Event Details

Talk Is Free Theatre is based in Barrie, Ontario. The company was founded in 2002 by Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak and since then has produced sixty productions. Our mission is to produce and to develop a wide range of ensemble-based programming, concentrating largely on new writing, rediscoveries of neglected work from the past and drastic re-examinations of classical repertoire.

This application is for the new and expanded programming at the second annual “Barrie International Comedy Festival” that will take place September 17 to 21, 2014. The goals of the Festival are to foster public appreciation of different types of comedy and to innovate in the field by fostering experimentation and supporting the next generation of artists, particularly in the local region and of ethno-cultural backgrounds.

TiFT launched a new Comedy Festival in September 2013 to expand and diversify their programming. The first edition of the Festival was very successful both artistically and financially. TIFT is now looking to expand and enhance the Comedy Festival in 2014. (1) The Comedy Festival will grow from three to five days; (2) the number of activities will increase from six to fifteen; and (3) the Festival will present more renowned comedians (Andrea Martin and Shaun Majumder) and introduce ethno-cultural programming. (4)The Festival will also take place in two venues concurrently in 2014: the Georgian Theatre (697 seats) and the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts (200 seats black box).

In addition to the 15 performances, the Festival will include various free activities, including conversations, classes and workshops for the general public. Finally, a new free community event will be introduced in 2014: the “Kids Karnival.”