Tag Archives: The Second City

Author, Comedian, & Public Speaker Jessica Holmes to host A Woman’s Legacy Event on Nov. 21

The Promotion People - Jessica HolmesJessica Holmes joins former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, famed Canadian songstress Jann Arden, and best-selling author of Introverts Susan Cain in the incredible line up of inspirational women visiting Toronto to speak at A Woman’s Legacy Event on November 21, 2013.

This annual event draws an audience of motivated women including successful businesswomen, entrepreneurs and the who’s who in the city to learn first hand from internationally renowned women. Bridging a cross section of industries to come together and be empowered. A Woman’s Legacy brings together experts who speak about their personal stories and their secrets to success in areas that cover communication strategies, motivation, smart investing, innovation, stress management and more.

Tickets are available from $189 and can be purchased on line at legacymastery.com

Jessica Holmes – Author, Comedian, & Public Speaker

Jessica Holmes starred on Royal Canadian Air Farce and The Holmes Show, and is the author of I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life. Also a Life Coach, she tours Canada with her quirky combination of humour & inspiration.
The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Holmes has opened for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as hosted events for such visionaries as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey! Although a comedian at heart, having performed with the Second City and Just for Laughs, Holmes has recently delved into writing: penning the book I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life. Jessica majored in writing at Ryerson’s Radio & Television Arts BFA program, and again ended up spending her free time involved in comedy: acting in and then directing the annual sketch comedy show, titled RIOT. There, a few of the performers dared each other to try stand up. Four of them, Jessica included, performed at amateur night at The Laugh Resort. Jessica was hooked on the terrifying adrenaline ride that is stand up comedy, and decided to try it on as a career. During her years on Air Farce, Jessica had two children, Alexa and Jordan, with her actor husband Scott. Holmes wrote her first book, I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life, in 2010. Having fallen in love with public speaking, Holmes decided to deepen the scope of her material by becoming a Life & Career Coach through San Diego’s Life Purpose Institute. She now enjoys a mix of comedy & motivational speaking.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes@JuliaGillard@jannarden@susancain

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Canadian funny woman Jessica Holmes to deliver Keynote Finale at WIBN Conference & Urban Retreat in Vancouver on October 6th & 7th, 2013

Jessica has successfully transitioned from an in-demand comedian, to a sought-after comedic motivational speaker and author

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Royal Canadian Air Farce & The Holmes Show’s Jessica Holmes, a comedian and motivational speaker, will be bringing her mix of characters, comedy, and inspirational tips to Vancouver this October. Jessica will be delivering a keynote address at the Women in Biz Network conference to uplift and motivate entrepreneurs and business women in Western Canada. As a mom, successful speaker, author, and Life Coach, Holmes has received hundreds of standing ovations in the two years since she transformed her comedy routine into a self-help/humour hybrid. One of the most requested speakers in Canada, Holmes gives an inspiring and engaging appearance. Jessica shares tips on success, re-branding, and motivation, and shares how laughter now defines her life since recovering from post-partum depression. Her talk, called the 60 Minute Perspective Makeover, is detailed below.

The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover
The secrets of success are the same no matter what business you’re in; and success begins with getting motivated. Inspiration and comedy unite in this 60-minute transformation from “I shoulda…” to “I will!” Energizing and funny, this call to action combines Jessica’s humor and savvy to deliver motivational insights into:

•    Finding greater meaning in your work
•    Using positive psychology to be happier day to day
•    Setting and reaching your goals
•    Learning to laugh at life’s shortcomings

Jessica gives quick, achievable how-tos about these topics and more, in a laugh-out-loud hour of fun. The audience receives great takeaways & follow-up resources to guarantee that Jessica’s presentation makes a meaningful impact. See more at: http://goforitevent.com/jessicaholmes/#sthash.doXX9FAz.dpuf

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Before her transition to a successful speaker, Jessica was a well-established comedian and performer. She has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career.

Jessica is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

In recent years, Holmes has shifted her comedy from the stage to the print world as a comedy author. Her book titled, “I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life”, offers readers her witty observations on everything from her hilarious take on parenthood, her eclectic upbringing by a Mormon father and feminist mother, and her experiences as a missionary in Venezuela.

It’s hard to imagine that this funny woman didn’t always see the laughter in things. Holmes suffered from a near crippling depression that threatened her every day life and career. Once recovered, she made the decision to dedicate her life to discovering what creates lasting balance and fulfillment.

Holmes is shooting the new web series That’s My JD, developing a comedic reality series with Pivotal Media and a tween musical series with Marblemedia, appearing as a frequent guest on shows like “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight”, and is set to release her second comedy book due out in 2014.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Canadian funny woman Jessica Holmes celebrates her milestone birthday in Toronto with a fundraising comedy event at Hugh’s Room on August 25th, 2013

Jessica currently tours the country with her unique brand of humour—appearing as a guest speaker at a variety of events
The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Ottawa native Jessica Holmes continues to delight and amuse national and international audiences with her popular comedy routines and celebrity impersonations. Holmes has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career. Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker at high profile events across the country. Most recently, she appeared at the Women in Glaucoma Conference last month in Vancouver, and will be at The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference (designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance) in October.

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Between raising her family and her busy professional schedule, Jessica has also been gearing up to celebrate a milestone birthday. At the end of this month, Jessica will turn the big 4-0 and felt it was an important birthday to celebrate, while also giving back. “For a woman in my industry, aging can be considered a bad thing. So I wanted to turn that on its head and make my 40th birthday something I’m proud of, something I would shout from the mountaintops! And I found that opportunity: I’m celebrating my 15 year career, my friends in the industry, and my involvement in philanthropy in an intimate fund-raiser at Hugh’s Room,” says Jessica. “I’m happy, healthy, and submerged in community, friendship, and a career I love. Turning 40 is awesome!” The fundraising event, which offers a night chock-full of entertainment, supports Yellow Brick Road House—a shelter for abused women and children. More details on Jessica’s event at Hugh’s Room is available HERE.

Jessica is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

In recent years, Holmes has shifted her comedy from the stage to the print world as a comedy author. Her book titled, “I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life”, offers readers her witty observations on everything from her hilarious take on parenthood, her eclectic upbringing by a Mormon father and feminist mother, and her experiences as a missionary in Venezuela.

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Holmes has become on of the most sought-after speakers in Canadian business by creating a motivational comedy performance about positive psychology called “The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover”. She tours the country offering audiences her own tips and perspective on how to lead a more fulfilling and happy life through setting personal goals.

It’s hard to imagine that this funny woman didn’t always see the laughter in things. Holmes suffered from a near crippling depression that threatened her every day life and career. Once recovered, she made the decision to dedicate her life to discovering what creates lasting balance and fulfillment.

She originally majored in writing at Ryerson University’s Radio and Television arts program when a classmate dared her to try standup. The Second City, Just For Laughs festival and TV shows like “Little Big Kid” and “The Itch”, got her noticed by television casting agents.

Holmes is shooting the new web series That’s My JD, developing a comedic reality series with Pivotal Media and a tween musical series with Marblemedia, appearing as a frequent guest on shows like “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight”, and is set to release her second comedy book due out in 2014.

The Promotion People Jessica Holmes

 

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes
Press: huffingtonpost.ca

 

 

 

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Comedian and Popular TV Star Jessica Holmes Brings Her Unique Brand of Comedy to Vancouver This Summer and Fall

The Promotion People Jessica Holmes

Ottawa native Jessica Holmes continues to delight and amuse national and international audiences with her popular comedy routines and celebrity impersonations. Holmes has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career. Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker at high profile events across the country. Her next appearances are at the Women in Glaucoma Conference on July 16th in Vancouver, and The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference (designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance) in October.

She is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

The Promotion People Jessica Holmes

In recent years, Holmes has shifted her comedy from the stage to the print world as a comedy author. Her book titled, “I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life”, offers readers her witty observations on everything from her hilarious take on parenthood, her eclectic upbringing by a Mormon father and feminist mother, and her experiences as a missionary in Venezuela.

Holmes has become on of the most sought after speakers in Canadian business by creating a motivational comedy performance about positive psychology called “The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover”. She tours the country offering audiences her own tips and perspective on how to lead a more fulfilling and happy life through setting personal goals.

It’s hard to imagine that this funny woman didn’t always see the laughter in things. Holmes suffered from a near crippling depression that threatened her every day life and career. Once recovered, she made the decision to dedicate her life to discovering what creates lasting balance and fulfillment.

She originally majored in writing at Ryerson University’s Radio and Television arts program when a classmate dared her to try standup. The Second City, Just For Laughs festival and TV shows like “Little Big Kid” and “The Itch”, got her noticed by television casting agents.

The Promotion People Jessica Holmes

Holmes is shooting the new web series That’s My JD, developing a comedic reality series with Pivotal Media and a tween musical series with Marblemedia, appearing as a frequent guest on shows like “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight”, and is set to release her second comedy book due out in 2014.

Holmes will be speaking in Vancouver in July for the Women in Glaucoma Conference on July 16th, as well as this October as part of The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference which is designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance and workplace productivity.

 

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @promotion.people

“The Windy City Women” Present Their Latest Improvised Two Act play “Liquid”

The Promotion People The Wind City Women

Vancouver-based improvisational troupe “The Windy City Women” will be performing their latest production “Liquid” at 8:00 pm nightly from December 19th – 22nd at the trendy Havana Restaurant Theatre located at 1212 Commercial Drive in Vancouver. With wallet-friendly tickets available online or at the door, “Liquid” is a must-see for any theatre enthusiast. Tickets are only $10 online or $12.00 at the door.

Not your typical joke-for-joke play, “Liquid” is a full-length, entirely improvised two-act performance, based solely on audience suggestions and contributions. The ultimate success of “Liquid” is dependent on the actor’s ability and stamina to run a completely unplanned, unscripted play without ever leaving the stage. Act one begins with a simple suggestion from an audience member, from there, without discussion, the play occurs in real-time with no jump cuts, flashbacks or dream sequences. In short, the actors are the puppets, dancing to the music of a benevolent master or that of a malevolent tyrant! Which will it be?

L to R- Cassandra Cavalli, Eric Carbery, Lisa Ovies, Tony Alcantar, Justyn Shippelt, Rachel Schaefer, Alex Barima

But NOT only that…

THEN, at the drop of a hat, the cast must serve up the SEQUEL or PREQUEL to that story for Act II…depending again on the whims of the audience as they decide! As with Act I, the excitement not only lies in the split second decision making that the cast must make to spark un-born characters into life BUT the cast must also weave a story to compliment Act I! And every audience is treated to a never-been-seen before play that will never be repeated! Breathtaking! An audience member can come to every show and still not see the same story! No one else in Vancouver is offering this high-wire-without-a-net form of theatre! Only 60 people per night will be treated to this magic.

Unlike cabaret or competitive style improv, the goal of “Liquid” is not to be satirically funny, it is rather to create a story in which relationships, plot and character development carry the audience through the improvised journey of the cast. Although comedy is not the overall goal, it will undoubtedly be a by-product.

The Promotion People LisaOvies&TonyAlcantar

Originally formed in 2005, “The Windy City Women” is the brainchild of Tony Alcantar, artistic director and actor in “Liquid”. The troupe began as a satirical sketch comedy group, with the success of their first show “ The Inuksuk Sucks” at the Cellar in Vancouver. After careful studies of the exceptionally subtle camera movements in Louis Malle’s film “Atlantic City”, Tony was inspired by its continuous motion and fluidity of focus that helped to inspire “Liquid”.

Born and raised in Chicago, Tony has a BA in Theatre and an MFA in Acting from Chicago’s Roosevelt University. He is a graduate of the Players Workshop of the Second City, and The Second City Training Center. Tony is one of the critically acclaimed alum of the world-famous professional comedy troupe “The Second City”. With improv students such as; Emmy-winning “Will & Grace” actor Sean Hayes, Grace Park of “Hawaii Five-O” and Stephanie Weir from “Mad-TV”, and on-set dialect training with actors including; Halle Berry, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Rockwell and Jenna Fischer, Tony quickly became Vancouver’s most sought-after dialect and improvisational coach. Tony is thrilled to be a part of this exciting production but admits it is the hardest thing that he has done in his career.

The producer of “Liquid”, actress Lisa Ovies is also an award-winning film maker and an accomplished international model. Lisa’s career includes appearances in films and commercials all over Canada and the U.S. In June 2011, she launched the film company I No.Films where she has produced, written and starred in musicals, short films and a sketch comedy pilot. In January 2012 she received a full art scholarship to Women in the Directors chair, and less than a month after returning, received her first art credit on the award winning film “Ghosts of Europe”. Currently, Lisa is working with The Jeff Turner Entertainment Group, expanding their film and television division. She is also in development for a new sketch comedy show in Vancouver.

Among the talented eight-member cast of award-winning performers is; improv superstar and three-year member of Montreal’s “Pamplemousse” theatre sports league Alex Barima with the ever-talented improv actress and award-winning singer/musician Cassandra Cavalli. Also on stage, Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts graduates Rachel Schaefer and Justyn Shippelt contribute to the overall quality of “Liquid”. With the skillful, artistic views of Vancouverite Keith David Moore directing the play, coupled with musical direction from the accomplished and multi-talented performer Eric Carbery “Liquid” is expected to significantly contribute to the ever-growing success of “The Windy City Women”.

Buy Tickets: Havana Restaurant Theatre

Contact The Promotion People

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
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