Cliff Prang is a comedian who first found his voice as a youth pastor before turning his knack for jokes, stories, puns, and songs into a comedy career. Known for blending “middle-aged divorced dad” energy with material that is equal parts pleasant, ridiculous, poignant, and sometimes dark, Cliff has built a reputation as both a crowd-pleaser and a comic’s comic. He’s been praised by peers for his cleverness, relatability, and ability to connect with audiences across ages and backgrounds, with standout moments ranging from heartfelt small-room shows to headlining stages with Yuk Yuks.
How would you describe your comedy style?
Middle Aged White Divorced Dad & Former Youth Pastor (cliché af) – jokes, puns, poetry, story & song that is pleasant, ridiculous and sometimes poignant or dark.
Who are some of your influences?
Love Mike Birbiglia – stories that ebb and flow with punches and tags throughout, wrapping up neatly with a bow at the end. Bill Burr -he expresses so much anger – he is the opposite of me, and maybe that’s why I love watching him. Also, Andrew Shulz’s latest special – loved it. He ‘gets away’ with so much, but I think it’s also because you can actually hear the love and appreciation for the ethnic groups he pokes… AND his diverse audience agrees.
Ooh. And Seinfeld. When he stepped out on the Orpheum stage, however many years ago, I recall tearing up. Grateful for the many laughs his sitcom provided throughout many challenging days as a young husband and dad.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Bill Cosby… (*clears throat). I watched HIMSELF with my dad. I lived with him in our apartment after my parents split, and remember laughing til we cried and choked and our snot bubbled. As terrible as BC ended up being, I will remain thankful for that moment in time.
Crying is a theme for me. Life is hard, but thankfully, we have comedy. Also, I am a baby.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Taylor Tomlinson. Hands down. IMO, she’s the best / hardest working comic out there. As a brunette, hetero, male, I find her material VERY relatable. Actually, I believe it is because we came from the same shame-based evangelical subculture.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Gagging? nah… I am mostly past that stress response. Review set. A wee bit of food. Deodorant. Brush Teeth. Pee. Change clothes. Water. Stretch. Chit chat pre-show with friends, lover and/or other comics. Pee again. LISTEN to the comics on before me and block out thoughts of my own set until the host calls my name. . .
(PS – nap in the day if that’s an option… most shows start too late – I’m 48 after all)
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
During COVID, I performed at the Holmberg House – Abbotsford Hospice for 8 staff members in a single room. That show was being streamed to a few other staff gathering rooms and being recorded for volunteers to watch at a later date. It was my first ‘in-front-of-humans’ show in about 9 months, AND although it was technically only 8 people, it felt like a stadium full. I felt huge appreciation for the people and their work, as well as the opportunity and relief from the state of the world and everything was hitting… it was glorious. Gratitude and sincere care for your audience go a long way to creating a memorable event. Not to mention a need and readiness to LAUGH.
What is your favourite bit you have written and why were you proud of it?
TIMBER DATING… pure silliness that evolved from a Facebook post where several friends chimed in their thoughts. In short, it is a pun-laden promo for a dating site for Lumber Jacks ‘n Jills that still gets applause breaks after 7-8 years of performing it.
What is your favourite medium for listening or finding new comics/comedians?
LIVE. Always live. Go to shows when you can. Kudos to Alex Svarez of LastLaffs for creating many opps for folks to play in the Fraser Valley. Before him, it was Yo Trieu who founded Fraser Valley Comedy. Sadly, we lost him to Colon Cancer on August 1st 2025.
Tell us a joke about your city.
My neighbouring city in the Fraser Valley is Abbotsford – I used to live there and I still spend a heckuvalotta time there. “Abbotsford has been known as the most generous city in Canada for many years. It is also known for its high murder rate, which begs the question… Where you getting all your money, Abbotsford?”
Do you have anything to promote right now?
THE YO SHOW – A premiere stand-up comedy extravaganza
Oct 2, 2025 | 7 PM (Doors 6 PM) | 19+ | Tickets: $40
Location: Chilliwack Cultural Centre / Hub International Theatre – 9201 Corbould St, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1T9
Starring: Ivan Decker | Kevin Banner | Katie-Ellen Humphries | Damonde Tschritter | Syd Bosel | Ola Dada | Nic Enright-Morin | Jan Bannister | Cliff Prang (host)
As seen on: Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Canada’s Got Talent, Netflix, Just for Laughs, CBC’s Debaters, Winnipeg Comedy Fest, and more!
Why you don’t want to miss it: A night of non-stop laughs honouring the legacy, vision & family of Chilliwack’s greatest comedy champion, Yo Trieu (May 30, 1979 – Aug 1, 2025)
All costs are covered — every dollar goes to support the Trieu children.
Where can we follow you?
Additionally, I am the artistic director of Very Very Improv, based in Langley. Performing “city quality comedy in the burbs”, Georgia Straight, and our new season launches Sept 20th at the Bez Arts Hub, Langley BC.
AND ALSO. Please hire me. Would LOVE to be considered for all things talking into the MIC. Thank you for your consideration.
Emcee (& auctioneer). Stand Up Comedy. Improv Comedy. Workshops. Speaker. Etc.
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comic/comedian we should know about?
Ola Dada (friend and fave), Kevin Banner (friend and fave), Jenny Marie Davidson (recently recorded comedy special while 9 months preggo) and Alex Svarez (local hero opens for Bert Kreischer Sept 12).
