Janice Bannister

Janice Bannister is a stand-up comic, storyteller, author and keynote speaker. She owns and operates the stand-up comedy and storytelling school Laughter Zone 101, and is often called upon to give comedy workshops for teachers, nurses, business people and community programmers.

With a background in psychiatric nursing, Janice believes in the therapeutic power of laughter as a way for people to connect, share the ups and downs of life in an upbeat manner and just plain have fun. She has been performing stand-up comedy professionally at clubs and as a keynote speaker for 21 years.

In 2023, Janice was a featured TedxSFU speaker with her presentation, “Give Yourself Permission to Laugh”. Her interest in the connection between laughter, the brain and the arts led to the creation of her “Arts and Brain Fitness” programs.

Her standup performances and teaching have been featured in the Vancouver Sun, CBC, the W Network and in a documentary called The Comedy Doula.