Who is Ken Godmere?
Do you really need to ask...

First of all, he’s a husband and a father to his two great kids. He’s been married to his lovely wife Jen, one of his biggest fans and supporters, for 15 years. Together they’ve produced their best work: their two great kids Emma, 14 and Andrew, 9.

We also know Ken as a great friend, a confidant, philosopher, and a very funny guy.

He’s also bald (not there’s anything wrong with that)

His love of improvisational comedy has been the cornerstone of his career, which has been quite a ride. Ken Godmere, having just turned the big 4-0, is now a 25- year veteran in the Land of Laughter. He established his strong comedic roots, both acting and producing, with Toronto’s well known “Second City” and “Theatresports”. His performing, directing, managing and producing credits also include: Theatresports, Stage Centre Productions, and Ogilvy & Mather Advertising in Toronto; Northstar Entertainment of Atlanta, Odessa Films and the The New RO television station here in Ottawa. His performance credits range from Doc in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. His “baby” since coming to Ottawa has been his Improv Club: The iNSTiTUTiON.

He migrated north to Ottawa (he must have liked our Winters!)

Since arriving with his family in Ottawa in 1997, Ken has continued his quest to bring improvisational comedy to the masses with “The iNSTiTUTiON”. His philosophy is that this brand of comedy is an honest, interactive form of entertainment for the audience. Ken explains it: "In stand-up, you have one person telling a joke about a guy who walks into a bar. In improv, you actually have the guy walk into the bar. The audience really feels this show is just for them. We’ll never play those scenes again!” A successful Improv Club would also serve as an excellent training ground for new young actors learning the ropes.

Batter’s up!

Establishing a permanent club has not been an easy feat, having about the same number of venues as players on a baseball team, but Ken’s been honest with his craft and driven to succeed. While following your dreams and creating a profit doesn’t always mix well at first, Ken’s other business has helped to pay the bills. He’s developed a strong client base with government agencies, high-tech firms and non-profit and corporations as a facilitator and trainer for corporate communications through improvisational workshops.
Did we mention he’d also give you the shirt off his back?

Put the shirt back on, Ken... Please!

Although a self-employed actor, comedian and speaker, Ken’s business skills are sometimes suspect. He gives so much to others when monetary returns are “iffy” at best. In a nutshell, he loves people’s inner desire to sing, play, act, and perform so much that everything else is simply secondary.

Here's a little taste of Ken’s generosity... and in no way is this a complete list!

  • He’s worked with school boards for many years in Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa, focussing on helping students develop their communication skills and creativity through improvisation and drama.
  • He's performed charity shows for groups like The Snowsuit Fund, Dreams Take Flight, youth sports teams and Raising the Roof
  • He’s been awarded the “Ambassador of the Year” award from the United Way of Ottawa

What have you done for us lately?

His most recent credit is receiving the best director award for “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”, a musical comedy produced by the Zucchini Grotto Theatre Company. This performance starred a cast of four which played to sold out shows in August 2003 at the National Art’s Centre.

And his Club continues to grow...

There’s a loyal and growing following for The iNSTiTUTiON at its new home at 145 Besserer St. near the Byward Market:

The current line up of the shows is as follows:

  • Thursday’s and Friday’s you will find LAFF LINES. It’s a lot like the popular TV show “Whose Line is it, Anyway?” with four professional comedians performing wickedly spontaneous improv in a mix of familiar and unexpected games, scenes and songs. Doors open at 8; show at 9. Check it out!
  • Saturdays: Capital Indiscretions is the improvised soap opera where the audience writes in their own discretions. Before the show begins, the audience writes simple sentences on individual pieces of paper that are randomly used as lines of dialogue between the indiscrete characters, creating plot twists at every turn for this spontaneous, side-splitting soap opera. Doors open at 8; show at 9. No, check this out!

Speaking of Summer…

Ken is looking forward to taking it easy and enjoying his family and kids. He is living life one day at a time. Ken truly is an inspiration to all of us!