Cathy Dobson
Carson Pinch says it’s absolutely possible to work fulltime in comedy.
“I do still have my day job but comedy has been paying some of my bills,” says the 31-year-old comedy writer and performer from Sarnia.
“There’s a myriad of options in Toronto for comedy writing. I just did some for CBC,” he says. “And I’m working every week at the Comedy Bar. We are very lucky in Canada that there’s so much going on in comedy.”
Pinch grew up in Sarnia and generously praises his teachers and mentors from his hometown. They’re the ones who let him be creative and find his niche during his teen years, he said.
He attended Northern Collegiate and switched to SCITS in his final year to participate in the school’s drama program.
Pinch said he grew up watching reruns of Saturday Night Live and Kids in the Hall, and was drawn to the adrenalin rush of making people laugh.
While at Theatre Sarnia volunteer Megan Hadley encouraged him to write comedy and to teach children’s’ summer camp.
That led to a job at a theatre and comedy camp in Connecticut, and later a transition to New York City.
“The influence of Megan and George Wood Jr. at Theatre Sarnia can’t be understated,” Pinch said. “It was a safe, creative place at a time when I felt a little lost.”
Six years ago he moved to Toronto where he has a day job as a writer at a speakers’ bureau and is very active in the comedy scene. This month he appears for the sixth time in the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.
Pinch is contributing to nine shows at the festival with various comedy troupes including the award-winning O DAT DUM and The Sketchersons. Then, on March 9, he stars in a solo show called Carson Pinch Will Die.
“I use up all my nine lives,” he explains. “There is some black humour but mostly it’s sweeter than you would imagine.
“There’s a silly, fun aspect to it and it has a happy ending.”
Pinch said his brand of comedy tends to story telling with emotional arches and relatable characters.
“There’s nothing offensive or shocking,” he said. “I love to get people to laugh, especially in these last few months when everyone feels a little down because of what’s happening politically.
“It’s a great escape.”
Despite writing and performing internationally, Pinch has never performed in Sarnia but says that’s on his bucket list.
“I have such fond memories being on that (Imperial Theatre) stage,” he said.
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival runs March 1 – 12 and attracts comedians from across North America. Visit TorontoSketchFest.com for shows, venues and ticket information.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Sarnian Carson Pinch’s solo show at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.
WHEN: March 9 at 10 p.m.
WHERE: The Theatre Centre – 1115 Queen St. West Toronto
TICKETS: Visit Torontosketchfest.com.
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