MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Welcome to the 4th Annual Grindstone Comedy Festival! This year, we are extremely proud to present five days of Stand-up, Improv, and Sketch Comedy. We have gathered over 50 of the best local, national, and international talents to share their humor with you across two stages. This festival is packed with laughter, so I encourage you to check out the schedule and attend multiple shows. I guarantee you'll discover your new favorite comedian, improvisor, or sketch performer.
While you're at it, take a look at some of our fantastic workshops organized by our education department. Additionally, please consider making a donation at the box office as we raise funds for the Cross Cancer Institute. Putting together a festival of this magnitude is no small feat. A huge thanks to our dedicated team at Grindstone, our hard-working staff, volunteers, sponsors, and the artists who have joined us to make it all possible.
Get ready for an unforgettable comedy experience!
- BYRON MARTIN
Artistic Director Grindstone Theatre
ABOUT OUR THEATRE
EST. 2012
Grindstone Theatre is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 which aims to create professional opportunities for emerging artists through high quality productions. Grindstone’s shows have toured internationally and performed to sell out audiences both in Edmonton and abroad.
In 2018 Grindstone opened the Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro which is home to up 14 independently produced shows each week in the areas of improv, stand up, sketch comedy, talk shows, magic, burlesque, musical theatre and more! Voted Edmonton’s Best Comedy Club by VUE Weekly, Grindstone is a venue built by artists for artists.
GRINDSTONE COMEDY FESTIVAL STAFF
BRINGING THE 2023 FESTIVAL TO LIFE
Byron Martin - Artistic Director
Joses Martin - General Manager
Jocelyn Anselmo - Programming Manager
Trinity Locke - Programming Assistant
Jules Pepin - Education Manager
Chris Hicks - Technical Director
Darren Peacock - Food & Beverage Manager
Kathleen McGee - Artist Liaison
Kyle Parrotta - Funding & Volunteer Coordinator
Rachel Whipple - Book keeper
Jarin Ten Hove - Front of House Manager
Autumn Russell - House Technician/Crew Lead
Mykenzie Morrison - Festival Technician
Aerin Gordon - Festival Technician
GRINDSTONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STEERING THE GRINDSTONE SHIP EVERYDAY
Sean Lee - Board President
Edward Dziarmaga - Treasurer
Brian Lardner - Secretary
Davina Stewart - Board Member
Sapreet Buttar - Board Member
Adam Dyck - Board Member
Jill Scheyk - Board Member
