A lot has happened since the Canadian Association of Stand-up Comedians (CASC) was formed in 2017. CASC began as a rallying cry to have stand-up comedy officially recognized as an art form by all levels of government. Its emergence sparked a movement and exposed an immediate need for cohesion and advocacy across the entire breadth of comedic arts in Canada. CASC has since morphed into a professional organization representing all comedians including stand-up, sketch and improv.

We would like to take this time to remind you of what CASC is at its core, and why becoming a member of CASC is an important step for all Canadian comedians to consider.

There are two main objectives for CASC:

1. To advocate on behalf of professional Canadian comedy writers and performers and collaborate with private and public sector stakeholders in the comedy industry. CASC works to build and maintain a “Cycle of Advancement” in the production, promotion, presentation, broadcast, and distribution of comedy content to maximize the economic benefits to the Canadian Cultural Sector and communities across the country.
2. To promote and insist on a harassment-free work environment for comedy professionals that fosters racial, social, economic, physical, mental, and gender justice and equality. CASC will endeavour to address immediate and ongoing injustices.

While CASC is not a union, we represent comedians at the table when issues arise that either threaten or diminish the work, wellbeing, and opportunities for Canadian comedians. We do this through ongoing advocacy and lobbying with the support of our members and industry peers, and Global Public Affairs, Canada’s leading arts advocacy lobbying consultancy.

What does being a member of CASC get you?

• Voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting and Emergency Meetings/Town Halls
• Access to affordable health, home and auto insurance
• Access to the Emergency Relief Fund for Canadian Comedians

Membership dues also help support ongoing efforts. Currently, in the Spring/Summer of 2020, CASC is working to make sure Canadian comedians are not left behind as the Canadian Government distributes aid throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We are exploring an opportunity to add HAVEN Helpline as a free resource for CASC Members to report harassment/violence in the workplace. Even through these uncertain times, we continue our work to increase labour mobility, demand more Canadian content from our broadcasters, and access to grants from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Becoming a member of CASC supports these ongoing efforts to improve the viability of the Canadian comedy industry and infrastructures from coast to coast to coast.