WHO ARE WE?
JAYU is a Toronto-based charity dedicated to sharing human rights stories through the arts. The iAM Program program offers equity-deserving youth ages 12-29 free arts mentorship.
iAM programs are free and designed for young artists between the ages of 12 – 29 living in Ontario with no previous experience required. Equity-deserving is inclusive of Black and racialized folks, people with disabilities, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (2SLGBTQ+), newcomers to Canada and people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing.
PROGRAM DETAILS
What if your jokes could actually change the way people see each other?
In this iAM program, you’ll learn how to craft sketch comedy that goes beyond laughs and use humour as a tool to explore human connection, challenge stereotypes, and spark meaningful conversations. You’ll move through a mix of writing exercises and performance practice, collaborating with others to bring bold, thoughtful, and funny ideas to life.
You’ll learn how to:
✍🏽 Develop original sketch ideas rooted in real experiences
💭 Use humour to build empathy and challenge assumptions
🎭 Write compelling, character-driven scenes
🤝🏽 Collaborate and co-create in a writers’ room environment
🎤 Bring your work off the page and into performance
Whether you’re new to comedy or looking to sharpen your voice, this is your space to experiment, take risks, and say something that matters through laughter.
Registration closes on June 11.
DURATION
June 27, July 4, July 11
12 pm - 3 pm
LOCATION
JAYU Studio at 401 Richmond Street West
Studio 380, Toronto ON, M5V 3A8
NEED TO KNOW
Food, TTC tickets, and materials will be provided at the in-person sessions.
Please Note: Registration does not guarantee placement in this program. Confirmation emails will be sent prior to the program start.
If you have any inquiries, please contact Des, core iAM Program Manager at desiree@jayu.ca
MEET YOUR MENTOr
Yazmin Monet Butcher is a Jamaican-Trinidadian, queer writer, director, and performer based in Toronto. She is a member of the sketch comedy troupe Legally Brown, whose original work has been featured at Toronto Sketchfest, The Second City Toronto, and Comedy Bar. Yazmin has also performed stand-up comedy, sharing stages with comedians including Dave Merheje, Courtney Gilmour, and Marlon Palmer.
In addition to performing, she works as a writer and story editor for film and television and has directed music videos supported by the Prism Prize MVP Project. Yazmin continues to train in clown and physical comedy at Sweet Action Theatre and continues to develop work across sketch, screenwriting, and live performance.