Comedy Cares

The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival is proud to present the successful Comedy Cares program as part of its 25th Anniversary programming. Proving that laughter has the power to heal, Festival cast members use their diverse talents to bring smiles, chuckles and giggles to patients, family and staff in local hospitals and long-term care facilities during StreetFest 2009, July 3-12.

“Of all of my work at the Street Performers Festival, I am most proud of the Comedy Cares program. Brightening the lives of those who cannot join us in Sir Winston Churchill Square, is a priority and a privilege for the festival and its performers,” said Festival Artistic Producer Shelley Switzer.

The program has grown as part of StreetFest over the past 25 years and was officially called Comedy Cares 10 years ago. Now a year-round program that tours throughout Alberta and British Columbia, it focuses on specialized forms of clowning, improvisation, character work, music and comedy which are tailored for hospital patients and care facilities.

The 2009 Comedy Cares Festival schedule is as follows:

• Monday, July 6 – 12pm to 1pm: Cross Cancer Institute
• Tuesday, July 7 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm: Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
• Wednesday, July 8 – 10:30am to 11:30am: Stollery Childrens' Hospital
  (this event will be open to the media to attend)

StreetFest acknowledges the support of the Edmonton Community Foundation for these 2009 Comedy Cares visits.