Patrick Faller
A&E Reporter
Humber comedy students have a chance to jump start their careers and win a $25,000 grand prize at Yuk Yuk’s Great Canadian Laugh Off, March 26-28.
Jeff McEnery graduated from the comedy program in 2005 and won Canadian comedy’s largest prize in 2006.
Courtesy The crowd roars with laughter at last year’s Great Canadian Laugh Off at Yuk Yuk’s in Toronto.
“Winning the contest got me noticed by Yuk Yuks. It was the beginning of my career. The prize money was pretty great too,” he said.
“I love the Laugh Off now. It’s super-hot crowds and great comics. Since I’ve won I get to sit back and enjoy the drama,” McEnery said.
Yuk Yuk’s president and co-founder of the Humber comedy program Mark Breslin said winning the Laugh Off can be a turning point in a comic’s career.
“The prize money can make a big difference in a comic’s life. Often it allows them to quit their job and focus on comedy full-time,” said Breslin.
“It is the biggest prize for comedy in this country.”
Many of the competition’s previous performers have gone on to accomplish great things.
“We know that no single event or individual effort makes a comic’s career. They need a lot of different successes and each performer is trying to build a wall,” Breslin said.
“Winning the Laugh Off makes for a mighty nice brick.”
Jess Bennett, public relations co-ordinator for the Laugh Off, said the performances are a great time, regardless of the comic’s skill level.
“You see a lot of success stories,” she said. “And sometimes you see a comic crash and burn on stage. That’s pretty entertaining too.”
Bennett said comedy students who want a great networking opportunity should attend the event.
The finals will be on the Comedy Network this summer.
[...] Humber Et Cetera student newspaper recently interviewed 2006 Laugh Off winner Jeff McEnery, who won the Laugh Off one [...]