Janice Bannister has been the lead instructor at Laughter Zone 101 since 2003 and developed stand-up comedy programs for Douglas College, Capilano University, and the Capilano Kids in Comedy summer camp. She also teaches "F is for Funny: Discover Stand-Up Comedy" and "Arts & Brain Fitness" for SFU’s 50+ Continuing Studies program.

She once taught Therapeutic Laughter at Langara College, but had to stop after the math class next door complained about too much laughter disrupting their lessons—true story!

Janice has also taught for Stand Up for Mental Health and Comedy Courage, producing two of their gala fundraiser shows. In addition to teaching, she offers private coaching for comics and speakers, with clients landing Amazon comedy specials, TED Talks, keynote speeches, and paid feature spots at comedy clubs.

A two time winner of BC’s Funniest Female (2003) and multiple other comedy awards, Janice has performed at the Vancouver International Comedy Festival, The Women’s Network, I Am Woman Hear Me Laff, The Ha Ha Sisterhood, and many more.

She’s also a keynote speaker at conferences, sharing insights on "Laughter: A Wellness Tool" and "The Wrinkle Revolution," and has been featured on CBC, The Vancouver Sun, and other media outlets. In 2023, she was a TEDxSFU presenter.

Other credits:

• Aunt Martha’s Funeral co-writer, Director, Producer

• Aunt Biddy’s Wake co-writer, Director, Producer

  Producer:

• BC Funniest New Female Competition (2013-2021)

• F is for Funny (x2) (Anvil Theatre)

• The Mother of All Comedy shows (Surrey Arts/Anvil )

• Laughs From the Past (Surrey Arts)

• Done is Better than Perfect (2016)

• One woman show 2021 “The Weirdest Year of my Life”