From Page to Stage: Motion & Emotion

Perhaps you love the Moth, or Risk, or This American Life or any of the hundreds of storytelling podcasts out there. Perhaps you’ve read every David Sedaris book in the library and captivated by tales that speak to the quirkiness of humanity. Perhaps you’ve seen a dozen solo shows and thought, “Goddammit, I’d love to do that!” This is the class where YOU do THAT.

Each class, you’ll bring in a story you’ve been working on, and together, we’ll explore the richness of your work for story threads to expand upon. We’ll peel back layers to find the hidden complexity and nuance. We’ll use your strengths and unique abilities to tell the story in a way only you could tell it. Finally, we’ll get your story show-ready for a class showcase.

Prerequisite: None.

What You’ll Learn

• How to expand and edit.
• How to embody your storytelling.
• How to compel through use of voice.
• How to breathe life into your characters.
• How to make your piece uniquely YOU!

What You’ll Get

• A classes capped at 12 (minimum 6).
• 6, 3-hour classes
• A 7 minute - performance piece of your own creation.
• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | June 9th – July 21st, 2025
(no class June 30th)
• SHOW: Monday July 28th,, 7PM

Where?
• The Sweet Action Theatre Company
180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $300 + HST before May 15th
(then $350 +HST)

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today:
jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

About Your Instructor

James’ recent TV credits include Saved by The Bell (NBC Peacock), Workin’ Moms (Netflix), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the and the newly released, Jane (Apple+). James also writes for some of your kid’s favourite TV shows including Odd Squad, the 2-time Daytime Emmy Award Winner for Best Children’s Show.

When James isn’t writing and performing, he is a Therapist in Training at the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and is a peer-to-peer support facilitator at The Gatehouse, an organization dedicated to serving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Standup comedy can happen but is not our absolute favourite. Please send a link to your work if you want to do standup. 

Tight Five is hosted by Bryn McAuley, your Master of Ceremonies, who will guide you through a dizzying display of tomfoolery onstage. This cabaret-style event will bring you five minute acts back to back to back on one very silly Tuesday night as comedians, singers, musicians, clowns, and actors take the stage.

Audience tickets are $10.

Featuring:
Primitivo
Chrispie Tits
Rakhee Morzaria
Marie Antoinette & her Garden Gnome
Your Homie Siva PemmasaniRae & Rosie
Blarnska
Ryan
Emilia White
Stanley Manley- HopkinsMike Meehan 

Hosted by your Master of Ceremonies, Bryn McAuley 

One performer. One audience. One goal: Make us laugh. By any means necessary.

That’s the essence of clown. We don’t need a red nose (sorry, nose devotees—you're still welcome; and to those afraid of clowns, rest easy). The red nose is a mask, but you’re already wearing one: yourself—your real, ridiculous, raw, dark, charming, failing, sad, angry, vulnerable, beautiful self.

Clown isn’t like mainstream comedy—it’s not just setup and punchline. It’s about being real, giving everything to the audience, and risking absolute failure in front of strangers in pursuit of something ineffably funny or beautiful or both.

In this drop-in, get ready to dive in headfirst as Chase throws you into games and improvs that push you to play, discover, and respond. When the audience laughs—why? What did you do? How did it feel? How do we get back there? And when the laughter stops—what’s next? You’ll be chasing the laugh and, more importantly, the pleasure of playing.

What’s Your Funny?

Everyone has something that makes them uniquely funny. The audience will tell you. The work is about standing in front of them, riffing, failing, failing, failing—until suddenly, you land the laugh.

Whether you’re brand new to clown or a seasoned performer, this drop-in gives you reps in front of an audience with live direction by Chase Jeffels to find what works for you.

Important Note: I want my students to feel as free as possible to explore. However, to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all, if I see a riff crossing a line, I will kindly shut it down.

Who is this for?

This drop-in is for participants who…

• Are looking for a new approach to comedy, performing, and writing

• Want to add uniqueness to their improv skills

• Want to be more spontaneous in their acting or life

• Want to feel more confident on stage—and in life

• Are workshopping and discovering their unique voice

• Are curious about clown (without a red nose!)

• Want to be more present and responsive in the moment

• Want to overcome stage fright or public speaking

• Want to change their relationship with failure

Class Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Fee: $25 + HST = $28.25 for 2 hours

PLEASE REGISTER!

I've had to turn people away at the door who didn’t register, and I’d love to avoid that! This is just to ensure everyone gets a fair amount of time in class.

Max capacity: 15 people—so register early to secure your spot!

To secure your spot, register and send an e-transfer to jeffels.chase@gmail.com.

Important: Include your name and the date of the drop-in in the transfer notes.

About Chase:

Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.”

Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.

As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.

SLUGS 
by S.E. Grummett & Sam Kruger

It’s about nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing. We promise. 
For tonight, we are free. 

From the creators of cult-hit “CREEPY BOYS” (★★★★ Fest Mag, ★★★★★ Somewhere for Us, ★★★★★ InDaily, ★★★★★ Why Now). Join us for a technocolour acid trip where you’ll meet puppet Joni Mitchell, a two-person horse and every body part we have.A techno-punk concert, a play, a clown show, a basement puppet nightmare all rolled into one, SLUGS is about trying to have a good time while the world burns.

Please join us for a Work-In-Progress for a chunk of this new show, as we continue developing it for the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Created & Performed by:

S.E. Grummett & Sam Kruger

In Collaboration with:

Caleigh Crow, Shirley Gnome, Deanna Fleysher, Zach Dorn, Sasha Crow, Tori Morrison, Taegan O’Bertos

Tickets:

Pay What You Can - at the door

Between the Grooves: An Improvised Exploration of an Album

Between the Grooves is an improvised exploration of an entire album- this one's for lovers of music and comedy! This stacked cast of comedy heroes will unpack each track on the album to inspire scenes that will move you, figuratively (and literally).

Come watch some of the funniest improvisers in Canada will bring the album to life, one song at a time!

Event Details:

Date: Friday June 20, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ~50 min runtime, doors at 7:45pm

Location: Sweet Action Theatre (180 Shaw Street #106) Toronto, ON

Get ready to laugh and dance in your seat at...

Between the Grooves: Comedy Inspired by RIHANNA's ALBUM - ANTI!

Open Stage Night is Here!

Free, no tickets.

Join us for an evening of laughter, creativity, and surprise at the Open Stage Night! It’s like an open mic for comics, just instead of a microphone we’re opening up the entire stage for ridiculousness to occur. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and share your silliest, most whimsical acts. From playful antics to heartwarming stories, clown, bouffon, improv, and all other performance artists, we want to see what you're working on!

Up to 10 minutes of stage time for each performer. List will be posted at 9:00 pm, show starts at 9:15pm.

Not just for performers! Come out to watch the show, see some fresh acts, and laugh at the hilarity that will ensue. Ridiculousness is almost guaranteed to occur!

This workshop includes movement technique, collaborative group exercises, and embodied writing prompts to support students in creating their very own mime pieces. Our immersion in mime helps theatre artists working from all styles and approaches make clear, physical choices for the creation of environment, character, and story. We shape the performance space, as well as endow absent objects with weight, shape, texture, value, and power. We explore comedic timing, character-based comedy, conflict, lazzi, and exaggeration. The workshop will also explore conventions and aesthetic approaches that help the audience interpret and appreciate visual theatre.

The pedagogy draws on Joylyn Secunda’s performance experience especially in mask theatre, mime, and puppetry, as well as intensive studies in Corporeal mime, pantomime, clown, and dance.

This workshop is intended for performers of all disciplines. No mime experience necessary.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

REGISTRATION: In order to make this accessible to artists I am offering this workshop on a sliding scale $40-$60. Please send an e-transfer to joylynsecunda@gmail.com to reserve your place. Spaces are limited.

About the Instructor

Joylyn Secunda is a physical theatre artist, actor, dancer, and puppeteer based in Vancouver. They have performed their solo physical comedy, The Moaning Yoni, 50 times in cities across Canada and more recently debuted their solo mime show, The Routine at the rEvolver Festival (Vancouver, May 2024) and Adelaide Fringe (Australia, March 2025). In addition to their solo career, they have performed with theatre companies including the National Arts Centre, The Wonderheads, Presentation House, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, and Monster Theatre. Joylyn was mentored by Crystal Pite in the Startle Reflex Residency. When they aren't performing, Joylyn teaches mime, puppetry, and physical theatre workshops to school groups with Théâtre la Seizième and Evergreen Cultural Centre, and to professionals and university students. They are a BFA Acting graduate from UBC and have studied clown with John Turner (Mump & Smoot) and Aitor Basauri (Spymonkey), mime with Dean Evans (Cirque du Soleil), Corporeal mime at Théâtre Omnibus, and devised theatre at Dell’Arte International.

Death of a Salesman meets Mr. Bean... A lonely office worker squeezes through a portal in their bathroom mirror and goes on a quest for the meaning of life in this surreal physical comedy. The mundane becomes extraordinary as each vignette and dance takes you deeper into a whimsical world of illusion. The Routine will leave you in stitches and remind you of the magic within.

★★★★★ "Mind Blowing Mime...The Routine isn’t just a performance; it’s a wake-up call wrapped in comedy." — the LIST UK

★★★★★ — Edmonton Journal

“An overall rollicking good time.” — Broadway World

Joylyn Secunda is a physical theatre artist, actor, dancer, and puppeteer based in Vancouver. They have performed their solo physical comedy, The Moaning Yoni, 50 times in cities across Canada and more recently debuted their solo mime show, The Routine at the rEvolver Festival (Vancouver, May 2024) and Adelaide Fringe (Australia, March 2025). In addition to their solo career, they have performed with theatre companies including the National Arts Centre, The Wonderheads, Presentation House, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, and Monster Theatre. Joylyn was mentored by Crystal Pite in the Startle Reflex Residency. When they aren't performing, Joylyn teaches mime, puppetry, and physical theatre workshops to school groups with Théâtre la Seizième and Evergreen Cultural Centre, and to professionals and university students. They are a BFA Acting graduate from UBC and have studied clown with John Turner (Mump & Smoot) and Aitor Basauri (Spymonkey), mime with Dean Evans (Cirque du Soleil), Corporeal mime at Théâtre Omnibus, and devised theatre at Dell’Arte International.

Website: joylynsecunda.ca

Instagram: @joylynsecunda

Facebook: Joylyn Secunda Performance

Creative Team

Joylyn Secunda — co-creator, performer, sound designer, producer

David Secunda — co-creator, director

Linda Arkelian — movement coach

IT'S HIGH TIME DIVAS HAD THEIR DUE.

At Bad Cabaret, you'll see strange and novel acts do weird, incredible things you've never seen before. Every act is one-of-a-kind and one-time only. Every month at Sweet Action Theatre. Follow @baddmachine on Instagram for lineup announcements.

Door tickets available for $20.

FEATURING:
LUIGI MANGIONE GREGORIAN MONK BURLESQUE - Jonnie Lombard
GAY COWBOYS - Millie & Chaw
TALES FROM THE CLUBS IN 1970'S VANCOUVER - Gay Grandpa
BURLESQUE - Gorge Michael
STRIPPING - Night Raven
ALT. COMEDY - TBA
BURLESQUE - Cherry Bomb
LIVE LOOPING - Bad Machine
Plus, a special guest...

HOSTED BY:
Bad Machine & Cherry Bomb. Bad Machine improvises beats for the audience from scratch. Your ideas come to life. Things get weird. Cherry Bomb is an explosive mix of sensuality and silliness, bringing together the best of burlesque and clowning. Their performance will be so hot it’s stupid.

NOTE FROM THE VENUE:
"Sweet Action is an accessible venue. Event is 19+. In order to increase the chances of being seated with your group please purchase tickets under one name. Doors open @ 9:15PM."
No one turned away for lack of funds! Limited comps available, message @baddmachine on Instagram.

This is a queer space. (Hateful & discriminatory behaviour an immediate no-go.) Be kind to performers and your fellow guests!

This weekly 2-hour drop-in class is your ultimate playground for becoming a more articulate, inspired, and expressive comedian and performer. Through dynamic exercises and techniques, we’ll tap into the power of physicality—because your body has the potential to speak louder than words! Together, we’ll explore how movement can supercharge the delivery of your bits, stories, and speeches, leaving your audience captivated and craving more.

Each week brings a fresh focus to spark your creativity and strengthen your performance skills. Think of it as an artistic workout! From mastering presence to exploring neutral masks, half masks, genre work, clowning, collective creation, improv and much more —there’s something new to discover every time. And don’t worry, we’ll revisit topics to build consistency and adapt to the energy of the group!

No Experience Necessary!
This workshop is open to all artistic adventurers—whether you’re a seasoned performer or just curious to try something new. You don’t need to be a comedian or clown to reap the benefits. Come as you are and let your imagination lead the way.

Who Is This For?
This class is perfect for anyone who:

• Wants to command the stage with confidence and intention

• Is curious about the Lecoq Technique

• Is ready to dive into new styles of theatre and performance

• Wants to level up their physical comedy and clowning skills

• Dreams of creating their own original work

• Is eager to shake up their acting and live performance routine

• Wants to add depth, physicality, and object work to their improv or stand up comedy game.

Fee: $25 + HST = $28.25 for 2 hours


I will send a email to everyone the night before! If you send the day of, just show up! 

Please wear movement clothes and indoor shoes. Nothing too busy on the clothes! THANKS! 

SIGN UP FOR CHASE'S NEWSLETTER for info on new workshops and classes! 
Here

About Chase:

Chase Jeffels is a graduate of École Jacques Lecoq and the Laboratoire d'Étude du Mouvement (Laboratory of Movement Study) in Paris, France. He also trained under the guidance of renowned clown master Philippe Gaulier (teacher of Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emma Thompson). Gaulier had this to say about Chase’s work (imagine it in a thick French accent): “I do not like very much Canada, but I like what you do.”

Chase has also studied with a host of other notable teachers in clown, bouffon, and idiot work, including Aitor Basauri, John Gilkey, Chad Damiani, Kevin Krieger, Deanna Fleysher, Jaime Mears, Ken Hall, Isaac Kessler, and Gordon Neill. Additionally, he completed the three-year classical theatre conservatory program at George Brown Theatre School.

As an actor and comedian, Chase’s work spans film, television, and theatre. He has performed across Canada, France, and China. Chase is one half of the dynamic duo West 2 West, celebrated for their innovative blend of sketch, clown, and improv comedy. In his solo endeavors, Chase continues to push the boundaries of comedy, merging improv, sketch, and a unique fusion of stand-up and clown. His work bridges the gap between mainstream comedy and the art of clowning, showcasing his passion for creative performance.

Sabrina Reschke is offering a

Taster Meisner Class: Reconnect with Your Emotional Truth

Step into a space where expression is raw, instincts are free, and connection is real.

Join us for a taster class in the Meisner Technique — a powerful (acting) method designed not to teach you how to act, but how to be. Whether you're an actor looking to deepen your craft or someone simply curious about being more emotionally present and truthful, this class is for you.

Through repetition, emotional exploration, and playful exercises, we’ll gently peel back the layers we’ve learned to hide behind. You’ll be guided to listen, respond, and feel — WITHOUT filters, judgement or performance.

As Sanford Meisner said: “Don’t be an actor. Be a human being.....Art expresses human experience." By engaging with the performing arts, we play, explore and experience life in a safe space.

No experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to play.

FREE workshop. Will accept donations.

About Me (Sabrina Reschke)

I’ve been working with the Meisner Technique since 2021, both as a dedicated student and at times as a teacher. In October 2024, I committed fully to this life-changing form of artistic expression, and I’m currently deepening my journey through a dedicated Meisner teacher training at the Meisner Institute.

This work has profoundly shaped my life — not just as an artist, but as a human being. Through this technique, I’ve learned to explore and embrace the full range of my emotions, to name them, feel them, and own them. It has made me more confident, grounded, and present in every moment.

Now, I’m passionate about sharing this journey with others. Whether you're an actor or not, I believe this technique can open something powerful in you too.

Death of a Salesman meets Mr. Bean... A lonely office worker squeezes through a portal in their bathroom mirror and goes on a quest for the meaning of life in this surreal physical comedy. The mundane becomes extraordinary as each vignette and dance takes you deeper into a whimsical world of illusion. The Routine will leave you in stitches and remind you of the magic within.

★★★★★ "Mind Blowing Mime...The Routine isn’t just a performance; it’s a wake-up call wrapped in comedy." — the LIST UK

★★★★★ — Edmonton Journal

“An overall rollicking good time.” — Broadway World

Joylyn Secunda is a physical theatre artist, actor, dancer, and puppeteer based in Vancouver. They have performed their solo physical comedy, The Moaning Yoni, 50 times in cities across Canada and more recently debuted their solo mime show, The Routine at the rEvolver Festival (Vancouver, May 2024) and Adelaide Fringe (Australia, March 2025). In addition to their solo career, they have performed with theatre companies including the National Arts Centre, The Wonderheads, Presentation House, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, and Monster Theatre. Joylyn was mentored by Crystal Pite in the Startle Reflex Residency. When they aren't performing, Joylyn teaches mime, puppetry, and physical theatre workshops to school groups with Théâtre la Seizième and Evergreen Cultural Centre, and to professionals and university students. They are a BFA Acting graduate from UBC and have studied clown with John Turner (Mump & Smoot) and Aitor Basauri (Spymonkey), mime with Dean Evans (Cirque du Soleil), Corporeal mime at Théâtre Omnibus, and devised theatre at Dell’Arte International.

Website: joylynsecunda.ca

Instagram: @joylynsecunda

Facebook: Joylyn Secunda Performance

Creative Team

Joylyn Secunda — co-creator, performer, sound designer, producer

David Secunda — co-creator, director

Linda Arkelian — movement coach

From Page to Stage: Motion & Emotion

Perhaps you love the Moth, or Risk, or This American Life or any of the hundreds of storytelling podcasts out there. Perhaps you’ve read every David Sedaris book in the library and captivated by tales that speak to the quirkiness of humanity. Perhaps you’ve seen a dozen solo shows and thought, “Goddammit, I’d love to do that!” This is the class where YOU do THAT.

Each class, you’ll bring in a story you’ve been working on, and together, we’ll explore the richness of your work for story threads to expand upon. We’ll peel back layers to find the hidden complexity and nuance. We’ll use your strengths and unique abilities to tell the story in a way only you could tell it. Finally, we’ll get your story show-ready for a class showcase.

Prerequisite: None.

What You’ll Learn

• How to expand and edit.
• How to embody your storytelling.
• How to compel through use of voice.
• How to breathe life into your characters.
• How to make your piece uniquely YOU!

What You’ll Get

• A classes capped at 12 (minimum 6).
• 6, 3-hour classes
• A 7 minute - performance piece of your own creation.
• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | June 9th – July 21st, 2025
(no class June 30th)
• SHOW: Monday July 28th,, 7PM

Where?
• The Sweet Action Theatre Company
180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $300 + HST before May 15th
(then $350 +HST)

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today:
jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

About Your Instructor

James’ recent TV credits include Saved by The Bell (NBC Peacock), Workin’ Moms (Netflix), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the and the newly released, Jane (Apple+). James also writes for some of your kid’s favourite TV shows including Odd Squad, the 2-time Daytime Emmy Award Winner for Best Children’s Show.

When James isn’t writing and performing, he is a Therapist in Training at the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and is a peer-to-peer support facilitator at The Gatehouse, an organization dedicated to serving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night.

Thursday June 26 to Monday June 30
10am-4pm each day

SLIDIING SCALE:
$550 regular price
$450 CODE: 1OFFPLZ
$350 CODE: 2OFFPLZ

Quantity:

Add To Cart

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night. The bigger hope? To spark an ongoing community of Toronto bouffon makers who can keep developing full ensemble shows—work that’s rich, sharp, and ready to hit the stage. If you’ve been hungry to move beyond short form or solo work and into the guts of ensemble-driven satire, this is for you.

We’ll hit the ground running: a fast and dirty review of core technique, then straight into physical devising. You’ll be on your feet, in your costume, playing the mask of your bouffon body to hone its appetite, its alliances, its targets. Some talk, but mostly discovering through the body. We’ll dig into the chemistry between your gang of freaks and build from there—crafting bold, embodied satire designed to disturb, delight, and move an audience.

Bouffon gives us a rare kind of freedom onstage—the license to mock power, unearth what society hides, and make the audience squirm, howl, and think all at once. But that kind of play demands rigor and risk. This intensive is a chance to sharpen your instincts, stretch your range, and build the ensemble chops it takes to land material that cuts. You and your gang should come in with a strong bouffon and either a clear idea, an urgent societal itch to scratch, or a target to explore. If you’re still cooking, we’ll need to meet on Zoom beforehand to help get you ready. This is about building the creative muscle to keep making work long after the week is over—and having a hell of a good time in the process.

DETAILS & TAKEAWAYS

• Dates: June 26 - 30

• Hours: Five 5-hour days + final evening showing

• Group Size: Max 15 participants

• Final Showing: Public performance on the evening of Day 5, Monday June 30th

• Who It’s For: Folks who’ve taken Naked Empire’s Bouffon Intensive, or experienced bouffon players with prior training (let’s talk first if you haven’t trained with me yet)

• How It Works: You’ll be in a gang (ideally 5 people) creating a 10–15 minute piece over the week. You can form a group ahead of time or we can help you find one. You should come in with a strong bouffon and an idea or target you’re fired up about. Zoom prep chats encouraged (and may be required) to get your group ready to roll.

You’ll walk away with:

• A brand-new, raw, ready-to-share bouffon ensemble piece

• Deepened skills in physical dramaturgy and embodied satire

• Stronger chops in ensemble devising, audience confrontation, and parody

• Tools for crafting work that is both fearless and precis

• Momentum and connection to keep building full-length bouffon shows in Toronto

about the teacher

Based in Boston, Nathaniel is a queer, Cali-Rican theater artist.

He is the founding Artistic Director of Naked Empire Bouffon Company, which began in San Francisco in 2009 with an activist mission to devise hilarious, cutting, and visually-provocative satires to catalyze urgent discourse. Since then, Naked Empire has toured across the continent with award-winning new works and training intensives becoming North America’s premier bouffon company. Their productions have been awarded Best of the Fringe three times in San Francisco, the Talk of the Fringe Award and Best-of-Fringe runner-up in Vancouver, the Artist’s Choice Award in Edmonton, as well as Official Selections from the Toronto Festival of Clowns, Vancouver’s Dancing on the Edge Festival, Victoria’s UNOFest, Berkeley’s Blast Festival, Xfest in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Philadelphia's Cannonball Festival. The company uses bouffon, an under-utilized form of highly physical and extremely irreverent comedic satire leading the Huffington Post to praise the work as “devilishly dangerous theatre.”

Currently, he is the Head of Movement and tenured Associate Professor of Performance at Emerson College and he has served as the Director of Physical Comedy for the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, Movement Designer at UC Berkeley, core faculty of the SF Clown Conservatory, and guest faculty at the Juilliard School.

Cancellation policy:

If, with at least one week's notice, you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please note that Sweet Action Theatre Company will retain $100 of your original purchase as a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than one week before the first day of the intensive will not be refunded.

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night.

Thursday June 26 to Monday June 30
10am-4pm each day

SLIDIING SCALE:
$550 regular price
$450 CODE: 1OFFPLZ
$350 CODE: 2OFFPLZ

Quantity:

Add To Cart

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night. The bigger hope? To spark an ongoing community of Toronto bouffon makers who can keep developing full ensemble shows—work that’s rich, sharp, and ready to hit the stage. If you’ve been hungry to move beyond short form or solo work and into the guts of ensemble-driven satire, this is for you.

We’ll hit the ground running: a fast and dirty review of core technique, then straight into physical devising. You’ll be on your feet, in your costume, playing the mask of your bouffon body to hone its appetite, its alliances, its targets. Some talk, but mostly discovering through the body. We’ll dig into the chemistry between your gang of freaks and build from there—crafting bold, embodied satire designed to disturb, delight, and move an audience.

Bouffon gives us a rare kind of freedom onstage—the license to mock power, unearth what society hides, and make the audience squirm, howl, and think all at once. But that kind of play demands rigor and risk. This intensive is a chance to sharpen your instincts, stretch your range, and build the ensemble chops it takes to land material that cuts. You and your gang should come in with a strong bouffon and either a clear idea, an urgent societal itch to scratch, or a target to explore. If you’re still cooking, we’ll need to meet on Zoom beforehand to help get you ready. This is about building the creative muscle to keep making work long after the week is over—and having a hell of a good time in the process.

DETAILS & TAKEAWAYS

• Dates: June 26 - 30

• Hours: Five 5-hour days + final evening showing

• Group Size: Max 15 participants

• Final Showing: Public performance on the evening of Day 5, Monday June 30th

• Who It’s For: Folks who’ve taken Naked Empire’s Bouffon Intensive, or experienced bouffon players with prior training (let’s talk first if you haven’t trained with me yet)

• How It Works: You’ll be in a gang (ideally 5 people) creating a 10–15 minute piece over the week. You can form a group ahead of time or we can help you find one. You should come in with a strong bouffon and an idea or target you’re fired up about. Zoom prep chats encouraged (and may be required) to get your group ready to roll.

You’ll walk away with:

• A brand-new, raw, ready-to-share bouffon ensemble piece

• Deepened skills in physical dramaturgy and embodied satire

• Stronger chops in ensemble devising, audience confrontation, and parody

• Tools for crafting work that is both fearless and precis

• Momentum and connection to keep building full-length bouffon shows in Toronto

about the teacher

Based in Boston, Nathaniel is a queer, Cali-Rican theater artist.

He is the founding Artistic Director of Naked Empire Bouffon Company, which began in San Francisco in 2009 with an activist mission to devise hilarious, cutting, and visually-provocative satires to catalyze urgent discourse. Since then, Naked Empire has toured across the continent with award-winning new works and training intensives becoming North America’s premier bouffon company. Their productions have been awarded Best of the Fringe three times in San Francisco, the Talk of the Fringe Award and Best-of-Fringe runner-up in Vancouver, the Artist’s Choice Award in Edmonton, as well as Official Selections from the Toronto Festival of Clowns, Vancouver’s Dancing on the Edge Festival, Victoria’s UNOFest, Berkeley’s Blast Festival, Xfest in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Philadelphia's Cannonball Festival. The company uses bouffon, an under-utilized form of highly physical and extremely irreverent comedic satire leading the Huffington Post to praise the work as “devilishly dangerous theatre.”

Currently, he is the Head of Movement and tenured Associate Professor of Performance at Emerson College and he has served as the Director of Physical Comedy for the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, Movement Designer at UC Berkeley, core faculty of the SF Clown Conservatory, and guest faculty at the Juilliard School.

Cancellation policy:

If, with at least one week's notice, you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please note that Sweet Action Theatre Company will retain $100 of your original purchase as a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than one week before the first day of the intensive will not be refunded.

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night.

Thursday June 26 to Monday June 30
10am-4pm each day

SLIDIING SCALE:
$550 regular price
$450 CODE: 1OFFPLZ
$350 CODE: 2OFFPLZ

Quantity:

Add To Cart

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night. The bigger hope? To spark an ongoing community of Toronto bouffon makers who can keep developing full ensemble shows—work that’s rich, sharp, and ready to hit the stage. If you’ve been hungry to move beyond short form or solo work and into the guts of ensemble-driven satire, this is for you.

We’ll hit the ground running: a fast and dirty review of core technique, then straight into physical devising. You’ll be on your feet, in your costume, playing the mask of your bouffon body to hone its appetite, its alliances, its targets. Some talk, but mostly discovering through the body. We’ll dig into the chemistry between your gang of freaks and build from there—crafting bold, embodied satire designed to disturb, delight, and move an audience.

Bouffon gives us a rare kind of freedom onstage—the license to mock power, unearth what society hides, and make the audience squirm, howl, and think all at once. But that kind of play demands rigor and risk. This intensive is a chance to sharpen your instincts, stretch your range, and build the ensemble chops it takes to land material that cuts. You and your gang should come in with a strong bouffon and either a clear idea, an urgent societal itch to scratch, or a target to explore. If you’re still cooking, we’ll need to meet on Zoom beforehand to help get you ready. This is about building the creative muscle to keep making work long after the week is over—and having a hell of a good time in the process.

DETAILS & TAKEAWAYS

• Dates: June 26 - 30

• Hours: Five 5-hour days + final evening showing

• Group Size: Max 15 participants

• Final Showing: Public performance on the evening of Day 5, Monday June 30th

• Who It’s For: Folks who’ve taken Naked Empire’s Bouffon Intensive, or experienced bouffon players with prior training (let’s talk first if you haven’t trained with me yet)

• How It Works: You’ll be in a gang (ideally 5 people) creating a 10–15 minute piece over the week. You can form a group ahead of time or we can help you find one. You should come in with a strong bouffon and an idea or target you’re fired up about. Zoom prep chats encouraged (and may be required) to get your group ready to roll.

You’ll walk away with:

• A brand-new, raw, ready-to-share bouffon ensemble piece

• Deepened skills in physical dramaturgy and embodied satire

• Stronger chops in ensemble devising, audience confrontation, and parody

• Tools for crafting work that is both fearless and precis

• Momentum and connection to keep building full-length bouffon shows in Toronto

about the teacher

Based in Boston, Nathaniel is a queer, Cali-Rican theater artist.

He is the founding Artistic Director of Naked Empire Bouffon Company, which began in San Francisco in 2009 with an activist mission to devise hilarious, cutting, and visually-provocative satires to catalyze urgent discourse. Since then, Naked Empire has toured across the continent with award-winning new works and training intensives becoming North America’s premier bouffon company. Their productions have been awarded Best of the Fringe three times in San Francisco, the Talk of the Fringe Award and Best-of-Fringe runner-up in Vancouver, the Artist’s Choice Award in Edmonton, as well as Official Selections from the Toronto Festival of Clowns, Vancouver’s Dancing on the Edge Festival, Victoria’s UNOFest, Berkeley’s Blast Festival, Xfest in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Philadelphia's Cannonball Festival. The company uses bouffon, an under-utilized form of highly physical and extremely irreverent comedic satire leading the Huffington Post to praise the work as “devilishly dangerous theatre.”

Currently, he is the Head of Movement and tenured Associate Professor of Performance at Emerson College and he has served as the Director of Physical Comedy for the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, Movement Designer at UC Berkeley, core faculty of the SF Clown Conservatory, and guest faculty at the Juilliard School.

Cancellation policy:

If, with at least one week's notice, you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please note that Sweet Action Theatre Company will retain $100 of your original purchase as a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than one week before the first day of the intensive will not be refunded.

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night.

Thursday June 26 to Monday June 30
10am-4pm each day

SLIDIING SCALE:
$550 regular price
$450 CODE: 1OFFPLZ
$350 CODE: 2OFFPLZ

Quantity:

Add To Cart

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night. The bigger hope? To spark an ongoing community of Toronto bouffon makers who can keep developing full ensemble shows—work that’s rich, sharp, and ready to hit the stage. If you’ve been hungry to move beyond short form or solo work and into the guts of ensemble-driven satire, this is for you.

We’ll hit the ground running: a fast and dirty review of core technique, then straight into physical devising. You’ll be on your feet, in your costume, playing the mask of your bouffon body to hone its appetite, its alliances, its targets. Some talk, but mostly discovering through the body. We’ll dig into the chemistry between your gang of freaks and build from there—crafting bold, embodied satire designed to disturb, delight, and move an audience.

Bouffon gives us a rare kind of freedom onstage—the license to mock power, unearth what society hides, and make the audience squirm, howl, and think all at once. But that kind of play demands rigor and risk. This intensive is a chance to sharpen your instincts, stretch your range, and build the ensemble chops it takes to land material that cuts. You and your gang should come in with a strong bouffon and either a clear idea, an urgent societal itch to scratch, or a target to explore. If you’re still cooking, we’ll need to meet on Zoom beforehand to help get you ready. This is about building the creative muscle to keep making work long after the week is over—and having a hell of a good time in the process.

DETAILS & TAKEAWAYS

• Dates: June 26 - 30

• Hours: Five 5-hour days + final evening showing

• Group Size: Max 15 participants

• Final Showing: Public performance on the evening of Day 5, Monday June 30th

• Who It’s For: Folks who’ve taken Naked Empire’s Bouffon Intensive, or experienced bouffon players with prior training (let’s talk first if you haven’t trained with me yet)

• How It Works: You’ll be in a gang (ideally 5 people) creating a 10–15 minute piece over the week. You can form a group ahead of time or we can help you find one. You should come in with a strong bouffon and an idea or target you’re fired up about. Zoom prep chats encouraged (and may be required) to get your group ready to roll.

You’ll walk away with:

• A brand-new, raw, ready-to-share bouffon ensemble piece

• Deepened skills in physical dramaturgy and embodied satire

• Stronger chops in ensemble devising, audience confrontation, and parody

• Tools for crafting work that is both fearless and precis

• Momentum and connection to keep building full-length bouffon shows in Toronto

about the teacher

Based in Boston, Nathaniel is a queer, Cali-Rican theater artist.

He is the founding Artistic Director of Naked Empire Bouffon Company, which began in San Francisco in 2009 with an activist mission to devise hilarious, cutting, and visually-provocative satires to catalyze urgent discourse. Since then, Naked Empire has toured across the continent with award-winning new works and training intensives becoming North America’s premier bouffon company. Their productions have been awarded Best of the Fringe three times in San Francisco, the Talk of the Fringe Award and Best-of-Fringe runner-up in Vancouver, the Artist’s Choice Award in Edmonton, as well as Official Selections from the Toronto Festival of Clowns, Vancouver’s Dancing on the Edge Festival, Victoria’s UNOFest, Berkeley’s Blast Festival, Xfest in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Philadelphia's Cannonball Festival. The company uses bouffon, an under-utilized form of highly physical and extremely irreverent comedic satire leading the Huffington Post to praise the work as “devilishly dangerous theatre.”

Currently, he is the Head of Movement and tenured Associate Professor of Performance at Emerson College and he has served as the Director of Physical Comedy for the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, Movement Designer at UC Berkeley, core faculty of the SF Clown Conservatory, and guest faculty at the Juilliard School.

Cancellation policy:

If, with at least one week's notice, you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please note that Sweet Action Theatre Company will retain $100 of your original purchase as a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than one week before the first day of the intensive will not be refunded.

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night.

Thursday June 26 to Monday June 30
10am-4pm each day

SLIDIING SCALE:
$550 regular price
$450 CODE: 1OFFPLZ
$350 CODE: 2OFFPLZ

Quantity:

Add To Cart

This is a five-day bouffon devising intensive for those ready to take the next leap. Designed for folks who’ve trained with me before—or for experienced bouffon practitioners with prior training (pending approval)—this workshop is about going deeper and getting serious (while having a damn good time doing it). You’ll work in small “gangs” (ideally groups of 5), building a 10–15 minute piece to perform at a public showing on the final night. The bigger hope? To spark an ongoing community of Toronto bouffon makers who can keep developing full ensemble shows—work that’s rich, sharp, and ready to hit the stage. If you’ve been hungry to move beyond short form or solo work and into the guts of ensemble-driven satire, this is for you.

We’ll hit the ground running: a fast and dirty review of core technique, then straight into physical devising. You’ll be on your feet, in your costume, playing the mask of your bouffon body to hone its appetite, its alliances, its targets. Some talk, but mostly discovering through the body. We’ll dig into the chemistry between your gang of freaks and build from there—crafting bold, embodied satire designed to disturb, delight, and move an audience.

Bouffon gives us a rare kind of freedom onstage—the license to mock power, unearth what society hides, and make the audience squirm, howl, and think all at once. But that kind of play demands rigor and risk. This intensive is a chance to sharpen your instincts, stretch your range, and build the ensemble chops it takes to land material that cuts. You and your gang should come in with a strong bouffon and either a clear idea, an urgent societal itch to scratch, or a target to explore. If you’re still cooking, we’ll need to meet on Zoom beforehand to help get you ready. This is about building the creative muscle to keep making work long after the week is over—and having a hell of a good time in the process.

DETAILS & TAKEAWAYS

• Dates: June 26 - 30

• Hours: Five 5-hour days + final evening showing

• Group Size: Max 15 participants

• Final Showing: Public performance on the evening of Day 5, Monday June 30th

• Who It’s For: Folks who’ve taken Naked Empire’s Bouffon Intensive, or experienced bouffon players with prior training (let’s talk first if you haven’t trained with me yet)

• How It Works: You’ll be in a gang (ideally 5 people) creating a 10–15 minute piece over the week. You can form a group ahead of time or we can help you find one. You should come in with a strong bouffon and an idea or target you’re fired up about. Zoom prep chats encouraged (and may be required) to get your group ready to roll.

You’ll walk away with:

• A brand-new, raw, ready-to-share bouffon ensemble piece

• Deepened skills in physical dramaturgy and embodied satire

• Stronger chops in ensemble devising, audience confrontation, and parody

• Tools for crafting work that is both fearless and precis

• Momentum and connection to keep building full-length bouffon shows in Toronto

about the teacher

Based in Boston, Nathaniel is a queer, Cali-Rican theater artist.

He is the founding Artistic Director of Naked Empire Bouffon Company, which began in San Francisco in 2009 with an activist mission to devise hilarious, cutting, and visually-provocative satires to catalyze urgent discourse. Since then, Naked Empire has toured across the continent with award-winning new works and training intensives becoming North America’s premier bouffon company. Their productions have been awarded Best of the Fringe three times in San Francisco, the Talk of the Fringe Award and Best-of-Fringe runner-up in Vancouver, the Artist’s Choice Award in Edmonton, as well as Official Selections from the Toronto Festival of Clowns, Vancouver’s Dancing on the Edge Festival, Victoria’s UNOFest, Berkeley’s Blast Festival, Xfest in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Philadelphia's Cannonball Festival. The company uses bouffon, an under-utilized form of highly physical and extremely irreverent comedic satire leading the Huffington Post to praise the work as “devilishly dangerous theatre.”

Currently, he is the Head of Movement and tenured Associate Professor of Performance at Emerson College and he has served as the Director of Physical Comedy for the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, Movement Designer at UC Berkeley, core faculty of the SF Clown Conservatory, and guest faculty at the Juilliard School.

Cancellation policy:

If, with at least one week's notice, you need to cancel your registration for any reason, please note that Sweet Action Theatre Company will retain $100 of your original purchase as a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than one week before the first day of the intensive will not be refunded.

Special Preview Pricing of $10

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

Special Pay What You Can Pricing!

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

From Page to Stage: Motion & Emotion

Perhaps you love the Moth, or Risk, or This American Life or any of the hundreds of storytelling podcasts out there. Perhaps you’ve read every David Sedaris book in the library and captivated by tales that speak to the quirkiness of humanity. Perhaps you’ve seen a dozen solo shows and thought, “Goddammit, I’d love to do that!” This is the class where YOU do THAT.

Each class, you’ll bring in a story you’ve been working on, and together, we’ll explore the richness of your work for story threads to expand upon. We’ll peel back layers to find the hidden complexity and nuance. We’ll use your strengths and unique abilities to tell the story in a way only you could tell it. Finally, we’ll get your story show-ready for a class showcase.

Prerequisite: None.

What You’ll Learn

• How to expand and edit.
• How to embody your storytelling.
• How to compel through use of voice.
• How to breathe life into your characters.
• How to make your piece uniquely YOU!

What You’ll Get

• A classes capped at 12 (minimum 6).
• 6, 3-hour classes
• A 7 minute - performance piece of your own creation.
• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | June 9th – July 21st, 2025
(no class June 30th)
• SHOW: Monday July 28th,, 7PM

Where?
• The Sweet Action Theatre Company
180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $300 + HST before May 15th
(then $350 +HST)

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today:
jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

About Your Instructor

James’ recent TV credits include Saved by The Bell (NBC Peacock), Workin’ Moms (Netflix), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the and the newly released, Jane (Apple+). James also writes for some of your kid’s favourite TV shows including Odd Squad, the 2-time Daytime Emmy Award Winner for Best Children’s Show.

When James isn’t writing and performing, he is a Therapist in Training at the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and is a peer-to-peer support facilitator at The Gatehouse, an organization dedicated to serving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

Sweet Action has assembled the best Clowns & Comedians to engage in the ultimate clash of comedy styles—ONE STAGE, ONE RULE: DON’T LAUGH! ‘CAUSE IF THEY LAUGH, THEY’RE OUT! BUT THE AUDIENCE WILL LAUGH, MAKING IT HARD!

It's all led to this...witness the Ultimate Form of Comedy!

Cast
Gordon Neill
Isaac Kessler
Ken Hall
Victoria Watson Sepejak
Joshua Bonnici
Vinay Sagar
& Special Guests each show

From Page to Stage: Motion & Emotion

Perhaps you love the Moth, or Risk, or This American Life or any of the hundreds of storytelling podcasts out there. Perhaps you’ve read every David Sedaris book in the library and captivated by tales that speak to the quirkiness of humanity. Perhaps you’ve seen a dozen solo shows and thought, “Goddammit, I’d love to do that!” This is the class where YOU do THAT.

Each class, you’ll bring in a story you’ve been working on, and together, we’ll explore the richness of your work for story threads to expand upon. We’ll peel back layers to find the hidden complexity and nuance. We’ll use your strengths and unique abilities to tell the story in a way only you could tell it. Finally, we’ll get your story show-ready for a class showcase.

Prerequisite: None.

What You’ll Learn

• How to expand and edit.
• How to embody your storytelling.
• How to compel through use of voice.
• How to breathe life into your characters.
• How to make your piece uniquely YOU!

What You’ll Get

• A classes capped at 12 (minimum 6).
• 6, 3-hour classes
• A 7 minute - performance piece of your own creation.
• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | June 9th – July 21st, 2025
(no class June 30th)
• SHOW: Monday July 28th,, 7PM

Where?
• The Sweet Action Theatre Company
180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $300 + HST before May 15th
(then $350 +HST)

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today:
jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

About Your Instructor

James’ recent TV credits include Saved by The Bell (NBC Peacock), Workin’ Moms (Netflix), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the and the newly released, Jane (Apple+). James also writes for some of your kid’s favourite TV shows including Odd Squad, the 2-time Daytime Emmy Award Winner for Best Children’s Show.

When James isn’t writing and performing, he is a Therapist in Training at the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and is a peer-to-peer support facilitator at The Gatehouse, an organization dedicated to serving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

From Page to Stage: Motion & Emotion

Perhaps you love the Moth, or Risk, or This American Life or any of the hundreds of storytelling podcasts out there. Perhaps you’ve read every David Sedaris book in the library and captivated by tales that speak to the quirkiness of humanity. Perhaps you’ve seen a dozen solo shows and thought, “Goddammit, I’d love to do that!” This is the class where YOU do THAT.

Each class, you’ll bring in a story you’ve been working on, and together, we’ll explore the richness of your work for story threads to expand upon. We’ll peel back layers to find the hidden complexity and nuance. We’ll use your strengths and unique abilities to tell the story in a way only you could tell it. Finally, we’ll get your story show-ready for a class showcase.

Prerequisite: None.

What You’ll Learn

• How to expand and edit.
• How to embody your storytelling.
• How to compel through use of voice.
• How to breathe life into your characters.
• How to make your piece uniquely YOU!

What You’ll Get

• A classes capped at 12 (minimum 6).
• 6, 3-hour classes
• A 7 minute - performance piece of your own creation.
• A showcase performance featuring your work.

When?

• Mondays, 6 – 9PM | June 9th – July 21st, 2025
(no class June 30th)
• SHOW: Monday July 28th,, 7PM

Where?
• The Sweet Action Theatre Company
180 Shaw Street, Unit 106

How Much?

• $300 + HST before May 15th
(then $350 +HST)

What Next?

• Pay by eTransfer to reserve your spot today:
jamesmichaelgangl@gmail.com

About Your Instructor

James’ recent TV credits include Saved by The Bell (NBC Peacock), Workin’ Moms (Netflix), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), and the and the newly released, Jane (Apple+). James also writes for some of your kid’s favourite TV shows including Odd Squad, the 2-time Daytime Emmy Award Winner for Best Children’s Show.

When James isn’t writing and performing, he is a Therapist in Training at the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy and is a peer-to-peer support facilitator at The Gatehouse, an organization dedicated to serving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

OUT OF OUR MINDS (& onto the page)

Always wanted to tell stories but are terrified you’ll suck at it? Already writing, but want to explore deeper characters, more evocative description, and more intense action? Interested in translating your performance arts to the page?

OUT OF OUR MINDS (& onto the page) is the perfect workshop to get those creative storytelling juices flowing. Over 6 Saturdays, we’ll play with improv games and prompted writing exercises to help you make writing spontaneous and freewheeling. Thinking is overthinking, so we’re going to remove the pressure to get it right by simply playing with whatever comes. No preparation. No homework. No inhibitions.

Just be ready to be silly and open and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

TO REGISTER: Early-bird pricing of $200 (+ HST) ends June 14 when prices rise to $250 (+HST). Please send an e-transfer to createdbyrcw@gmail.com to reserve your place. Spaces are limited.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Randall C Willis is an award-winning screen and comedy writer and filmmaker, as well as a seasoned science and medicine writer.  He regularly teaches screenwriting at George Brown College and formerly taught at Raindance in Toronto. Through his company So, What’s Your Story?, story specialist and storytelling evangelist Randall helps clients bring life to their visions and breath to their unique voices. He also routinely judges screenplays and films for film festivals across North America.

A perpetual student of the storytelling arts, Randall has 25+ years of training in improv, stand up, puppetry, sketch comedy, and monologues. If Randall has a motto, it’s“You have permission to suck”, which fits nicely with a fully improvised life.