WTF TEAM
Alicia DiStefano
Alicia Distefano is the co-founder and Executive Director of What The Festival. She has been active in Toronto’s clown community since 2010 after obtaining a Master of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance studies from York University. She is the artistic director of Pajama Cat Productions and has been the force behind Red Nose Cabaret since its creation in 2017. In addition, Alicia has over ten years experience working as an event administrator and community engagement coordinator at York University. She is passionate about various forms of creative performance, as well as providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and reach new audiences.
Executive Director
Damien Nelson
Damien Nelson is a press agent with over 15 years of experience. She works with comedians, organizations and festivals including Julie Nolke, Neema Naz, Tom Hearn, Two2Mango, Srutika Sabu, Adam Mohammed, Tracy Hamilton, Rachel Manson, Toronto Fringe, Hamilton Fringe, Comedy Here Often, Comedy Records and more. Damien is Vice Chair of the Board of Bad Dog Theatre Company, and is the editor of PartonandPearl.com. Damien was a committee member for the Comedy Album of the Year category at the Juno Awards, and was also a producer for the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival.
Marketing and Publicity Coordinator
Jenny Serwylo is a performer, producer, stage manager, and event professional. With over 15 years of experience planning both corporate and private events (and about 40 years of being an on-stage goof), she brings strong logistical, organizational, and artist-centred skills to comedy and theatre production. Jenny is passionate about connection and curiosity, and enjoys creating inclusive, well-run, and supportive environments where people can take creative risks and do their best work.
Associate Producer
Jenny Serwylo
Justin Miller
Justin Miller is a writer, performer, designer and producer. He's best-known as his worser-half, Pearle Harbour. His award-winning, gonzo original works have been presented from coast-to-coast to rave critical and audience acclaim, including some of the most prestigious stages in Canada. As a screenwriter, he has developed work for Peacock (NBC).
Artistic Consultant
Lucas Irving
Lucas Irving, better known as his drag persona, Pinkity Twinkity, is a Toronto based drag queen, actor, singer, makeup artist, and clown. Lucas completed his BA in Dramatic Arts from Brock University and MA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at York University with a research focus on the intersections between clown and drag. Lucas became acquainted with WTFestival as an intern while completing his MA and continued his relationship with the festival due to his artistic focus aligning perfectly with the ethos and mission of WTFestival. As Pinkity Twinkity, who is a drag queen by profession but a clown by nature, what she does is best described as pure campy stupidity.
Drag Community Liaison
Alexander Mantia
Alexander Mantia is a puppeteer and theatre creator from Toronto, Ontario. Since he was eleven years old, Mantia knew he wanted to be a puppeteer when he grew up! Now as an adult, Mantia has puppeteered for both film and theatre alike. He trained at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Puppetry Conference, and is a graduate of Randolph College For The Performing Arts. Mantia also works as a studio assistant and mentee to Puppetry and Canadian legend, Ronnie Burkett. Mantia also has his own solo hand puppet show, “The Zucchini Club” which What The Festival premiered in 2024. Alexander Mantia has a deep passion for puppetry and is excited to keep exploring within this beautiful craft.
Puppetry Community Liaison