Troy Stark is a Montreal-based Stand-up comedian. We spoke with him to find out more about his comedy style, influences and projects.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Self-deprecating. I usually prefer to be the butt of the joke.
I know I’m white trash because if you show up at my house with a BB Gun and some weed… I’m cancelling whatever I was supposed to do that day.
Bring a bottle of Kraken and some fireworks, I guarantee we’ll make the news again.
Who are some of your influences?
Eddie Pepitone. Todd Barry. Maria Bamford. Each is unbelievably skilled at bringing the audience in and taking them on a wild ride.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Norm MacDonald. I saw Dirty Work in the theatres and it changed everything for me. Probably my first experience seeing an R-Rated comedy and I started obsessing. This was before IMDB, so you had to do some real research to find out what other movies and shows these people were in. I was that annoying kid who hung out at Blockbuster and asked the stoned teenagers working “If I loved Dirty Work what should I rent next”?
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Nick Helm. British comedian, lunatic. Nick’s comedy often catches me off-guard and I love his wild energy.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Make a coffee in my travel mug, smoke a joint on the way to the show, write my setlist in the greenroom (if there is one), and pace outside the show until 2 minutes before my set.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
The Comedyworks on Bishop (RIP). They figured out the perfect recipe for a comedy club, there was just certain magic in that place that would be almost impossible to replicate.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
Oh dang, that’s a hard one. For me, it’s usually my newest joke. When you write a new joke (or a new line for an old joke) and get that feeling of damn I can’t wait to do that on stage, and then it works the way you want it to. That’s the best feeling, and that’s the line I’m probably bragging about. Right now, this is it:
When do you think they’ll start giving out Michellin Stars for awesome vape flavours?
I’ve been to Las Vegas, and I’ve tried the Beef Wellington. The signature dish that got Gordon Ramsay his first Michellin Star. $84 For a steak wrapped in pastry.
I’ve also been to 24hr Vapes, and I’ve tried Watermelon Menthol Blast. $13 … for a three-pack.
Let’s just say I know which one I’ll be buying again.
I guess what I’m trying to say is fuck Gordon Ramsay.
Unless of course, I’m on next season of MasterChef, then we’re cool.
Unless of course I’m eliminated, then fuck Gordon Ramsay.
Unless of course, he stares into my soul with those piercing blue eyes, then I’d fuck Gordon Ramsay.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
YouTube can be great for discovering new comedians (all glory to the algorithm), but the best way to enjoy comedy and discover new comedians is to see it live – I don’t care if it’s comedy, music, drag, whatever – seeing it live is always so much better than a screen.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I recently moved back to Montreal.
Which means I started smoking again.
If you live in Montreal you have to smoke, it’s just part of the culture.
Seriously, when you’re flying into Montreal the Air Canada customer care bag contains a mask, hand sanitizer and three cigarettes.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Heck yeah! I run the Montreal Grand comedy competition. It’s actually Montreal’s biggest comedy competition, this year there are over 100 comedians competing and a grand prize of $1000.
The Prelims are about to start – 9 comics compete, and the audience votes for the Top 3. The winner of the night makes $100 and the Top 3 move on to the Semi-Finals.
All lineups and tickets are available here and you can use promo code PRELIMS to save $5 (limited to 20 per show).
Sept 5 – Prelims 1
Sept 6 – Prelims 2
Sept 11 – Prelims 3
Sept 13 – Prelims 4
Sept 18 – Prelims 5
Sept 20 – Prelims 6
Sept 25 – Prelims 7
Sept 27 – Prelims 8
Oct 2 – Prelims 9
Oct 4 – Prelims 10
Oct 9 – Prelims 11
Oct 11 – Wild Card
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Elspeth Wright – Creator of Battle of Wits. Cool, creative, hilarious. You’re going to be hearing a lot about them in the next few years.
Leighland Beckman – Someone’s gonna give this dude a special. What’s taking you so long, Crave?! COME ON!
