The Assembly Guide to the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival

The 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival promises a fantastic lineup of comedy shows. This year, an impressive number of participants are home-grown talents from the Assembly community.

Here’s a quick guide to the must-see comedy shows featuring talent from The Assembly:

All of Our Parents are Asian

Created by Assembly grads Shaun Hunter and Alfred Chow (who also teaches with The Assembly!), "All of Our Parents are Asian" is an improv show that explores the joys and challenges of growing up Asian, with an interesting blend of audience interaction and real-life stories.

Venue: Native Earth's Aki Studio, 585 Dundas Street E, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2B7

Dates: July 5th - July 15th

Ancient Dying Chinese Dialect

Former Assembly student, Chantal Lim, takes the audience on a journey of language, love, and cultural celebration. Directed by Ken Hall, a member of Assembly's faculty, this show echoes the importance of embracing our roots.

Venue: Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst St, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2R2

Dates: July 6th - July 16th

Family Road Trip

This sketch show by Summer Dad takes audiences on a whirlwind tour from the absurd to the emotional. Assembly longform grad Chrissy Sharma features in this show under the direction of Danny Avila, an Assembly teacher and our former artistic director.

Venue: Tarragon Theatre Mainspace, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1X3

Dates: July 6th - July 16th

How Low Can We Go?

A full-length sketch show presented by Low Bar Comedy and directed by Reid Janisse, this performance caters to everyone, whether you're quietly quitting or loudly complaining. The show features the Assembly's very own Katie Chin, Marcus Colby, and Tony Kim.

Venue: Tarragon Theatre Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1X3

Dates: July 5th - July 15th

Sarah and Racquel Rule the World

Presented by Bruh Girls Production, this high-energy sketch comedy revue explores a chaotic and absurd dream world crafted by Assembly faculty member Racquel Belmonte and Sarah Bennett.

Venue: Tarragon Theatre Solo Room, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1X3

Dates: July 6th - July 15th

They Go Low, We Go Laugh

Produced by Sara Meleika for Tita Power Inc., this variety show spotlights Women of Colour and friends. Guled Abdi of Tallboyz, one of the OG Assembly teams, adds to the diverse comedy offerings of stand-up, storytelling, and sketch.

Venue: Tarragon Theatre Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1X3

Dates: July 5th - July 15th

Fringe offers something for every comedy lover. By supporting these shows, you're also supporting our local comedy community. Let's get ready to laugh together at the Fringe!