The 6th Annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is back November 2-7, 2010 with over 40 troupes from across North America including, Punch in the Box with Leslie Seiler, who grew up in Bedford.

Leslie is an award winning writer and actress and has spent ten years with the Second City. Her television credits include Comedy Inc and Little Mosque on the Prairie. Her troupe Punch in the Box recently won Pick of the Fringe at the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival.

The Bedford Beacon did an interview with Leslie, and here is what we found out:

Where were you born?

At the Grace Maternity in Halifax.

When did you live in Bedford?

From age 0-20 – so the 80’s and 90’s roughly.

What school’s did you go to?

Bedford Central
Fort Sackville
Bedford Senior Elementary
Bedford Junior High
Charles P. Allen High school

Do you still have family/friends you keep in touch with in Bedford?

My two my best friends live in Halifax and Eastern Passage. I keep in touch with school friend through Facebook.

Do you visit Nova Scotia?

Any chance I get! I love it and miss it. Hoping to bring my boyfriend there one day soon to show him around.

How did you get involved in acting?

When I was 9 years old I took an acting class at Neptune Theatre School after seeing a production of Cinderella at Neptune that blew my mind.

How long have you been an actor? From where did you get started?

I’ve been a professional (meaning getting paid for it) actor for 10 years. Although I did do one commercial in Halifax when I was 16. Really I got my start in community theatre and just being a ham at home! I did eventually go to Dalhousie and graduated from the Theatre program.

What kind of writing do you do?

Mostly sketch, or short form comedy. Although I also write stand up, half-hour sitcom and I am working on my first feature. I’ve written an award winning one-woman show: Trapped in Taffeta.

What films/shows, etc. have you performed in?

My biggest film to date would be a Disney movie called Twitches Too which you can catch on the family channel around Halloween. TV credits include: Degrassi: The next generation, Little Mosque on the Prairie, Comedy Inc., The Ron James Show. And many, many commercials.

Are you working on any current projects personally or with Punch in the Box?

With Punch in the Box we are gearing up for the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. I am also working on developing a half hour comedy for TV. Fingers crossed it goes through!

What kind of roles have you performed throughout your career?  Are you satisfied with them? Which one was your favourite?

I am very satisfied with what I’ve been able to play through the years and with the career that I’ve built and am still building. I think my favourite roles would have to be any character from my one-woman show: Trapped in Taffeta. I played 30 different characters and they are all hilarious, over the top, great characters you can sink your teeth into. I’ve also enjoyed playing Martha Stewart on Comedy Inc.

How different is it to act in a movie and a tv show?

The biggest difference between film and television is the time you have. Although both move very quickly – television moves so fast you may only get one or two takes – so you have to make decisions quickly and get it perfect everytime. Movies are similar but you might have a few more takes and about double the angles to work with.

Is there an area in which you would like to improve as an actor?

On-camera for sure. I’m a great theatre performer and comedian. The only way to really work my on-camera skills is to be in front of that camera – so I’m working hard to book more of that work.

What has been your biggest achievement in the field of acting?

Being able to support myself for almost 10 years doing what I love and staying in this competitive, tough business.

What special recognition or awards have you or your troupe received?

I have 4 Canadian Comedy Awards:

1 – best One Person show: Trapped in Taffeta, 2006
2 – Best Sketch Troupe: The Second City, 2008
3 – Best Comedic Play: Barack to the Future, 2008
4 – Best Comedic Play: 0% Down, 100% Screwed:, 2009

What kind of roles do you prefer?

Oh I like crazy, quirky characters where I can have a bit of fun. I don’t need to play the romantic lead – give me the zany friend.

What are a few tips on being a successful actor?

Stay the course. Never stop learning and studying. Do as much as you can to get your face out there as often as you can.

Who is your favourite actor?

Oh I love Will Arnett – so funny. But I never have one favourite – it changes constantly.

What is your favourite movie? Favourite book? Favourite tv show?

Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life, Die Hard – come on that’s a great movie.

Book: I loved The Lovely Bones – Oh I cried a lot and loved it. (Also love Twilight – don’t judge me)

TV Show: Dexter or Modern Family or almost anything on the Food Network.

Where do you live now?

I live in Toronto – right downtown by the lake and Island airport. It’s lovely.

What are you plans for the future?

To get my boyfriend to propose. Kidding. But he is pretty awesome so if he did – I’d be into it.

But seriously – to write, to get my TV show on the air, the get Punch in the Box into Just for Laughs next yea

Are you excited about performing at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival?

Very excited! It’s a great festival that is growing every year and I’m so proud of the great comedians we have in this country.