A Conversation with Ryan McMahon

Based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, McMahon is making a name for himself as one of the most dynamic comedy performers working in Canada today. Considered a comedian that happens to be Native, rather than being a Native comedian, McMahon steers clear of cultural stereotypes onstage, instead his live show combines standup, improv, and sketch comedy weaving hilarious stories, characters, and a very unique and original style of comedy. A graduate of the Second City Toronto Conservatory, armed with a degree in theatre, McMahon is unlike any other Native comedian working today in Indian Country. In '08 McMahon hosted & headlined the pre-show to Canada’s Premiere Music Awards Show, the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg (APCMA’s), he hosted and performed at the '08 Manito Ahbee Kick Off Social, he began work on development of his own web series & sitcoms for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) & Showcase Television. Fast forward to '09, McMahon is busier than ever. Nominated for the '09 North American Indigenous Image Awards (NAIIA) as BEST COMEDIAN - McMahon’s comedy stock continues to rise. He's currently slated to star in the first season of the sketch comedy series, “The Bionick Bannock Boys” for APTN, he hosted & performed on APTN’s, “National Aboriginal Day Live 09” broadcast from Whitehorse, Yukon. McMahon is currently attached to close to a dozen TV & film projects and he continues to be one of Canada’s rising stars. McMahon continues his commitment working with youth in communities delivering his Leadership Through The Arts Program through his company, he’s also the lead educator in the Aboriginal Arts Training & Mentorship Program at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, the creator/performer of, “The Clarence Two Toes Radio Show” and “Life According to Clarence Two Toes”, improv comedy podcasts, in 2008-09 the podcasts received close to 100,000 downloads and is featured on iTunes Canada.