across Canada. He’s worked with Brent Butt, Ron James, Gerry Dee Rob Schneider and many more. His clean stand-up comedy act has gained him many accolades including placing 2nd in The World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas.

“He's a genius child.” - Ron James

“Matt Falk was the perfect ingredient to the wonderful Canadian Football Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events. His comedic insight and delivery brought the house down and the laughter was a magical moment that will be remembered for a very long time. If you are looking for someone to enhance the entertainment value of any event, this is the young man to do it. He was great!”- Paul Bennett

“Matt Falk did a tremendous job with his clean, light-hearted humour. He was personable and perfect for us!”
-The Team at Secan

“Matt is definitely someone to watch for. He is going to make a big splash in the comedy world.”- Gerry Dee

Comedian, Musician

Late in 2016 Rollin Penner decided to move his performing career from the musical stage to the comedy stage and since then he has been gaining a reputation across Manitoba as a snappy dresser with a set of killer punch lines. In 2018 he made his third appearance at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, his second appearance in the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase, placed second in a Rumor’s Comedy Club contest for local comedians and is currently co-producing (together with the Winnipeg Comedy Festival) a touring show titled “Two and a Half Mennos”. His talents have caught the eye of the management at Rumor’s Comedy Club and he has had multiple opportunities to perform guest spots there.

To showcase his versatility, Rollin has performed his comedy routines for pub audiences, corporate audiences, family audiences and theatre audiences alike. His extensive experience as a writer (six years writing comedy for the CBC, eight years for the Manitoba Co-operator, numerous comedic articles for The Winnipeg Free Press and other publications) has given him the ability to tailor material to any audience. His years of experience as a performer in music (Rollin Penner and the Travelling Medicine Show etc.) and theatre, (The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg Mennonite Theatre) among other things, have given him a presence on stage that puts audiences at ease and makes it easy for them to laugh. And you never know when he’ll pick up a guitar and launch into a witty ditty about private body parts followed by a hilarious version of a gospel song as it may sound to children.

Here are a few comments from audience members after Rollin’s recent performance at the Winnipeg Comedy Showcase:

“I laughed at your first line and didn’t stop laughing till you walked off stage!”- John.

“Every time I see you you’re better than the last time I saw you!”- Kim.

“Please don’t play that song when I’m in the audience.”-Kathy Penner.

Comedy Group

Improv Group

The Improv Company is known for world-class entertainment and charming event hosting. Our famous interactive improv show will keep your audience laughing all night. Our professional and hilarious emcees will get your audience engaged and keep your event on pace.

“Caity and Stephen are the X-Factor, the unexplainable piece of the puzzle, in everything they work on. Their openness, quick wit, humanity, and willingness to accept the absurd not only has the two of them giggling but it has their audiences remembering them and their work months after an appearance.” - Nicole Jensen TEDxWinnipeg Lead

“I can’t say enough about the show. I also can’t wait to see you two do anything on stage. Please make it soon.”- Al Simmons

“The duo does improv, they’re so sufficiently adept they’d make you think it was scripted.”- The Winnipeg Free Press

“Warm, funny and highly recommended”. – CBC

Musical Improv Comedy Group

Prairie-born and hearty as hell, Outside Joke is a Winnipeg-based improv company that specializes in playful, imaginative storytelling with a flair for improvised songs. Favourites in the comedy scene in Winnipeg, they have delighted at venues and festivals in almost every major city across Canada. Outside Joke has several packages for your corporate event, from an evening of snappy improv games that involve your team members to a completely improvised musical that will leave you breathless with laughter. Boasting six members, including a pianist, Outside Joke can offer a show with various numbers of performers and the option of improvised music- the choice is yours! 

Outside Joke is Andrea del Campo, Paul De Gurse, Chadd Henderson, Tobias Hughes, Robyn Slade and Jane Testar.

Performance Packages

Evening of Improv Games
“Laugh-out-loud funny, this is what improv is all about”- Winnipeg Free Press

Great for any corporate event for groups that range from rowdy to relaxed, Outside Joke can prepare a selection of popular and hilarious improv games that are sure to delight your crowd. Feel like involving members of your team onstage?

Outside Joke can incorporate them to whatever degree they are comfortable while making them look like seasoned comedians. Feel like sitting back and relaxing?

Outside Joke can take the wheel while your team watches from the comfort of their chairs.

Performances are 45 minutes each. Package prices vary depending on the number of performers you request.*

Improvised Musical

“With wicked physical acting skills and singing chops to boot, the actors move seamlessly into musical sequences”. – Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Outside Joke’s signature, Improvised Musical has made waves and gained followers across Canada. Watch as Outside Joke creates a completely improvised musical filled with characters, jokes and songs all from an audience suggestion. This package is a great choice for a crowd who is content to give their full attention for a 45 minute set in a venue with good acoustics and sightlines. Upon request, Outside Joke can personalize the show, incorporating facts and elements of your company and teammates into the story and songs.

Performances are 45 minutes each. Package prices vary depending on the number of performers and requests for corporate personalization of the story.*

*Headset microphones are ideal for most venues, and proper sound inputs will be necessary if improvised music is requested. Venues will have a technician that can attend to these requests. Any rental costs for sound equipment are the contractor’s responsibility.

“An improv force to be reckoned with” – Winnipeg Free Press

“Gut-busting hilarity” – Ignite 107

“If Outside Joke is the future of improv, then the genre is in good hands” – CBC

Country Humor

A Talegate talk here fer a minute!

The Ol' Ugly's Comedy Show is about making people forget their troubles for just a few minutes. That is why my country storytelling comedy has me travelling all over the country and writin' this little paper. If I can make you feel good then we done what we set out to do. And you folks feel free to pass these tales about me and my relatives on to your friends and associates. That goes for you, too, Mr. or Ms. Executive. You know as well as anyone else that a laugh can help fight this stressful world. If ya think they might cheer somebody else up, or relieve some stress then send it too 'em, but enough of my blather let’s get on with 'er.

Stand-up Comedian

Big Daddy Tazz uses his blazing quick wit, clean comedy improv style, natural ability to make people laugh, and amazing stage presence to bring his corporate and convention audiences first to their knees with laughter and then to their feet with thunderous praise and adulation. Big Daddy Tazz takes a mundane event and turns it into a sidesplitting clean comedy story. Big Daddy Tazz tells a story with incredible facial expressions, body language, and character voices that lead to a KABOOM! of audience laughter and applause. Big Daddy Tazz is just plain honest to goodness fun for corporate and convention events that require clean comedy!

Over the last 7 years, Andy has been making a name for himself with his not too dirty, not too clean, but always honest, style of comedy.

On any given night Andy can be seen performing all over Winnipeg and touring across Canada. He has made multiple appearances at the Oddblock Comedy Festival and Winnipeg Comedy Festival including the “Best of the Fest” gala in 2017.  In 2015, Andy won the "Winnipeg's funniest person with a day job" contest at Rumors comedy club, where he is now a regular host and headliner.

In addition to stand up, Andy was also a writer/actor for Shaw T.V.’s late night comedy show The Week Thus Far.  With jokes on a wide range of topics and his laid back style Andy is sure to entertain crowds of all kinds.

Comedian, Elvis Impersonator

Aboriginal Comedian and Elvis Tribute Artist Gerry Barrett are available to rock your next event. This Ojibway Elvis is ready to shake, rattle, and roll. His 30 minute Elvis tribute is karaoke style. All he needs is a stage, an audience and the house will be rockin'. Songs include CCR Rider, Don't Be Cruel, Hound Dog, In The Ghetto, Viva Las Vegas and more! Gerry also offers his hilarious stand-up comedy show, as seen on the Comedy Network, CBC Television, and APTN. Why not book both shows, the exciting Elvis Tribute for afternoon entertainment and the 60-minute comedy show in the evening. Gerry has performed as Elvis in Las Vegas, and his stand-up comedy in Los Angeles, don't miss it.

Watch this video clip for a glimpse into his unique act.

Stand-up Comedian

Trevor Boris has come a long way from the farm he grew up on near Winnipeg, MB. He is one of the stars and producers of MuchMusic’s hit show Video on Trial, has starred in numerous stand-up specials including One Night Stand-up on LOGO, and Comedy NOW on CTV, and recently made his US Late Night debut on CONAN, on TBS.

A two-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee and 2008 COCA Comedian of the year (Canadian Colleges and Universities), Trevor has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, the Cape Town International Comedy Festival in South Africa, the DC Comedy Fest in Washington D.C., the Vancouver Comedy Festival, as well as taping numerous TV Galas at the CBC Winnipeg and Halifax Comedy Festivals.

On top of starring in over 60 episodes of Video on Trial, and producing numerous episodes including the 1 hour VOT: 100th episode Special, Trevor was voted ‘Most Hilarious VOT Juror’ at the 2007 MuchMusic Viewers Poll. As well, as a full-time on-air MuchMusic personality, Trevor can be seen regularly on Much on Demand, the 26 episode series Stars Gone Wild, and has appeared in numerous MM specials including Hot N Wet, Much Comes Out, U Suck, LOL, Stars on Trial, Much Overrated in ‘06, and Spring Break ’07. Trevor was also chosen to go to Whistler to cover the 2010 Winter Olympics for MuchiMusic’s MOD: Live at the Base.

Other television appearances include a guest role on Canada’s Next Top Model (CTV), multiple roles on The Family Channel’s ‘The Latest Buzz’, and TV Tropolis’ TV Made Me Do It.

He has written for The National Post, was handpicked by Host Russell Peters to write the ’08 and ‘09 Juno Awards, and was one of the writers of the ’07, ’08, and ‘09 MuchMusic Video Awards. On top of his writing duties, Trevor also starred in sketches with Mike Myers, the New Kids on the Block, Mel C of the Spice Girls, as well as the Jonas Brothers.

Trevor has appeared on the cover of NOW Magazine, and the Cover of the Entertainment section of the Toronto Star. He has been featured in the Hollywood Reporter and has been profiled in many of Canada’s premier entertainment news programs including ET Canada, E-Talk, MTV’s e2, The National, Star Daily, Inside Jam, and the Gill Deacon Show. Trevor was also named in NOW magazine’s Top 10 Comedy Performances of 2006. 

Trevor’s is a fast-paced, hip and edgy style of comedy, which has quickly made him a crowd favourite everywhere he goes.

Improvisation, Comedy

Crumbs is a Winnipeg based improv comedy duo who have been performing together since 1997. They have toured all over the world to critical acclaim and have become world-renowned for their comedy theatre and improv shows. Seriously, Crumbs have performed all over the world, they've sold-out shows all over Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Slovenia, Israel, England, The United States to name but a few. We've also performed all over Canada, Canada loves us too.

What is an improv show? It is a show that is made up on the spot inspired by suggestions from the audience. Every storyline, every character, and every hilarious moment is completely improvised for you and only you.

What kind of shows can crumbs do? Crumbs can improvise an entire 60-minute playoff one inspiration; do several improv comedy sketches based on audience suggestions or just do one little hilarious improvised bit for your event. We can host events, we can do improvised scenes between acts, and we can do a whole improv show for any type of audience in any type of room.

Crumbs can also do an improv show that is interactive with the audience and uses audience volunteers on the stage. Please note that Crumbs are professional improv comedians and whenever they ask for audience volunteers they are there to entertain you and make you look good, we never force anyone to volunteer and those that do volunteer are made into the star of the show.

Crumbs can also design a show specifically for your event. Generate content inspired by your company or the nature of your event, weaving your message into the show. This show would, of course, require us to meet first and discuss at what level you would like the design of the show.

"Crumbs implausibly defy the law of diminishing returns. They get funnier each time I see them". - CBC 2014
"Stephen Sim and Lee White put on a solid, funny show. Every time. No matter what. You will laugh. You won't be able to help it." - CBC 2013

"All these years together has helped them hone their skills to the point that they seem to be communicating telepathically". - Winnipeg Free Press 2014

"This two-person comedy duo bring improv to a whole new level that is always an entertaining and hilarious show." - ChrisD.ca Website 2014

Stand-up Comedian

Jon Ljungberg (Youngberg) has been entertaining audiences for the past 2 1/2 decades across North America including 38 States, every Canadian Provence and even Mexico. He is an award-winning comedian appearing at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and has performed at the Riviera casino in Las Vegas as well. His work also includes work in film as well as on television having recently wrapped up 11 years as the host of CITYtv's Breakfast Television of which he received the "Broadcast Excellence Award" from the Broadcasters Association of Manitoba.

Stand-up Comedian

Jimmy Mac has been featured on Hockey Night in Canada, TSN, Comedy Club 54, Comedy Network, and CBC Comics. He has done numerous voice-overs, Dj’d on many top radio stations throughout Canada. He has opened for top names such as Gilbert Godfried, Brad Garrett, Tommy Chong, Larry Miller and Danny Bonaduce (Partridge Family).

Whether doing stand-up, Acting as Master of Ceremonies or announcing events Jimmy Mac can always be counted on to deliver a fast-paced, laugh-filled comedy show.

Stand-up Comedian

Originally from Victoria, Niki has been performing her unique style of stand—up comedy throughout Western Canada for the past five years. Her quick-witted, fast-paced style has made her a favourite on the West coast and has earned her- invitations to perform at Lafflines Comedy Club, the Vancouver Comedy Festival, and guest spots at Yuk Yuk’s.

Stand-up Comedian

Dan got his first laughs in elementary school, mocking the class clown who had to go to the school nurse because he had a pencil stuck in his nose. Dan did in the words of his teacher Mrs. Scaletta, "a tight 5 minutes on boogers and school supplies." 

As a comedian, Dan carries on that tradition - cutting edge, clever commentary on the world, as he sees it, combined with hilarious stories from his own life. Dan has a knack for appealing to all types of audiences using his smart, hip material and his engaging performing style honed through years of performing at comedy clubs, and his improv training at Second City in Toronto.

Dan has appeared in his episode of Comedy Now on CTV/Comedy Network, Open Mike With Mike Bullard, the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival and on CBC's Madly Off in All Directions.

Stand-up Comedian

Jason Beck is a Winnipeg-based comedian who performs regularly at Rumor's Comedy Club, performed in the Winnipeg Fringe Festival the last four years in a row and is a regular performer at The West End Cultural Centre Comedy Night (which he founded in 1998).

He has been a regular cast member of the Beer & Skits variety show for the past eight years, competed in the 2000 Manitoba Just For Laughs Homegrown Competition and performed across the border at Knockouts in Chicago and The Comedy Store in Hollywood, California.

Stand-up Comedian

Dean Jenkinson is a Gemini-nominated, and Canadian Comedy Award-winning comedian and comedy writer who's written for CBC's "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" since 2007, and for numerous "Just For Laughs" specials. He's appeared on CBC's "COMICS!", "The Royal Canadian Air Farce", "The Winnipeg Comedy Festival", as well as on his hour-long "Comedy Now" episode on The Comedy Network.

"Thank you for an excellent performance that left our customers laughing out of their seats, even though it was only 8 AM!" - Stephan J. Gerhardt, Canadian Tourism Commission

"Top-notch entertainment, your comedy was unsurpassed by any others we have had. When people are re-telling the comic's stuff three days later you know he has had an impact."- Kardy Solmundson, Western Canada Dental Association

"The Sears group found your show very funny and entertaining, they wanted to keep you on stage longer." - Dave Hollyoake, Sears Canada

"We wish to express to Dean's future clients a hearty recommendation, and to ensure them that they can be confident of a great performance by a sensitive and capable professional." - Ken Dohan, MacDon Industries

"You did an amazing performance. I would highly recommend your show for any church non-profit group at any time. You are entertainment with a keen sense of your crowd in a few moments and communicate very effectively. You are great!" - Jim Harms, Youth For Christ, Steinbach

Stand-up Comedian

Rob Bruneau is a Winnipeg comedian who’s been entertaining audiences since 2002. He has a likable, self-deprecating style and likes to poke fun at embarrassing situations, family life and relationships. Rob performs regularly at Rumor's Comedy Club, has appeared on CBC and XM satellite radio and also performed in the Winnipeg Fringe Festival as a member of the hit “5 Winnipeg Comics” stand-up show for four straight years. Good times.

Stand-up Comedian

Nelson Mayer is a stand-up veteran on the Winnipeg comedy front.

Recently voted one of the city’s top 3 comedians (the Uniter), Mayer got his start in 2010 on the illustrious stage at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, California.

Since then, Nelson has been a consistent top-contender for the title of Rumor’s Comedy Club: Funniest Person with a Day Job, as well as a two-time finalist in Winnipeg’s Gone Whacky competition. Mayer also performed as a finalist in the prestigious World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas.

Along with landing a spot on APTN’s evening talk show, the Laughing Drum, Nelson has been travelling across Canada, warming up the stage as Don Burnstick’s regular opening act. If you missed him on stage, you can also catch his bits on Sirius XM Satellite radio.

Nelson’s style is a rare and unique blend; a bit of wit, a touch of naughty; a mix of fine-tuned jokes and sharp off-the-cuff crowd work instincts. Nelson Mayer can be described as versatile, hard-hitting, punchy, and most importantly, funny.

Stand-up Comedian

Mike Green is thrilled that you are reading his bio, and hopes that it wasn't the result of clicking the wrong link after google searching Mike Green the NHL player. Comedian Mike Green has told jokes for years on stages all across the country.  He's been to Just for Laughs Montreal as part of the New Faces of Comedy Showcase, and you can watch him on season 3 of the CBC's New Wave of Standup.

When he's at home in Winnipeg, Mike likes to boost his scene by producing shows like the Secret Standup Series and Comedy At the Handsome Daughter, which is one of the longest-running weekly shows in the country. He tours as a headliner and with the live show format he created, the Comedy Battle Royale, which was also produced for TV and you can watch on FibeTv1.

Also, he's as handsome as he is brave.