We are excited to welcome three talented artists as the hosts of our 2019 showcases! Each artist will act as the host/MC for several showcases throughout the conference.
Elvira Kurt is a multiple award-winning, sold out multi-solo show performing stand-up comic and Second City veteran whose credits as star, host, guest, writer and or talent director are simply far too many to mention. Except for these: Baroness Von Sketch Show, Iron Chef Canada, The Great Canadian Baking Show, Master Chef Canada, SpinOff, The Debaters, Popcultured with Elvira Kurt, The Gayest Show Ever, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Ellen DeGeneres’ first HBO special as a gay lady, JFL, Sydney & Melbourne Comedy Festivals and, of course, Elvira’s unforgettable stint on both of CBC Radio’s, ‘Q’ and, ‘q.’
Elvira will host showcases 5 and 6.
Ian Sherwood is a guitar-playing, sax-blowing, crowd-pleasing looping singer/songwriter. A born story teller and a constant creator, his music dances the line between folk and pop. His live performances thrive on intimacy. Whether it’s a theatre show or large festival stage, his persona is irresistible and completely destroys fourth walls. He has penned tunes for many other artists as well as for theatre, film and television. He most recently won a 2017 Robert Merritt award in Theatre for Outstanding Original Score for the play “Tompkinsville”. He was named Contemporary Singer of the Year by the 2013 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Best Male Artist of the Year by the 2012 International Acoustic Music Awards and was the 2008 and 2010 Music Nova Scotia Musician Of The Year. Bob Mersereau of CBC Radio, Fredericton described him as “… a natural performer who entertains as much with his wit and stories as with his songs.”
Ian will host showcases 1 and 2.
Rebecca Perry is a Toronto‐based actor, singer and writer. Her first solo show, Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl has toured all across Canada, and internationally to critical acclaim, was filmed live for television - airing on Bell Fibe TV - sold out its run at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and most recently finished its fourth tour to the UK in November. The stand-alone sequel, Adventures of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl has enjoyed success in the UK, Ireland and Ontario, including several return visits to theatres that had programmed Confessions. Between the two shows, Perry has received three awards from BroadwayWorld. Perry’s most recent solo show, From Judy to Bette: The Stars of Old Hollywood premiered at the Next Stage Theatre Festival in Toronto, selling out its two week run and has since been touring around Ontario, the East Coast, and to the UK where it recently completed two tours in 2018, totalling sixteen theatres across England. Next it heads to the Rose Theatre Brampton, and Perry is delighted that the show will be a part of the Sudbury Theatre Centre’s 19/20 season, with a two-week run in February.
rebeccaperry.ca
Twitter: @rebeccaperry21
Insta: @redheaded_coffeeshop_girl
Rebecca will host showcases 3 and 4.
