ABOUT THE TEAM
WALTER LYNG
Walter J. Lyng is a Montreal-Based stand-up comedian, writer, producer, actor, and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience entertaining audiences across Canada. A dynamic storyteller with a sharp, conversational style, he has performed at the Montreal Fringe Festival, Zoofest, and Just For Laughs affiliated events while building a reputation as one of the city’s most respected comedic voices. Walter is the creator of the acclaimed one-man show Pitching Knife Fight, co-creator of the sold-out RAD DADs comedy show, and co-host of the Just For Laughs Award nominated live talk show Night Fight. He is also the co-founder and co-host of the long-running Go Plug Yourself podcast, featuring conversations with leading entertainers and creators. In 2023, he co-founded the NDG Comedy Fest, further strengthening Montreal’s comedy community. Whether on stage, behind the microphone, or producing live events, Walter J. Lyng continues to make a lasting impact on Canadian comedy.
VANCE MICHEL
Vance Michel is a stand-up comedian, producer, and podcast host based in Montreal. He was born in Montreal, raised in the United States, and later returned to Montreal, where he has become a recognizable figure in the city’s English-language comedy scene.
ZAK KIK
Zak Kik is a Montreal-based stand-up comedian, producer, and content creator whose fresh perspective and infectious energy have made him one of the city’s rising comedy talents. Known for his playful storytelling, quick wit, and relatable observations, Zak has built a reputation for connecting with audiences through an engaging and unpredictable style. He has performed as part of OFF-JFL/Zoofest’s Gen Z Show, earning recognition on one of Canada’s premier comedy festival stages. Beyond performing, Zak is dedicated to growing the local comedy scene as the producer and host of NDG Comedy in the Park, a popular outdoor showcase that brings live comedy to the community each summer. He has also hosted the annual Neurodiversity Show, using comedy to support charitable initiatives and raise awareness for learning disabilities. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or creating content, Zak Kik continues to establish himself as a versatile performer and an important contributor to Montreal’s thriving comedy community.
TROY STARK
Troy Stark is a Montreal comedian who treats every bad decision like raw material. His comedy mixes self‑roasting, unhinged storytelling, and a level of chaos that makes audiences wonder if they are watching a set or a live emotional spiral.
Offstage, Troy has written for Ubisoft, The AV Club, The Onion, and the cult hit A Very Serious Show. He also ran the show’s social media with the enthusiasm of a gremlin who found a content calendar. Troy produces and hosts some of Montreal’s most beloved indie shows. If you want comedy that is honest, chaotic, and secretly heartfelt, Troy Stark is your guy.
ABBY STONEHOUSE
Abby Stonehouse is a Montreal-based stand-up comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster whose heartfelt storytelling and sharp wit have made her one of Canada’s most distinctive comedic voices. Since making her OFF-JFL/Zoofest debut in 2018, she has returned for multiple festival appearances while earning recognition for both her performances and her leadership behind the scenes. Abby is the creator and producer of GET FXCKED, co-producer of Comedy on Demand, and host of the House of Stone podcast, which was developed as a fully accessible production featuring captions and ASL interpretation. Living with hearing loss herself, she has become a leading advocate for accessibility in comedy, co-producing Montreal’s first fully accessible comedy show, now known as Access Comedy. Her work has been supported by a creation grant from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec in recognition of her commitment to inclusive arts. On stage and beyond, Abby continues to entertain audiences while making comedy more accessible for everyone.
SERAG MELETIAN
Serag Meletian is a Montreal-based stand-up comedian whose sharp writing, effortless storytelling, and laid-back delivery have made him a favorite with audiences and comics alike. A respected fixture in the city’s thriving comedy scene, Serag has performed at clubs, theaters, and festivals throughout Quebec, including Festival Laval Laughs, the Montreal Comedy Festival, and the Young Guns of Comedy showcase, where he was recognized as one of Montreal’s rising comedic talents. Drawing from everyday life, family, and cultural experiences, his material blends thoughtful observations with quick wit and genuine charm.
Whether performing for intimate crowds or packed festival audiences, Serag’s relatable perspective and confident stage presence consistently leave a lasting impression. Beyond the stage, he is known as a supportive member of Montreal’s comedy community, regularly collaborating with many of the city’s top performers. As his profile continues to grow, Serag Meletian is establishing himself as one of Montreal’s standout voices in stand-up comedy.
CHRIS VENDITTO
Chris Venditto is a Montreal comedian, a veteran of festivals (JFL Montreal, Toronto, Montreal Fringe and more) performed from coast to coast and recently recorded his debut album at The Comedy Nest. #StayTuned
Chris moves effortlessly between tightly written material and lightning‑fast crowdwork, a skill set that’s made him the go‑to choice for roasting local legends like Tony Marinaro, Dennis Coderre, and Jamie Orchard. A fixture in the Montreal scene and a reliably strong performer, he brings polish, presence, and big laughs to every stage.
DAWN MCSWEENY
Dawn McSweeney is a Montreal-based stand-up comedian, writer, and producer known for her sharp observations, fearless storytelling, and ability to find humor in the beautifully complicated moments of everyday life. A versatile creative voice, Dawn has built a career spanning comedy, essays, poetry, and fiction, with her writing appearing in publications including Montreal Serai, Elephant Journal, and Forget The Box, where she creates the ongoing column “McSweeney’s List.”
As a comedian and community builder, Dawn is the creator of Toast’Er, an innovative all-women comedy showcase where comedians don’t roast each other, they toast each other. Combining stand-up sets with unique compliment battles, the show celebrates connection, positivity, and the power of uplifting other performers. With a distinctive voice, quick wit, and passion for creating inclusive spaces, Dawn McSweeney continues to make her mark on Montreal’s comedy and arts scenes.
ZACH OSKRDAL
Zach Oskrdal is a Montreal-based musician, performer, and community builder whose infectious energy has made him a beloved figure in the city’s live entertainment scene. A talented vocalist and drummer, Zach has spent years performing alongside local musicians while bringing his passion for music and connection to every stage he touches. He is best known for hosting one of Montreal’s longest-running open mic nights at Brutopia Brew Pub, where his high-energy performances and welcoming personality have helped create a space where artists and audiences come together. Beyond music, Zach is a vital part of Montreal’s comedy community as the heart of World’s Smallest Comedy Night. Not only does he tend bar for the shows every week, but he also contributes his artwork, creativity, and unmistakable ability to create great hangs. A true behind-the-scenes force, Zach helps make every event feel like home.
