Interview With Sketch Troupe Approximately 3 Peters

The sketch comedy troupe Approximately 3 Peters have been performing in Toronto for the last five years. Specializing in sketch comedy “for the nerd in all of us,” Peter Gal, Pete Hill and Ian MacIntyre combine social commentary with absurdist humour and their own brand of geeky charm. Being nerds ourselves, we couldn’t resist getting to know them (after all, when dealing with nerds, resistance is futile).

Theatromania: What inspired you to create Approximately 3 Peters?

Pet3rs: There was a void in the marketplace for a sketch troupe comprised entirely of three white nerdy North American males. We later discovered that void misrepresented itself, so now we perform primarily to support our ongoing lawsuit against the void.

Theatromania: You guys have been performing together for five years. Where do you see yourself in the next five?

IM: Still arguing over a perfect draft of our “DVD Commentary” sketch.

PG: No longer a sketch troupe, but a sketch ARMY! Kneel before Zod!

PH: Captains of unsinkable ocean liners. In space.

Theatromania: What do you think of the comedy scene in Toronto?

PH: It continues to be a privilege and honour to be a part of a community of such broad and diverse talent. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival helps give these artists a broader platform to engage new audiences and build a stronger artistic community. The free booze doesn’t hurt either.

IM: The scene in this city is one of the strongest, most diverse comedy communities anywhere in the world — I honestly believe that. I just wish there were more opportunities for talented performers and writers to reach a broader audience in this country (or to even get an audience in this city). That said, it’s nice to see online media taking up the slack and covering the festival!

PG: The development of talent in the city seems to be on a bit of an upswing and I think the growth of SketchFest has a lot to do with that. It’s becoming an event that grabs the attention of the people who do the hiring.

Theatromania: What Star Wars characters would each of you be?

IM: Bib Fortuna, ’cause you had to buy the action figure to learn his name.

PH: Porkins. He was just too heavy for this world. #xwingcannonfodder

PG: A midichlorian. You wish I wasn’t there, but too effing bad! Gotcha money, sucka!

Theatromania: If you could have dinner with three famous nerds, who would they be?

IM: Joss Whedon, so my man-crush can finally take it’s course.

PG: Joel Schumacher. To demand an apology.

PH: Clarification — dinner is Cheetos and chocolate milk, right?

Approximately 3 Peters will perform at the 2010 Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival on November 6. Click here for show times and to buy tickets. We can’t wait to check them out! Stay tuned for our review.

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