Hamilton’s Uncloseted Comedy Pride Festival celebrates the best in queer comedy
- Michael Kras
- 13 Jun 2023
Pride Month is in full swing in Hamilton and well beyond, and a multi-day festival happening in the city this weekend aims to celebrate the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community while tickling your funny bone.
The Uncloseted Comedy Pride Festival, presented by Howl and Roar Records, takes over every corner of the beautiful Staircase Theatre (27 Dundurn Street North) from Friday, June 16th to Sunday, June 18th with a stacked, diverse lineup of events and talent.
Throughout the duration of the festival, there’s pretty much always something going on. Sometimes, multiple events will be kicking off at the same time, divided between the Staircase’s studio theatre, café, upstairs bright room, and Elaine Mae Theatre right next door.
Stand-up and sketch comedy will certainly be on the menu, but locals can also expect game nights, karaoke, live theatre, improv, open mic events, music, drag performances, workshops, and so much more.
Those who wish to attend the Uncloseted Comedy Pride Festival can purchase day passes on Eventbrite, which will grant them access to all scheduled events on their day of choice.
Attendees will more than get their money’s worth, no matter the day: expect plenty of varied events in an eclectic range of styles and formats, perfect for queer and ally-minded folks to share in live entertainment, social affairs, and more.
Friday kicks things off with a “Rad” Carpet affair and opening ceremonies before moving into events like the Uncloseted Comedy All-Stars, the Interactive Social, the Improv Social, karaoke, and even more comedy shows – including one with a ‘dark and dirty theme – to cap off the evening.
Saturday’s lineup keeps the fun moving at full speed from the afternoon into the evening with board game social events; improv games; a showcase of queer musical acts; drag bingo; one-person shows by Al Val, Tamara Shevon, and Dianne Skoll; drama and burlesque performances; and even more stand-up comedy by a diverse range of artists.
Then, Sunday’s events begin with a Drag High Tea followed by an improv workshop, board games, stand-up feedback workshops with Jason Dogleash, a solo sketch show with Anders Yates, a duo sketch show by Tricia Black and Tom Hearn, and some more closing night comedy performances by an exciting roster of comic talent.
It’s an almost head-spinning amount of activity packed into three short days, meaning the festival is sure to be bursting at the seams with plenty of chuckles, camaraderie, community building, and connection.
At a time when acts of hate and discrimination against the queer community still run rampant, a joyful and celebratory event like the Uncloseted Comedy Pride Festival may just be the perfect antidote. After all – sometimes – isn’t laughter the best medicine?
The Uncloseted Comedy Pride Festival kicks off from June 16th to 18th at The Staircase Theatre (27 Dundurn Street North). See more event details and purchase your day passes on Eventbrite. Some lineups may change in line with advance sales, so buy early!
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