Cathartic Laughs Comedy, Events & Workshops by Em Cooper CHECK OUT UPCOMING SHOWS! Photo of Em Cooper by Chelsey Stuyt Spring is coming in Vancouver. With it the slow emergence from hibernation-mode and (hopefully) the integration or implementation of some of the things we've been learning over the winter... CLOWN COLLEGE I took my first full clown workshop recently with Deanna Fleysher. It was amazing. While my partner jokes that I was attending clown college, it felt more like learning how...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Cathartic Laughs Comedy, Events & Workshops by Em Cooper CHECK OUT UPCOMING SHOWS! Photo of Em Cooper by Chelsey Stuyt Happy Tibb's Eve folks, If you are new here, welcome to my monthly-ish comedy newsletter! What is Tibb's Eve you say? In Newfoundland, it is celebrated today as a time to enjoy a beverage with some friends before the rest of the holidays get going. While I am making efforts to drink less, the spirit of making a point to see friends before you get into whatever your holiday...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Hey all, Hope you are good wherever you are. Here in Vancouver it has been hard raining for a bit. I have to do laundry urgently because all of my pants have little skunk stripe spatters up the back from soggy bike rides to comedy shows. Which is a good problem to have really. Last night I helped out behind the scenes at GutterClown Cabaret, created by the deeply dedicated and talented Priscilla Costa. While many folks are having a hard time building an audience, Priscilla has a packed house...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hey friends and fam! Hope you are well and enjoying the sun. Recently, I was lucky enough to do a bit of hosting for my friend Katie-Ellen Humphries self-produced comedy album taping and get a little insight into that process, which was cool. My take-away: it takes a lot of talented and nice people, working together to make a filmed comedy special happen. As I didn’t visit Glen, or his two cats, this weekend, I am worried they are going to forget who I am entirely and will go back to fully...
12 months ago • 2 min read
Hey all, Thanks for signing up, or for staying signed up, to this comedy newsletter. We were on hiatus, but are now back with occasional emails on the topic of joking about life. And what a time to be alive! A Canadian Federal election, in Vancouver an important by-election on Saturday April 5th (pls vote!) and in the US, Senator Cory Booker finished a marathon 25 hour speech. As a human, I was so inspired to see him highlight citizen's needs and recount stories of his hero John Lewis, who...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi funny people, Our last Cathartic Laughs session will be tomorrow, Saturday Dec 9th. Over the past few years we have gathered every other week to swap jokes, give constructive feedback and share updates on what life is throwing at us. I have a massive amount of appreciation for everyone who has joined in. Special appreciation goes to Adora Nwofor, who set the tone of these sessions with her love of comedy, open approach to facilitation and willingness to address challenging issues. These...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read
Hi funny people, How's yer day? If you are feeling big things with the news these days, I hope you take moments of rest for you. I took some time and I peed a little playing the most low key bit of basketball with friends, so... yeah. It might not go how you want, but breaks are good, even if you have to do more laundry. Anyhow, I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday for our joke feedback session. I've not been writing much myself for a while now. I would get going on little stints of...
over 2 years ago • 2 min read
Hi funny people, I finally listened to the audiobook version of Anne Lamott's classic book on writing called Bird by Bird via Libby! It was recommended highly by Mike Birbiglia on his podcast and he is right, it's a real gift. The book is more personal than many books on writing. Anne is funny and takes detours between helpful tips while she explains exactly what the neurotic, self-doubting voices in her head are saying while she tries to sit and write. Those voices in your head can get in...
almost 3 years ago • 3 min read
Hi funny people, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival wrapped up earlier this month and has already shared its 2024 gala themes. Canadian comedians writing jokes for Winnipeg application. Five of the following six themes will be filmed and you can submit more than once. Below are shortened writeups on the themes because it's great to have them in your head in advance if you plan to apply. YOUR NEXT ACT The transitions show. Material about different phases of life, big changes, upheavals, milestones,...
almost 3 years ago • 2 min read