Cheap Theatre for the Week of March 4, 2014

Plenty of laughs to be had this in the great city of Toronto — and not all at the expense of everyone’s “favorite” (subjective, really) mayor. While there’s always a batch of hilarious improv brewing up at the Comedy Bar, this week also launches Toronto’s Sketch Comedy Festival beginning on March 6 with over 40 troupes ready and willing to tickle your funny bones along with guest stars including the creators and stars of Slings and Arrows and Gavin Crawford of Comedy Network’s Gavin Crawford ShowAll at a price that won’t break the bank. Now go forth and laugh! Laugh until your sides split!

D&D Live Bad Dog Theatre Epic Wednesdays presents an improvised show based on the Dungeons & Dragons cult phenomenon. 8 pm. Opens Feb 5, Opens Mar 5, Opens Apr 2, Opens May 7. $12, stu $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, baddogtheatre.com.

Elephant Empire Comedy Bar presents the sketch troupe w/ Hannah Spear, Matt Lemche and others, performing fast-paced sketch and a one-act play. Opens Mar 5 and runs to Mar 26, Wed Wednesdays 8 pm. $8. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.

Holodeck Follies The Dandies present a sci fi-inspired improv comedy variety show w/ music by Chelsea Manders, stand-up by Kris Siddiqi, and sketch by Bitches Leave. Mar 5 8 pm. $10. Black Swan Comedy, 2nd floor, 154 Danforth. improvdandies.wordpress.com.

Slings & Arrows: T.O. Sketchfest Panel Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival presents a public panel discussion by the TV show’s creators w/ Susan Coyne, Mark McKinney, Bob Martin and moderator Don McKellar. Mar 9 4 pm. Free. Lower Ossington Theatre, Studio, 100A Ossington. torontosketchfest.com.

Sunday Night Live The Sketchersons present a weekly sketch and live music show. Sun 9 pm (no shows Mar 9 & 16 due to Sketchfest). $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.

T.O. Sketchfest features a full slate of panels, interviews, discussions, workshops, industry events, and dozens of performances by local and international groups at venues across the city. $15 See website for dates, times and details. torontosketchfest.com.