Drama and Comedy Stories

Join Lawrence, your top hatted host for an evening of tasty beer, a light meal, followed by a visit to the AGO. Our adventure begins at The Village Idiot, where we will enjoy a beer from their vast menu plus some of their local food. During this time, we will verify that you have ordered your online ticket. I usually do a screen shot with the QR code. https://visit.ago.ca/56644/58322 At 6ish, we will cross the street to take a photo with the Couch Monster bronze by Brian Jungen. https://ago.ca/press-release/ago-installs-first-ever-public-art-commission-monumental-new-sculpture-brian-jungen Then we will head inside to see some Old Masters. Our first stop is the Marvin Gelber Print & Drawing Study Centre, where we will see five highlights chosen by current Print and Drawing volunteers, as well as three works added to the AGO collection through volunteer donation. Afterwards, we will visit the European Collection, Highlights include Italian Renaissance masterpieces, Baroque art from Italy, the Netherlands, and Flanders, and British and French works from the 1700–1800s, along with Impressionist paintings. https://ago.ca/collection/european

**NEW UPDATED LOCATION - We are meeting at Yonge Sheppard Center Food Court (near Jimmy the Greek) -** We will meet in the seating in front of or near by "Jimmy the Greek" in the food court. Note food court is at level -1 (lower level) **We will discuss day trading, swing trading strategies and tools.** This will not be a presentation format. We will discuss options trading and investing strategies, as well as the skills needed to start. It is a **casual meetup to meet people who are interested in trading or building a career around it, especially algorithmically. No "financial gurus" are welcome.** Join us for a meetup where we share trading ideas, and connect with others who share a common interest in investing. Algorithmic trading is commonly used by large institutional investors and market makers, but it is also accessible to retail traders. It offers several advantages over manual or discretionary approaches—particularly in minimizing psychological errors that often impact human traders. Some of the topics we usually discuss: \- Reasons for investing \- Limitations of being a retail trader \- Practical tools: brokers\, APIs\, data sources\, real\-time implementation \- Brainstorming ideas: strategies that may be working today **Note this even is not sponsored or endorsed by any business where we are meeting. We are just using their space for casual meetup event.** **Please no promotion of MLM, pyramid schemes, self promotion to paid services, affiliate promotion, paid subscriptions or similar stuff.** **Useful Links** * Notion page of [Algo Trading Resources](https://systemetic.notion.site/Algorithmic-Trading-Resources-fe400c5258e440fd8a4d63770d08bc13) **Telegram group for quicker communication:** [https://t.me/+m8BMRABGX74xNmZh](https://t.me/+m8BMRABGX74xNmZh) **Disclaimer:** This meetup is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. The discussions and materials presented at this meetup are provided as general information and are not intended to be a substitute for professional financial, legal, or tax advice. All participants are encouraged to consult their financial advisor or qualified professionals regarding specific financial issues. None of the organizers, speakers, or participants at this meetup are liable for any financial loss or damage incurred as a result of trading activities or decisions based on the information shared during this event. Trading stocks and other financial instruments involves risk and may not be suitable for all individuals. **CFTC Rule 4.41:** Futures, foreign currency and options trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one’s financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. **Non-Endorsement**: References to specific securities, investment strategies, or any financial instruments during the meetup are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or investment advice by the organizers or speakers. **No Guarantees**: There is no guarantee that the investment strategies discussed will be profitable or protect against loss. All investments involve the risk of loss. **Conflict of Interest**: Presenters or organizers may hold or intend to acquire positions in securities discussed during the meetup, which may create a conflict of interest.

Practice and improve your English through conversation at St. Andrew's Church (73 Simcoe St, downtown Toronto), while making new friends! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- How to Get Here: By TTC, exit at St. Andrew Station. Walk west on King St. West. Do not enter through the church building; the large church front doors will be closed. At the corner of Simcoe St. and King St. West, walk south on Simcoe St. Enter through St. Andrew Centre behind the church building.

Women only community center dropin. 1. Please show up on time if you sign up. 2. Please don’t bring your friend to watch if they don’t play. Spectators are not allowed in the gym. 3. If you find out that you can’t make it after sign up, please edit your RSVP so that it can be freed to waitlist participants.

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

Join us for a vibrant Business Networking Event in Toronto where you may meet your next client, referral partner or friend. Discover opportunities and connect! Register now. **REGISTER HERE:** https://gtapreneurs.com/networking-events-toronto **Venue:** Firkin on Yonge **Address:** 207 Yonge St, Toronto, ON ***(Across from CF Eaton Centre)*** **Transit:** Get off at Queen subway station **Parking:** Paid parking under Eaton Centre This is a casual event with no set structure. When you get to the pub, head upstairs to the 2nd floor (Elevator or stairs) to meet us. We’ll check you in, give you a nametag and an ice breaker card, and introduce you to the others. * **\*APPETIZERS will be PROVIDED\*** * Buy your own beverage. **TICKETS:** **GTApreneurs' Referral Group, Exhibitor and Mega Networking Members:** Free **Non-members:** $20 ***\*Includes a Guest Contact Sheet*** emailed to you the day after the event. Note: You need to attend the event to receive the sheet. **HOSTS:** **Tammy Defoe,** President and Business Coach, GTApreneurs Visit www.gtapreneurs.com/about and www.gtapreneurs.com/business-coaching-toronto for more information about Tammy and her Business Coaching and Consulting services. **Sonia Kurmey,** Independent Consultant, Arbonne Visit https://gtapreneurs.com/sonia-kurmey to learn more about Sonia and contact her and visit www.arbonne.com/ca/en/arb/soniakurmey to view her products. **QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT?** Call 416-522-7770 or email info@gtapreneurs.com View all of GTApreneurs events and services at www.gtapreneurs.com We look forward to seeing you there!

**Back By Popular Demand: Join us as we Kick Off the Winter Season of Bible and Beer!** Ignite! Young Adult Ministry (ages 18–39) **Tuesday, January 6** \| 7:00 p\.m\. \- 9:30 p\.m\. **St. Patrick’s Church – 137 McCaul Street** (Enter through the front Church doors) **Followed by a social at Sin & Redemption** Come be a part of Bible and Beer, a monthly conversation series for young adults (18 - 39) diving into scripture, life, and the real questions that shape our faith journey. This month, we welcome **Archbishop Gerard Pettipas, C.Ss.R.,** as our guest speaker, offering a reflection on the upcoming Sunday readings. Expect though-provoking insights, small group conversations, and plenty of time to unwind with others over a pint (or your choice of drink - mine is tea) at **Sin & Redemption Pub** just across the street. Get your ticket and register here: [https://bit.ly/Bible_and_Beer_Jan2026](https://bit.ly/Bible_and_Beer_Jan2026)

Beat the January blues with a night filled with laughter at Free Times Cafe

🌟 Power Within Workshop: Yoga & Meditation 🌟 Unlock your inner strength and serenity at our Power Within workshop—a perfect blend of yoga and meditation to help you find balance, peace, and energy. "Yoga means union. Yoga unites our hearts, mind, body, and spirit. It unites us and the people around us." — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Join us in person for a transformative session combining: Movement – gentle yoga sequences to awaken your body Breathwork – techniques to calm your mind and boost energy Meditation – simple practices to cultivate inner peace We’ll also explore strategies to better manage your energy and bring out your best self every day. This workshop is perfect for beginners seeking stress relief, mental clarity, and a sense of calm through simple yet powerful practices. Take your first step beyond the ordinary and discover the potential within your body, breath, and mind. 📍 **Location: Room 5250, OISE, 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6 📅 Date: Tuesday, 10th January 2026 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM** **Walk-ins welcome!**

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/448735799857?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/448735799857?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Indulge in Wednesday wonders! Toronto's comedy sensation unfolds at 8 PM. Unwind with laughter in the heart of the week.** Step into a world of Wednesday wonders at 8 PM! Backroom Comedy Club invites you to a midweek escape filled with uproarious laughter and top-tier stand-up comedy. Join Toronto's finest comedians for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Reserve your seat now and make your Wednesday delightful with humor, wit, and the best of the city's comedy scene!

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769789610447?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769789610447?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Saturday night sizzles with top-tier laughs! Join us at 10PM for Toronto's premier stand-up comedy showcase. An unforgettable weekend awaits** Elevate your Saturday nights with Toronto's comedy elite! Join us at 10 PM for a captivating showcase at Backroom Comedy Club. Experience an evening of top-tier stand-up, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Reserve your seat now for the ultimate weekend entertainment!

Join us for **Witness for the Prosecution,** Agatha Christie’s electrifying courtroom drama filled with betrayal, secrets, and shocking twists that will keep you guessing until the final verdict. ***You can use our promo code to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **THE PLAY:** Step into the courtroom for a gripping tale of betrayal, secrets, and shocking twists! Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow who made him her sole heir. As conflicting testimonies emerge, the truth becomes a puzzle that will leave you guessing until the final verdict. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s *Traitor’s Hands*, this tense courtroom drama will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything you think you know. *Recommended for ages 14 and up. Depicts murder, emotional manipulation, and mature themes.* \*\*\* **PRICE** **Discount Tickets:** $24 (includes all fees) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code **THUMBSUP** to get your discount tickets. Use the code to purchase your tickets **[online](https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=tscar&rd=1)** or call the box office at (416) 267-9292. ***You do not have to attend with our group. You may use our promo code THUMBSUP to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members may not be able to sit together. However, we will get together before, during and after the show. Belinda will be seated in C-B27. *** **DETAILS** **When:** Saturday, January 10, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre. **Where:** Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road, Scarborough **Runtime:** About 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre lobby beside the box office. Belinda will is very short and will be wearing a pink Los Gatos baseball cap and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance only. **Intermission & After-Show Meetup Spots:** Meet Belinda beside the box office in the same place as you met her before the show. **\*\*\*** **[THUMBS UP CELLPHONE POLICY:](https://www.meetup.com/Thumbs-Up-Theatre-Toronto/events/243426512/)** Cellphones must be turned off, or kept in silent or flight mode (no sound and no vibration), and MUST NOT be pulled out or used under any circumstances during shows.

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/436240616427?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/436240616427?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Savor the laughter at Sizzling Saturdays! Toronto's comedy spectacle starts at 8 PM. A night of uproarious fun awaits!** Join us for a sizzling Saturday night at 8 PM! Backroom Comedy Club presents a comedy extravaganza featuring Toronto's top comedians. Immerse yourself in an evening of wit, humor, and uproarious laughter. Make your Saturday memorable—reserve your seat now for an unforgettable entertainment experience!

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Join us for a top-reviewed comedy-drama and the latest from director Bradley Cooper, IS THIS THING ON! The film is based on a true story follows a middle-aged man in a struggling marriage who seeks in purpose as a stand-up comedian. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: As their marriage quietly unravels, a faces middle age and an impending divorce. He seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while trying to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether or not love can take a new form. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) and stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Sean Hayes and Bradley Cooper. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc) BUZZ: The film is earning an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it “another terrific relationship study from Bradley Cooper and an ideal platform for Will Arnett's dramatic chops.” Following its world premiere at the NYFF, critics called it “a warm and hilarious comedy-drama” and “one of the most memorable and heartfelt films you’ll see all year!” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show beings. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but be sure to mention you're with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Possible post-show get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

This cutting edge rom-com translates the familiar "love triangle" to the 2025 luxury driven NYC culture. Can our successful matchmaker find true love herself? Watch it and cast your opinion at the group discussion,

Join us as we get together to see the winner of the Best International Film at TIFF and a triple Golden Globe nominee: NO OTHER CHOICE! This top-reviewed dark comedy satirical thriller follows a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a desperate paper industry expert who decides to kill off his competition to be assured of the job he seeks to maintain his way of life. The film is co-written / produced / directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on The Ax by Donald Westlake. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz-RXMCyco BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews as the Venice International Film Festival and later at the Toronto Film Festival where it won the International People’s Choice Award! It just received 3 Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun. It was also selected as the South Korean entry (and likely nominee) for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards! It's been a stellar year for International films! We've already seen superb entries SENTIMENTAL VALUE, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT and THE SECRET AGENT! My spidey senses tell me those three and this Korean entry could be 4 of our 5 Best International Films at this year's Oscars! PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Details for the MOVIE portion of this event have been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 2pm 4K showing and meet in the upstairs lobby area between 1:35 and 1:45pm! Tickets $11.25 via the GFC website and includes online ticketing fee. Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We’ll plan for dinner immediately following someplace nearby. The DINNER portion will be confirmed/announced in the next few days. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan