Peter Zedlacher is a Calgary-based comedian who got his start in stand-up after training in theatre in New York, bringing a performance-driven energy and love for ‘act outs’ to every stage he steps on. Known for his dynamic mix of physical comedy, irreverent storytelling, and heartfelt punchlines, Peter has toured internationally, including multiple trips to perform for troops in Afghanistan and is a core member of the Snowed In Comedy Tour, which recently wrapped filming its new television series set to premiere this fall.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I have a theatre background; I studied theatre in New York as a young man, so my comedy is very performance-driven. I love an ‘act out’.
Who are some of your influences?
I would say the comics who came up in comedy just before me, who were kind to me and encouraging; Jo-Anna Downey, Ed Pollack, Rodney Pentland, JT Huntley – these people were the ones, to this day, make me grateful for all of this. My hope is that I am continuing that kindness and encouragement to the next generation of Canadian comics.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Fozzie Bear
Who is your favourite comedian now?
I want to give Patton Oswalt this accolade because he has the style of comedy I emulate, where he can do political material, followed by an obscure impression, followed by something absurd and then poignant and inspiring. He doesn’t fit into a ‘box’, so to speak. But, I want to give props to the Canadians who taught and inspired me, and who continue to floor me: Ron James and Brent Butt.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Write my “set list” inside the club after I’ve gotten a ‘feel’ for the audience. Stretch. Vocal warm-up. Make sure fly is zipped up.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Kabul Afghanistan. My 3rd trip there to entertain the troops. The coalition forces in the audience of thousands gave me a standing ovation after my show. My favourite place because I felt like I had made a really small contribution to help those brave men and women.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I wrote a bit in my first few years of being a comedian about dating a Catholic girl and going to church and not knowing what to do. It was the first bit that really encompassed all of my tools: written comedy with fun act-outs, with some irreverence to make it a little dangerous. That was the chunk that graduated my career.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
Always a live venue. Love TV appearances and albums and radio, and streaming platforms, but nothing will ever match the live experience of seeing a comedian live. Go see comedy live and in person!
Tell us a joke about your city.
Calgary and Edmonton have a rivalry, but there’s a clear winner; if you are in Edmonton and you get on a road called The Calgary Trail, it leads to Calgary. If you are in Calgary and you get on a road called The Edmonton Trail, it leads to a dead end.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Every year, I tour coast-to-coast across the country with Canada’s biggest comedy tour, The Snowed In Comedy Tour, so I’m currently working on new material for next year’s tour. This year, Snowed In filmed, a television series which will be coming out in the Fall.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | YouTube
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
I would love to hype up Calgary comedian Dale Ward. I met Dale on the scene when I first moved to Calgary a decade ago, and he is consistently working on his craft on every stage in the city, and recently, across the country. Takes his craft seriously, is hard-working, genuinely funny and a sweet dude.
