Toronto's live comedy scene has something for everyone, but if you've never been to a show before the idea can be daunting. Here's a quick guide to the three main forms to get you started:
Stand-Up
Like you see on TV specials, it's just the comedian and a mic and you. Unlike on TV, these shows aren't in a huge auditorium, so the intimacy and potential for audience interaction increases dramatically.Good Idea: For small groups of friends who want to have a few drinks, a good laugh, and don't mind being singled out by the performer.
Bad Idea: For nervous folks on a first date who are barely ready to talk to each other, much less the performer.
Recommendation: Monday night's ALTdot COMedy Lounge or Tuesday's Amateur Night at Yuk Yuk's.
Sketch
Think Kids in the Hall, Little Britain and Air Farce. A troupe of performers create a series of short scenes, or skits. Within a show there may be recurring characters or a theme, but often it's simply a collection of whatever made the troupe laugh hardest.Good Idea: For people who are afraid of participating - they've already written the skits, you just need to laugh.
Bad Idea: For talkative groups, since there's usually very little time between skits.
Recommendation: Second City any night of the week, but especially Monday's best-of retrospective.
Improv
The most unpredictable of comedy shows, this is where performers take suggestions from the audience to create short scenes or even long-form one-act plays on the spot. Go as often as you like, because you'll never see the same show twice.Good Idea: For anyone who wants a really personalized experience - the audience helps make the show, after all.
Bad Idea: For people in bad mood who are determined to stay that way - the performers feed off the audience's energy.
Recommendation: Saturday night Theatresports at Bad Dog.
