Humber grad wins Tim Sims Encouragement Award

Recipient Robbie Woods honoured at Alumni Show

The 2016 Humber Comedy Alumni Show at Yuk Yuk’s was extra special for one recent graduate: Robbie Woods, a playwright and stand-up from Barrie, received the 2016 Tim Sims Encouragement Award. Established by Lindsay Leese in memory of Toronto performer-writer-director Tim Sims, the $2,500 award is presented annually to a promising Canadian comedian.

"I'm eternally grateful to the Humber Comedy program and its patrons for their constant support,” says Woods, who plans to write for television. “Over the last two years, they have really gone above and beyond to offer guidance and encouragement. They're really committed to the success of the students. When you're entering an industry that's so rife with insecurity, it means a great deal to have people at your back who are willing to invest in your future."

The future looks especially bright for Woods, who was nominated for the award by his former instructors. “Robbie Woods is a funny, smart, imaginative guy,” says Andrew Clark, director of Humber’s Comedy: Writing and Performance program. “He’s versatile and excels in sketch, standup, improv and writing.”

Through the generosity of the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund at the Ontario Arts Foundation, young comedians have received over $65,000 since 1996. Starting in 2015, the Fund honours two recipients each year: one from the Humber College Comedy: Writing and Performance program and one from the Second City conservatory program.