Donovan Workun is a comedic powerhouse and veteran improviser who has toured stages across Canada, delivering laughs to audiences of all sizes. Known for his quick wit and character-driven improv, Donovan combines years of experience with a passion for keeping every performance fresh and unpredictable. As a key talent at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival, he thrives in front of large crowds and intimate audiences alike, leaving no joke unturned. Whether he’s heckling golfers with Atomic Improv or hosting the Edmonton RiverHawks, Donovan brings his unique charm to every arena, making him a staple of Edmonton’s vibrant comedy scene.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Because my career has focused on improv, my comedy is more sketch-based and character-driven. I always end up playing a hyper-exaggerated version of common people.
Who are some of your influences?
I grew up watching SNL in the late 70s and early 80’s if I could stay awake, but as I got older, it was all about SCTV and Monty Python.
Who was your comedian growing up?
I managed to find some Redd Foxx and Cheech and Ching records in my house when I was a kid. My first dip into adult content. Ha.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
So many great ones right now. Shane Gillis, Andrew Schultz were on the GOCF tour last year. They’re super smart and funny
What is your pre-show ritual?
I’m not sure I have one. Usually, before I go on stage I say “don’t suck and I hope I’m funny”. Usually works out.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
I’m not a standup, but I do get to workshop some improv standup on stage in front of 10000 people at the GOCF. The rush of a crowd that size is amazing. I’ve done shows all over in every type of venue. I’ve performed in front of a crowd on the beach in the Cayman Islands to 8000 Boy Scouts, to a college patio bar where, when the jokes didn’t land, you could literally hear crickets.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
I get to write jokes at every gig on the spot. That’s the best part of improv. Keeping it fresh and fun. It’s always changing and evolving, but I was lucky enough to be a writer/performer for 7 seasons on the national CBC radio comedy series “The Irrelevant Show” which was a lot to type. Wow.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
It has to be live. Of course, everyone has a streaming comedy special…except me. I’m old school. My comedy special was on regular TV. So, access to comedy is abundant. I don’t care how I hear a funny joke; a good joke is funny no matter the medium. From memes to comedy clubs and everything in between.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I live in Edmonton. We hear them all… insteadmonton, deadmonton.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
Of course, I’ll be all across Canada this year with the GOCF, which is an amazing gig, plus I’ll be heckling golfers all season with my improv partner from Atomic Improv in a thing we call HeckleHole.com. Or check me out as the infield host for the Edmonton RiverHawks all summer. Come get a beer at and have a laugh…also, I hear there’s baseball.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
My wife, Aimee Beaudoin, owns a great venue in Edmonton called Spotlight Cabaret. She’s incredibly funny and talented, and they put on huge shows in a tiny venue. It’s a must-do in Edmonton.
