The Globe and Mail spoke to seven stand-up comics who have all played the festival at one time or another about the role it has played in their careers
When Just for Laughs announced last week it was cancelling its comedy festivals in Montreal and Toronto this summer for financial reasons, some comedians were so shocked they thought it was a prank – a JFL gag to outshine them all.
Who could blame them? Since it was founded in 1983, the festival has become the biggest game in town – the biggest international festival of its kind and a juggernaut in Canadian comedy that has played a vital role in countless careers.“JPR’s board of directors, after having extensively considered all available alternatives, came to the conclusion that the financial situation of the organization left no other choice than to initiate formal restructuring proceedings,” Groupe Juste pour rire inc.
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