A mix of indie ingenuity and major league talent.
That's what the Smashed Potato Kids hope to bring to the Vancouver stage next month — along with an endless supply of laughter — to one of the city's popular nights of comedy.
SketchFest 2025 is returning to the Rio Theatre on March 11 and will showcase a series of sketch comedy video shorts.
But organizers believe staging a "comedy revolution" is about more than "just a show."
"It’s the launchpad for something much bigger," a SketchFest release states.
"SPK’s vision is to establish Vancouver as a global comedy hub, where the funniest people on the planet can come together, be discovered, and make the world laugh. By blending live performances with cinematic storytelling, SPK is redefining how sketch comedy is created, performed, and enjoyed."
What to expect
Each short will be before an "A-List jury" that includes:
- Jordan Connor (Riverdale, Looking for Alaska)
- Andrea Jin (JUNO Award winner, Comedy Central, Just for Laughs)
- Nathan Mitchell (Black Noir in The Boys)
- The Platonic Friends (The Dessert Sketch Show, Bulges on Crave)
The videos being screened are set to share a range of cinematic storytelling and raw, unpredictable live sketches.
The participants will be competing for the Top 3 Funniest Sketch Awards as well as the Audience Choice Award from among 20 that'll be screened for viewers.
At day's end, SPK hopes the festival can foster new talent and build a "vibrant comedy community."
"SPK is carving out a space for sketch comedians worldwide to showcase their craft on the big screen and the big stage," SPK's statement added.
SPK was created in 2019 by Jessey and Cody Nelson alongside collaborator Filip Zivanovic, and have been recognized across Canada's comedy scene, including Crazy8's, Run N' Gun and the Vancouver Badass Film Festival.
For more information on SketchFest, you can visit the Rio Theatre's website.
Vancouver SketchFest 2025
When: Tuesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. (Start time subject to change)
Where: Rio Theatre - 1660 E Broadway
Cost: Advance tickets $25+ s/c and $30+ s/c at the door. All sales are final.
