About Jeff Cottrill…

Pape Subway Station, Toronto September 2004

Jeff Cottrill is a satirical writer, spoken-word performer, journalist and occasional actor based in Toronto. His stage act often uses elements of performance poetry, comedy, theatre and storytelling. With a darkly comic flavour, he likes to make audiences laugh, cringe, or (preferably) both.

He has headlined in countless literary and performance series throughout Ontario, the U.K. and parts of the U.S. over the last decade. He was one of the organizers of the Perpetual Motion Roadshow, a monthly touring circuit (created by novelist Jim Munroe) that showcased independent artists in venues along the east and west coasts of the U.S. and Canada from 2003 to 2007.

Jeff is the Literary Editor of Burning Effigy Press, a Toronto small press that specializes in genre fiction and urban poetry. To date, the press has received two Bram Stoker Award nominations. He was the co-host of Strange Tongues, a popular monthly spoken-word series in Toronto that ran from February 2002 to June 2004. He has also been an occasional guest host of other open stages, including WordJam!, Cryptic Chatter, Coffeehouse Cabaret, Every Buddha Plays and Cafe at the Centre.

Jeff’s writing credits include EYE WEEKLY, NOW, Toronto.com, Exclaim!, Vu, NewsFIX, The Village Post, The Bayview Post, Divorce Magazine, Glued, Jagged, Snippets and more. Articles of his have been reprinted or excerpted in The Detroit News, Canoe.ca and Ivillage.com.

He has authored three chapbooks of short fiction and satirical monologues, the most recent of which is Guilt Pasta (2007), and he has recorded two spoken-word CDs, Cracktastic! (2005) and Clown with a Coat Hanger (2009). Jeff recently had a role in the independent short film In the Can. In June 2010, his first one-man show, Grouch on a Couch, will debut at the Ottawa Fringe Festival.

Jeff likes movies, travel, and puppies.