Who is Stuart Knight?

Stuart Knight’s compelling and emotionally engaging show SHIFT is back for three nights this week, May 28, 29 & 30th – AND Shedoesthecity readers can receive over 20% off ticket price by using promo code SDTC when purchasing tix.

The Globe and Mail heralds SHIFT as “Toronto’s Best Kept Secret” and although I have not seen the show I can say that Knight made for the most engaging interview I’ve had in the past six months.

He describes SHIFT as a “real life story of a man who found the meaning of life by watching two fish have sex. By incorporating music, sketch, film and spoken word, five over the top entertainers will set you free from everything you thought was true. You’ll laugh, you’ll get a little choked up, and you’ll meet yourself for the very first time.” Heavy…are you ready?

So who is this Stuart Knight?

After three hours of electrifying conversation with the man, I’m still not sure how to boil him down. But that is a testament to his vivacious personality that literally spills over; enterprising, agile and entertaining – he is anything but boring.

A communication phenomenon – Knight has spoken to nearly a million people. This insane accomplishment has been achieved mostly through a combination of corporate bookings and theatre productions but Knight has also been known to crank call someone in the Philippines just to chit chat about who they are. If he can keep a complete stranger talking, on the other side of the world no less, for twenty minutes – then just think how he can hold your attention in a rehearsed show.

I suppose some may describe him as a “Theatrical Motivational Speaker“, but since that description likely makes you want to walk the other way and upchuck I’m going to deem him “Hot Inspirational Life Changing Prolific Communicator” Why would you pay to regurgitate depressing anecdotes to a shrink who stares at you blankly when you can get rocked by a David Beckham look-a-like, have a fantastic evening and walk out invigorated to make change?

Although I’ve interviewed hundreds of people, including scary famous people, I was pretty nervous to talk to someone deemed a ‘communication expert,’ especially after watching clips of him on Breakfast Television talking about how to not talk. Dishing with flirty Dina Pugliese, Knight advised to “go out there” with zany questions that “peel the onion” on who someone is. Why bother sticking to the script of “Where do you work?” when you can dive six feet deeper and ask “Do you believe in ghosts?”  or “What are your major regrets in life?” Then you are really going to start talking. Further, take cues from irritating children and ask “WHY?” (Whatever you do – please refrain from asking “What do you do?” – that’s a tip from us not him….worst question ever)

Since SHIFT is an entertaining autobiography of Knight’s life that in turn makes you question yours, it seemed important to understand his story. Beer in hand we were ready to hit the arcs and the dips of Stuart Knight since birth. Anticipating tales of awkward adolescence, descent into despair and spikes of ecstasy, we instead shifted focus and chatted about everything but. Topics included, but weren’t limited to: Brian Linehan, assholes who live in Vegas, eczema, the plight of CBC, life sucking elevator conversations, ra-ha-ha-ha Americans & Dairy Queen.

“The ultimate level of success is when you can say whatever the fuck you want” , Toronto’s Knight of communication boasts during our tete-a-tete. Clearly beyond being eloquent, the man has balls.

I left in a haze thinking, ‘what the heck was that??’ Just like the show promises, Stuart kicked me in the face – in a good way. I stormed home thinking of all the prolific changes I’d make. Motivated, enthusiastic and ready to battle personal afflictions I was!!

Upon arrival home, I stared into the mirror in hopes of finding my soul and making major life shifts, but passed out before much could be accomplished. (Don’t mix Reactine with beer).

SHIFT – do something different, start a new conversation, and step outside life as you know it.

For Tix: TICKETBREAK

The promo code is SDTC

May 28, 29, 30
George Ignatieff Theatre – 15 Devonshire Place
Show starts 8PM, Doors 7:30 PM
With discount, Tix are $30.

Check out Stuart Knight’s website