Rising Stars: The New Generation of Canadian Stand Up Comedians in 2025
- comedyinyoureye
- Oct 4
- 13 min read
Canadian stand up comedians are having a bit of a moment in 2025. There’s a new wave of comics popping up all over the country, bringing fresh ideas and different backgrounds to the stage. Whether they’re performing in big cities or smaller towns, these comedians are changing what people expect from stand-up. The scene feels more open and experimental than ever, with loads of new voices getting noticed at festivals, on social media, and in clubs. It’s not the same old jokes anymore – there’s a real buzz about what’s next for Canadian comedy.
Key Takeaways
Canadian stand up comedians now reflect a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, making the scene more interesting and relatable.
Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are seeing younger comics fill rooms and bring new styles to the stage.
Festivals such as Just For Laughs are helping to launch the careers of up-and-coming comedians from across the country.
Storytelling is a big part of many new acts, with comics often sharing personal stories and unique takes on family and culture.
Social media and podcasts are giving comedians new ways to reach fans, helping many get noticed well beyond traditional clubs.
Emerging Diversity Among Canadian Stand Up Comedians
There’s been a real shift in the Canadian stand up comedy scene that’s hard to miss. You walk into a club in 2025 and the lineup’s got names, faces, and voices you wouldn’t have seen sharing main stage sets just five or six years ago. Comedians from a huge range of backgrounds are delivering fresh stories and punchlines, and audiences are really responding to it. Let’s have a closer look at the different ways this new generation is shaping the national comedy landscape.
Spotlight on Multicultural Talent
These days, it feels like every open mic or showcase night will introduce you to at least one comic with an international backstory or first-generation perspective. Sudanese-born Abbas Wahab and Jamaican-Canadian Cedric Newman are just two who’ve been shaking up rooms and festival lineups lately. There’s an authenticity when someone jokes about growing up in a household with multiple languages or figuring out what it means to be Canadian with roots elsewhere. This isn’t a trend—it’s where the energy is coming from.
Key points seen on local stages:
Comics with roots from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East are finding room to shine.
Relatable stories of immigration, language, and culture are earning big laughs and repeat audiences.
Events and showcases, like those featuring Nkasi Ogbonnah's Afronaut at The Theatre Centre (tickets available now), are creating spaces for more multicultural voices.
Background Region | Approx. Share on New Talent Lineups (2025) |
|---|---|
South Asian | 18% |
Black Canadian | 15% |
Middle Eastern | 12% |
East Asian | 10% |
Other/Mixed | 20% |
Comics talking about home-cooked food, the confusion of public holidays, or not quite fitting in—those are the bits audiences talk about after the show. It feels real, and it’s clear people are hungry for it.
Rising Voices from the LGBTQ+ Community
Representation here is more than just a buzzword—it’s opening up the stage in ways that would’ve seemed impossible just a decade ago. There are plenty of new comics who are proudly out, and their material covers everything: coming out stories, dating challenges, odd moments of acceptance, even just ordinary awkwardness. It’s not a niche thing anymore; LGBTQ+ comics are on the big bills and nabbing top festival spots.
Here’s what’s bringing more authenticity:
Openly gay and trans comics are regulars at clubs rather than the exception.
Comedy material challenges old stereotypes in clever, unpredictable ways.
National festivals increasingly showcase queer talent in their prime slots.
Women Shaping the Scene
Canadian comedy’s having a moment when women aren’t just filling a quota—they’re topping the bill. Hannah Veldhoen, for example, mixes blue-collar grit with sharp family stories, and she’s not alone. There are more women winning competitions, getting festival slots, and running their own rooms than ever. The range is broad: from deeply personal humour to political jabs to wonderfully silly observations about daily life.
Some of the changes you can spot:
Female comedians winning festival awards and headlining nights
Shows produced, hosted, and curated by women
Podcasting and social media giving women a louder, more direct connection with fans
It’s as simple as this: the variety of experiences now being shared onstage makes Canadian comedy richer and gutsier. The new guard isn’t waiting to be asked—they’re already holding the mic.
Next-Gen Comedians Making Waves in Major Cities
Canada's comedy hotspots are changing fast. The country's biggest cities have become launch pads for fresh stand-up voices, each with its own flavour. Let’s break down what’s happening in some of these places, and why you should care if you love live comedy.
Toronto’s Urban Comedy Boom
Toronto’s always been at the top for Canadian comedy, but right now things feel a bit different—there’s more raw energy, more variety, and packed clubs every week. Some of the most talked-about stand-ups in 2025 have come up through Toronto’s mix of tiny open mics and prestigious theatre nights.
Key facts from the Toronto scene:
Top venues this year sell out shows multiple nights a week.
Comedians like Jay Rainville and Cathy Boyd, known for their big personalities and sharp punchlines, are quickly becoming headliners.
The city is seeing more crossover talent, with comics splitting time between Toronto, New York, and even the UK.
Toronto isn’t just a club scene, either—there’s a push towards more inclusive spaces, with midweek affordable comedy nights inspired by international traditions, opening up stages for both new and established acts.
Vancouver’s Flourishing Stand-Up Scene
Vancouver is no longer just a stop for touring comics—it’s a place to build a career. A wave of younger comedians is thriving here, known for their fast wit and creative approaches. The city has carved out a space for stand-up that doesn’t stick to rules—think late-night gigs, experimental improv blends, and pop-up events in unexpected places.
Here's what you notice if you go to a show in Vancouver this year:
Audiences swing young, and they love offbeat material.
Comedy festivals now headline major local acts as well as big touring names.
TikTok comedians and podcast regulars are headlining live shows, keeping things fresh.
You’ll leave thinking stand-up’s about to change for good.
Montreal’s Bilingual Showcase
Montreal’s always pulled in comics from across Canada, but lately its scene is defined by something else: language play. English, French, or both—anything goes. Montreal’s new stars are confident switching between sets and punchlines, blending cultures, making rooms feel like international festivals even on a quiet weeknight.
Montreal highlights, 2025:
Bilingual shows are popping up all over, making the most of the city’s mix of crowds.
Comics like Chris Robinson use their cross-cultural backgrounds to offer witty takes on daily life.
Legendary festivals are still king, but local showcases are the real training ground now.
Notable Names from Smaller Cities
Big cities get the spotlight, but some of Canada’s boldest new comics are working their way up from smaller places. These performers bring regional humour, small-town grit, and new points of view—no wonder bigger cities and festivals are starting to take notice.
Noteworthy up-and-comers:
Justin Shaw – hailing from Prince Edward Island, known for his dry wit and storytelling.
Myles Morrison – from Saskatoon, touring hard and mixing sharp jokes about class and country life.
Alex (born Winnipeg, raised Yellowknife) – making waves on the West Coast with material that’s both regional and universal.
The heart of Canadian comedy in 2025 isn’t just in the big cities; it’s in the way new comics from everywhere are finding their own voices and crowds, proving that good laughs really do come from all corners of the map.
Festival Successes and Breakthroughs for Young Performers
Comedy festivals across Canada have become the breeding ground for new talent in recent years. These events are not just about big-name headliners anymore—up-and-coming performers are often the true stars, grabbing attention with fresh styles and original takes on what it means to be funny in 2025.
Triumphs at Just For Laughs
Just For Laughs continues to be the most important stop for emerging Canadian comics wanting to make their mark. In both the Montreal main event and newer Vancouver editions, young performers are winning packed audiences with material that reflects their own stories and the realities of their generation. Some have even gone straight from these festival spots to national TV appearances and touring deals. Here's a quick look at how some of these talents have been showing up at recent festivals:
Performer | City | Festival (2025) | Award/Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
Mayce Galoni | Toronto | Just For Laughs | New Faces Showcase |
Amber Harper-Young | Vancouver | Just For Laughs NW | Audience Favourite |
Charles Haycock | Edmonton | Just For Laughs | Critic’s Choice |
Ronald Hae | Mississauga | Just For Laughs | Rising Star Nominee |
Trailblazers in International Festivals
For many young comedians, Canadian festivals are only the beginning. Making the jump to international stages—like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe—is now almost expected after gaining buzz at home. That overseas exposure brings a fresh wave of followers back to Canadian clubs and online platforms. Some quick signs of success at these global gatherings:
Invitations to global galas following breakthrough Canadian sets
Social media followers jumping after international appearances
Collaborations and gigs with international podcast and YouTube stars
For new comics, this is a real test—the feeling after your first crowd-lifting set outside Canada is a rush like nothing else. You stand backstage, hands shaking a bit, and realise you can make anyone laugh, anywhere. That moment means a lot—maybe even more than the awards.
Award-Winning Fresh Faces
Canadian comedians under 30 are scooping up recognition from both local and international panels. It’s not uncommon now to see a new performer leave a festival weekend with both money and a wider following. For example, some fresh faces are getting:
Cash prizes from young comic competitions
Endorsements from senior comedians
Key spots at lively stand-up nights across the UK and Europe after a festival win
These early wins set up their next steps—whether that’s a tour, a CBC special, or new podcast projects.
The Role of Personal Storytelling in Modern Acts
Personal storytelling sits right at the heart of today’s Canadian stand-up comedy, bringing fresh, honest and sometimes rough-around-the-edges performances. This shift isn’t just about sharing jokes; it’s also about performers giving the audience a glimpse of their world, flaws and all. Canadian comics in 2025 know their stories have weight – sometimes heavier than punchlines, but just as important.
Transforming Trauma into Laughter
Turning pain into humour isn’t new, but young comics seem to be pushing this further than ever. From survivors of illness and addiction to those dealing with family chaos or loss, the stage becomes a safe outlet to laugh at hardships. Some common elements in this approach include:
Honest recounting of personal setbacks or struggles (without sugar-coating)
Poking fun at embarrassing, raw or difficult memories to connect on a human level
Building trust with the crowd by showing real vulnerability
Finding laughter in dark places doesn’t erase the pain, but it creates a special space for both comedian and audience to breathe a bit easier.
Unique Approaches to Family Life
If there’s one thing comics know, it’s that families are a treasure trove of ridiculous stories. In Canada, many up-and-coming comics harness their quirky backgrounds to tell stories that stick:
Childhood tales featuring oddball parents or siblings
Navigating generational and cultural clashes at home
Parenting mishaps – whether they’re the child, the parent, or both
Even comics from smaller cities, like those who gig at inclusive spaces similar to the Camden Eye events, have stories that paint a real, unique picture of family life in Canada’s towns.
Clever Uses of Cultural Identity
Canada’s diversity winds its way through the comedy scene. Comics are blending their heritage, languages and hometown quirks right into their sets. This is showing up in:
Multilingual punchlines or switching between French, English and other languages
Comparing traditions from immigrant families with their life in Canada
Poking gentle fun at cultural stereotypes, while also busting them
Here’s a quick look at the themes most cited by notable young comics in 2025:
Theme | % of Acts Using Theme |
|---|---|
Family Stories | 68% |
Cultural Background | 54% |
Overcoming Hardships | 49% |
Identity & Belonging | 37% |
These numbers aren’t just stats; they show a real hunger for storytelling that’s as personal as it is funny, driving Canadian comedy forward in exciting, gutsy ways.
Digital Influence: The Online Rise of Canadian Stand Up Comedians
Canadian stand up is getting a fresh look, with the internet leading the charge. From quick clips to hour-long podcasts, the way we discover and support comedians has changed. New names are building their following without waiting for late-night television spots or club headliners. This shift is not just happening in the big cities but all across the country.
Harnessing Social Media for Growth
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have completely changed the way comedians get noticed. A single viral video can suddenly bring thousands of new fans overnight. Veronika Slowikowska, for example, used her short sketches to build a massive online following, especially across the border in the U.S. (her viral comedic sketches have brought her career to new heights).
Common approaches used by comedians online:
Regular posting of joke clips and crowd interactions
Sharing behind-the-scenes content and daily life
Quick responses to trends or news events for viral relevance
Across the board, these strategies help Canadian comedians stay connected and visible.
Podcasts and Viral Videos
Podcasts give comedians more time to develop ideas, share personal stories, and honestly, just be themselves. Lots of young comics are now launching shows either solo or with friends, where they riff on everything from awkward gigs to growing up in different parts of Canada.
A simplified look at how Canadian comedians use online content types:
Content Type | Typical Duration | Main Audience |
|---|---|---|
TikTok/Instagram | 30s – 3 mins | Teens to 30s |
YouTube Clips | 5 – 15 mins | 18 – 40 |
Podcasts | 30 – 90 mins | 20 – 45 |
This mix of formats allows them to reach different groups and try out new material before taking it to the stage.
Watching comics find their voice online is actually pretty fun. The pressure’s lower, and you get these raw, genuine moments that you might miss in a packed club. Some of the best bits never even make it into a live set.
Online Communities Amplifying Talent
Dedicated fans often spread the word much faster than old school promotion ever could. Subreddits, Facebook groups, and Discord channels give even lesser-known comedians a shot at getting noticed. What’s impressive is how:
Fans clip and share standout moments from shows
Fellow comedians cross-promote each other’s work
Feedback from comments helps comics improve material or try riskier stuff, knowing their community has their back
In the end, the internet isn’t just a new stage. It’s the place where Canadian stand up’s next wave is finding its legs, growing its reach, and proving audiences are more open than ever to new faces and different kinds of comedy.
Innovative Styles and Experimental Comedy
From coast to coast, a new wave of Canadian comedians is bringing wild, experimental energy to the stage. These performers mix the old with the new, often pushing boundaries in ways that keep audiences on their toes. Whether it’s trying out material in pubs, riffing with crowds, or mixing comedy with music, the scene in 2025 definitely doesn’t look—or sound—like it used to.
Crowd Work and Improvisation
A bunch of up-and-coming comics are waving goodbye to safe, scripted sets. They’re choosing playful crowd interaction, testing limits, and building whole routines just off what’s happening in the room, sort of like what’s popping up every week at the Camden Eye pub in London’s comedy circuit. It’s risky—sometimes you get gold, and sometimes you get blank stares—but the livewire feeling is worth it. Some reasons this style is growing:
It feels fresh every night—no two shows are identical
Audiences get to be part of the act, which can break down barriers
Young comedians get fast feedback, sharpening their wit and reactions
Open mics and urban clubs are perfect places to watch this new improvisational energy take hold, as performers adjust on the fly and shoot for big laughs.
Non-Traditional Venues and Formats
Comedians aren’t sticking to traditional clubs anymore. Many shows now pop up in art galleries, basements, coffee shops, and even laundromats. These spots give a more relaxed vibe and draw crowds who maybe wouldn’t hit a mainstream comedy club. There’s something exciting about seeing a comic try out new material in a tight, unconventional space.
Benefits of alternative venues:
Smaller, more intimate crowds that create relaxed energy
Easier access for new talent to find stage time
Freedom to try experimental or niche material
Integration of Music and Visual Arts
Younger comics blend in guitar bits, digital visuals, or even live painting, making shows that feel part concert, part art exhibit, part stand-up. Some are looping sound effects or displaying animations while riffing on stage, which gives their sets a totally different flavour. Here’s what comics say about mixing media:
It helps them stand out and be remembered
It pulls in people who might not consider themselves comedy fans
Sometimes, the blend leads to unexpected punchlines—like a joke set up in music and delivered visually
Style or Format | Typical Audience Reaction | Places You Can See It |
|---|---|---|
Crowd Work / Improv | Wide-eyed, rowdy laughs | Open mics, pubs |
Non-Traditional Venues | Laidback, lively crowds | Cafés, galleries |
Audio-Visual Integration | Surprise and delight | Festivals, indie shows |
Comedy in Canada right now is all about surprises and playing with what works in the moment. Whether it's a guitar solo, a brilliant off-the-cuff punchline, or a show in an art space, comics are determined to keep it fresh and unpredictable for years to come.
Conclusion
So, that's the new wave of Canadian stand-up comics in 2025. It's a pretty wild mix, honestly. Some of them have only been at it a few years, others have been grinding away for ages, but they're all finding new ways to make people laugh. Whether it's stories about growing up in small towns, poking fun at their own families, or just sharing the weird stuff that happens in everyday life, these comedians are keeping things fresh. It's not always easy to stand out in a country this big, but somehow, they're doing it. If you get the chance, go see one of their shows. You might just find your new favourite comic, and you'll definitely get a good laugh. Canadian comedy is in good hands, and it feels like things are only getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some of the new Canadian stand-up comedians to watch in 2025?
Some rising stars include Jay Rainville from Toronto, Melanie Rose, Jacob Samuel, Anjelica who won the 2024 Boston Comedy Festival, and Ronald Hae from Mississauga. These comedians are gaining attention for their fresh styles and relatable stories.
How are Canadian comedy shows becoming more diverse?
Canadian comedy is welcoming more voices from different backgrounds, including multicultural performers, LGBTQ+ comedians, and more women. This mix brings new stories and points of view to the stage, making shows more interesting and relatable for everyone.
What are the biggest cities for stand-up comedy in Canada right now?
Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are the main hubs for stand-up comedy. Toronto has a busy urban scene, Vancouver is known for its relaxed but creative acts, and Montreal is famous for its bilingual shows and the Just For Laughs festival. Smaller cities are also starting to get noticed for their local talent.
How are young comedians using the internet to grow their careers?
Many young comedians use social media, podcasts, and viral videos to reach more people. They share clips of their acts online, join digital comedy groups, and connect with fans through live streams. This helps them build a following even before they perform in big clubs or festivals.
What makes the new generation of Canadian comedians different from older ones?
New comedians often use personal stories about family, culture, and even tough times to make people laugh. They also try out new styles, like mixing in music or art, and performing in unusual places, not just comedy clubs. This keeps their acts exciting and fresh.
Which festivals help young Canadian comedians become famous?
The Just For Laughs festival in Montreal is the most famous, but there are others like JFL Northwest in Vancouver and the Halifax Comedy Festival. Winning or even just performing at these festivals can help young comedians get noticed by bigger audiences and even get on TV.