Ryan McMahon is one committed comic. The only time you'll catch the 31-year-old Ojibwa/Metis comedian not writing, performing or teaching comedy is when he's sleeping.

"It's what takes care of me," McMahon says. "I'm not just committed to the scene, I'm committed to the people and the audience. I really try to go to support other shows. If there is any way I can help, I like to."

McMahon, who is originally from Fort Francis, Ont., and studied at the Second City in Toronto, produces Comedy Loser, an alternative comedy show which happens monthly at the King's Head. The show features all solo performances, sans stand-up.

"I was finding that my stand-up voice was more alternative stuff, monologues, more found comedy. I'd pull stuff from a Facebook group and turn it into a bit. I'd read it as comedy. I found myself doing more of that at stand-up shows, so it was just my decision as a producer to highlight what I really wanted to do."

Besides productions at the pub, you can hear McMahon on NCI Radio and at Moosegutslive.com, playing the character Clarence Two Toes. Since his complexion doesn't exactly scream Status Indian, the non-visual medium is a perfect way for McMahon to explore his heritage.

"I tell a joke about coming to Toronto and how no one knew who I was, so I put on this thick Aboriginal accent," McMahon says. "Somebody didn't catch the setup, so they saw me as a white guy doing this Aboriginal voice. These people just lost their minds on me after the show. It was then that I thought I need to find a different way into this content."

Over the last couple months, McMahon has been teaching improv workshops at Manitoba Theatre for Young People, which will wind up with Winnipeg Improv Mega Party on May 31 (venue TBA), and is in the midst of planning an indie comedy festival for next year - proof that, even in Winnipeg, one can make a living making laughs.

"I don't understand why some comedians go out three or four days a week and don't try and make other shit happen for themselves. It's OK to do it casually for fun, and I respect that, but there are so many people who do it regularly but don't work at making it pay. I see nothing but potential in Winnipeg."

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