Ian Sirota is a seasoned stand-up comedian with roots in Montreal and Toronto, and over a decade of performing at some of Canada’s most iconic venues. When he’s not making audiences laugh at their own struggles, he’s training CEOs, politicians, and celebrities to do the same — all for charity. With an album out, a Sirus XM following, and a kid desperately in need of a PlayStation 5, Ian took a few minutes to talk to us about comedy, life, and why the best rooms are always a little damp.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Slice of life meets therapy, meets “oh my God, I had kids,” meets poverty.
Who are some of your influences?
Gertrude Stein, Genghis Khan, and the Earl of Sandwich.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Steve Martin — yeah, I’m old.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Sam Morril lately, but Norm MacDonald, Nick DiPaolo, Joan Rivers, and Brian Regan all time.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I used to do push-ups, but now I just pace in the back and get my 10,000 steps in.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I’m lucky enough to work for David Goodman at Humour Me. We’ve raised over $29 million for various charities and hospitals, and I’ve trained over 50 CEOs, politicians, and celebrities to become stand-up comics for charity. For the last 11 years, I’ve had the pleasure of performing at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre. But to be honest, comedy is always best in a small, damp, tight space — so the original ComedyWorks in Montreal where I started, or back in the day the Downtown Yuk Yuk’s on Bay Street in Toronto, were always my favourites.
What is your favourite bit you have written, and why were you proud of it?
If I can make you laugh and relate to something that is supposed to be painful and sad, then my job is done. A good dick joke can also be painful and sad, so really it’s the same thing.
What is your favourite medium for finding new comedians?
Everything is on social media now, but nothing beats live comedy.
Tell us a joke about your city.
My wife’s into roleplay. The other night she wanted me to pretend I was the Toronto Maple Leafs — so I started strong and hard, but then just before I was about to climax, I started choking. I lasted one round.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I’d like to promote giving the thank-you wave when someone lets you into traffic. But if you want more, check out my album Roleplay — and email SiriusXM to tell them to play it more often. My kid needs a PlayStation 5.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram, or hit me up on Facebook. Yes, I’m old.
PAY IT FORWARD — who is another local comedian we should know about?
So many good ones, but I recently worked with a young kid named Ben Bayfield — he’s going to be something special.
