Some comedians find their voice by studying the greats. Scott Koropas found his by simply paying attention to the world around him — and realizing that the way he saw it was funnier than most people gave him credit for. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult, Scott brings an irreverent, sideways perspective to everyday life that ranges from razor-dry wit to full-on silliness, often in the same breath.
How would you describe your comedy style?
I’ve been told my humour ranges from very dry and witty to outright silly — sometimes within the same set. I was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult, so a lot of my material comes from an irreverent take on life from that unique perspective. It’s a lens most people haven’t seen used on stage before, and I think that’s what makes it connect. I have a lot of people on the spectrum come up to me after shows because they really related to something I said — and honestly, that means more to me than almost anything else.
Who are some of your influences?
My biggest comedic influence is my dad. I wasn’t the easiest person to get motivated growing up, but he would always find a way — showing me hilarious films, taking me to festivals, sharing the things that made him laugh. The sense of humour he modelled for me left a lasting impression that I still draw from today.
Who was your favourite comedian growing up?
Eddie Murphy and Andrew Dice Clay were huge for me. But Norm MacDonald was one of my all-time favourites, and I will always consider myself fortunate to have seen him perform live. There was nobody quite like him.
Who is your favourite comedian now?
Josh Blue. The way he uses his disability as material is genuinely inspiring — it’s brave, it’s funny, and it gave me permission to do the same with my own experience. Watching him work made me realize that the most personal material is often the most universal.
What is your pre-show ritual?
I switch the rings around on my fingers before I go on. It sounds simple, but it’s my way of flipping a switch — shifting into comedy mode. Once the rings are moved, I’m ready.
What is your favourite place you have performed? Why?
Rumours Comedy Club, the night I won the Funniest Person with a Day Job contest. It was a competition I had worked incredibly hard to prepare for, and winning it meant everything. I’m still proud of that night. It was the kind of performance that reminds you why you put in the work.
What is your favourite bit you have written, and why were you proud of it?
It’s the bit about being diagnosed with autism as an adult and having absolutely no idea what to do with that information:
“I never used to do autistic jokes because I didn’t get diagnosed as a kid — I had to wait until adulthood. No learning aides, no autism education. I had to learn my autism on the street. I was always self-conscious about doing autistic material, but then one day it hit me — Ginger comedians do Ginger jokes, Black comedians do Black jokes. So can I. Now, when I go on stage, I do tonnes of Ginger and Black jokes.”
I’m proud of it because it takes something personal and uncomfortable and makes it something people can laugh at together. That’s the whole point.
What is your favourite medium for finding new comedians?
Comedy podcasts. There’s nothing better than being deep into an episode, and suddenly a guest comes on who completely floors you. It’s one of the best ways to discover someone before the rest of the world catches up.
Tell us a joke about your city.
I love Winnipeg, but I have a problem with our welcome sign. Winnipeg: Made From What’s Real. Okay — as opposed to those other fake cities out there. Yes, we’re Winnipeg, made from real things. Steel. Glass. Lots of smashed bus shelters. You’ve got hopes and dreams? We don’t have time for that here. Take them dreams down the road — it’s a city of hills; they need something to climb for. They paid a public relations firm for that slogan when I could have come up with something better for the price of a meatball sub. My suggestion: Winnipeg — Welcome. You Used to Have a Bike.
Do you have anything to promote right now?
I run a weekly open mic at Torque Brewing, 830 King Edward Street, every Wednesday at 8 pm. It’s a great room — veteran comedians alongside people going up for the very first time. Everyone is welcome.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: Who is another local comedian we should know about?
Spencer Kelly. He’s one of the younger comics on the scene, but has a completely unique style that gets funnier every time you watch him work. Keep an eye on him.
