About

Vanguard Comedy Theatre is Toronto’s fastest growing home for all things funny. Established in the fall of 2009, our roster includes over 130 writers and performers of sketch, stand-up, and improvisational comedy. Our shows have quickly become among the best in the city. So far we have brought an unprecedented number of active comedians to Toronto to teach and perform, including writers and performers from Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Late Night and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. And we’re just getting started. Our shortlist of goals includes taking the comedy world by storm on stage, in print, and on film.

Vanguard is also committed to providing quality training in the art of comedy. Through our core curriculum, master classes, and corporate workshops, we strive to show everyone how the principles of comedy can improve their work and enrich their lives. Whether you’re a seasoned comedian or a thrill-seeking beginner, Vanguard will help you grow.

Stay tuned to our website for information about upcoming classes, shows, and of course more incredible guests.

Thanks for visiting.
- Mark Cotoia

ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: MARK COTOIA

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
MARK COTOIA

As owner, artistic director, and executive producer of Vanguard Comedy Theatre, Mark Cotoia draws on his extensive studies in the art of comedy to bring a fresh, new presence to Toronto's comedy scene. He has hosted master classes and performances from writers and performers of Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Conan O'Brien, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He is a juror and is a member of the marketing committee for The Canadian Comedy Awards.

Mark is proud to have studied the art of comedy with respected comedy leaders including:

Paul Sills, founder of The Second City and son of Viola Spolin, widely recognized as the grandmother of modern improvisation.
Charna Halpern, founder of ImprovOlympic and partner to the late Del Close, teacher of comedians like Tina Fey, Chris Farley, John Belushi, Mike Myers, and Gilda Radner.
Mick Napier, founder of The Annoyance Theatre and director of Chicago's longest running musical.
Rob Riggle, the only comedian to ever write and perform for both Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.

Prior to launching Vanguard, Mark worked with the Impatient Theatre Company for three years holding down multiple roles as a producer, coach, teacher and performer. He has performed frequently in the Toronto Improv Festival and the Del Close Marathon in New York City.

Mark is a firm believer in using comedy as a tool to develop and improve everyone's personal and professional growth. When he's not pushing that agenda in Toronto, he's probably watching or reading something about U.S. politics. Because Mark is a huge geek too. Which explains a lot about all of this, really.