Access Comedy 2023
The Include-Me Tour
We are proud to present our 4th annual Access Comedy Show this year, and for the first time we have a series of shows with specific partners. “The Include-ME Tour” is an unforgettable show full of laughter and inclusivity.
Upcoming Dates
- June 8th 2023 Our first ever Youth addition that will also demonstrate how to have an inclusive hybrid show. In partnering with the Montreal Oral school for the Deaf MOSD. Please note that this event is only available to youth and their families of MOSD
- On July 16th, 2023 we are proud to announce our new partnership with ZOOFEST and OFF JFL to participate as part of their lineup during this year’s festival. Our very own Abby Stonehouse as the host and our long time ally Erich Preach. Follow us on social media to hear all about the other amazing comedians for this hearing accessible show, a first ever for ZOOFEST and OFFJFL, join the movement!
- November 24th was made possible thanks to the support of the City of Montreal’s Diversity and Social Inclusion Service, the Maisons de la culture network and the Maison de la culture Janine-Sutto. Following this demonstration both city officials and the general public will be able to enjoy la tournee Inclus-MOI, produced by Hear Quebec. This free french show again pushes the boundaries of even more inclusivity.
With our new Include-ME program we are dedicated to providing quality consultation services that will provide interactive training, videos and toolkit on how to produce an inclusive show. Working side by side with our partners makes our Arts and Cultural scene more accessible. We hope to inspire others to follow suit and embrace inclusivity as a fundamental aspect of their events. For more information on how to join this movement contact info@hearhear.org
Location
Date
November 24th
Hosts and Comedians
Rachelle Elie – Host
Born in Toronto to a Haitian father and an American mother, Rachelle Elie started her career as an actress before becoming a comedian. She is a proud representative of the Generation X and a mother of two children (whom she claims to love). She honed her craft in the English language for several years before venturing into the French-speaking comedy scene. In 2019, she took a leap of faith and quickly gained the interest of the industry. Three years later, she is one of the artists with the most stage time in the 2022 Zoofest Festival lineup and participated in her very first Just for Laughs Gala.
In English, she has performed five one-woman shows across Canada and the United States since 2001. With her show “Shit I’m In Love With You Again,” she was invited to Off-Broadway in Soho, New York, and the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In the summer of 2022, she opened for Gerry Lee at the Théâtre du Casino du Lac Leamy in Gatineau. She is also a regular headliner at Yuk Yuk’s comedy club.
Eddy King – Headliner for November 24th
On the Quebec stage since 2007, (it’s a metaphor, he’s also a very present dad, don’t call Child Protective Services) Eddy King has been a frequent presence in all the major comedy galas. It’s like he’s everywhere! With his calm, composed, and never-stressed style (lucky him), his humor stands out thanks to his punchlines that can knock out any audience. Guided by his convictions and principles, Eddy takes pride in standing tall on stage and on television.
To follow his career or to discover more about him, connect with him on his social media profiles!
Anne-Sarah – Comedian
Fascinated by sociopolitical issues, Anne-Sarah uses humor and self-deprecation drawn from everyday situations to create laughter and reflection. (Reflection is a big word… She has a lot of jokes about Zac Efron.)
Anne-Sarah is not afraid to talk about topics she usually tends to repress. She addresses the suppression of her homosexuality, the fear of showing her hair, and the shame of having breasts. It’s clear that she is more comfortable on stage than in real life. Some might think it’s a passion, but it might be more of a problem…
A bilingual comedian of Lebanese origin, Emile Khoury draws from his culture and his own insecurities to bring laughter.
In the summer of 2019, Emile made his first appearance at the Just For Laughs festival. He repeated the experience the following year at Zoofest, the Alma Comedy Festival, and the ComédiHa Festival.
In 2020, Emile and comedian Jacop Ospian launched the podcast “SANS COMMENTAIRE” along with several humorous video clips available on YouTube, Spotify, Google Podcast, and Apple Podcast. The “SANS COMMENTAIRE” podcast has accumulated over 550K views.
In the spring of 2021, during his appearance on the show “Le Prochain Stand-Up” on Noovo, he charmed the judges and the audience, reaching the semi-finals.
In the summer of 2022, he presented his first solo show titled “Big Business” as part of the Zoofest festival. Since the beginning of 2023, he has been touring his solo show in various cities in Quebec. Today, he continues to make his mark and performs in various comedy events and festivals throughout the province. He also opens for Rachid Badouri.
Accessibility Measures
For individuals who are hard of hearing or self identify as d/Deaf:
- FM Systems are available for hearing aid users and non-hearing aid users
- T-Loop
- Closed Captioning
- ASL Interpreters
For individuals with limited mobility or wheelchair users:
- Ramp access
- Accessible bathrooms and bar
- Coat check and no hanging items off chairs
- Designated seating space
- Assigned seating for those who read captions or speech read.
Proudly Partnered With
The realization of the launch of our “Consult ME” Program is made possible through the generous support of the “Service de la diversité et de l’inclusion sociale de la Ville de Montréal” as part of the “Fonds dédié aux projets de renforcements de capacités en accessibilité universelle” (FDPAU), along with the collaboration of the network of Les Maisons de la culture and the Maison de la culture Janine-Sutto.
Press Release
Laughter Knows No Boundaries at ZOOFEST.
Hear Entendre Quebec is proud to present for the first time in collaboration with ZOOFEST & OFF JFL the Access Comedy Show “The Include-ME Tour”. On July 16th we will be bringing you a hearing accessible comedy show not only to share laughter, but also, this event will empower decision makers to create more accessibility for their events. By showcasing the power of inclusivity, we hope to inspire and encourage the integration of accessibility measures across a wide range of events.
The Show will be taking place at Le Balcon, 463 Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3B 1B1. Following our principle of nothing about us without us the event is hosted by our very own Accessibility Ambassador Abby Stonehouse. This event will bridge the gap between the hearing loss community and the experience of pure joy that comedy provides. We make this happen by providing hearing accessible measures such as FM Systems, ASL Interpreters, Closed Captioning and a sophisticated Hearing Induction Loop System that ensures inclusivity for everyone.
As seen on America Got Talent and for the first time in our show, we are thrilled to have Ahren Belisle, who has overcome challenges with cerebral palsy, a mute comedian who uses technology to assist him deliver jokes and for accessibility. At the same time we have in our lineup the presence of great celebrities such as Erich Preach who has been an ally with Hear Entendre Quebec for the past 2 years. This lineup is also bringing to the stage great local comedians such as Lawrence Corber, Akeem Hoyte-Charles, Joanna Selvarajah and Raajiee Chelliah. The diversity and inclusion can be experienced through the whole show.
There is nothing else like this in Montreal. Our biggest goal is to include everyone in the laughter, not only for this show but for every show in the future through the power of accessibility and inclusion. Behind the scenes of this event is our Include-ME program that will make this happen. We hope to educate and inspire others to follow suit and embrace inclusivity as a fundamental aspect of their events and create a more accessible Montreal.
For more information on how to join this movement as an event planner, comedian or sponsor contact info@hearhear.org .
CALL TO ACTION
- Support more accessibility in Montreal by attending this amazing show guaranteed to make everyone laugh. Tickets here!
- Community, business leaders, decision makers and event planners sponsor your staff to experience this epic event first hand, Tickets here!
- Media and marketing experts help share this message write about, talk about it and shout it from the rooftops
- Can’t attend, but still want to make Montreal more accessible, visit our website to make it happen.
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to share your experience at the event. You can follow us to support A more accessible future for all.
For first hand stories of the impact of experience this show please review our previous press release from June 1st 2023
For more information, please contact:
Heidy Wager, Executive Director
(514)-797-2447
ABOUT HEAR Entendre QUÉBEC: Hear Entendre Québec is Montréal’s only non-profit organization serving the English-speaking community with hearing loss in Québec. Hear Entendre Québec has been providing programs and services to those affected by hearing loss for over 40 years and strives to bring about awareness within the community and shed light on the invisibility of hearing loss. Hear Entendre Quebec aims to make the most out of the hearing we have.
