COMEDY I Sketch Wars
I find a lot of comedic efforts are hit and miss, and things'll be no different at tonight's edition of Sketch Wars at the Comedy Bar. Four troupes will go head to head writing sketches based upon topics given to them a week ago. The troupes include The Understudies, Haircut, Plum Thunder and Sick Cat, the names of which don't really offer much of a hint as to who will come out on top. But, remember, even if these are mostly miss, you can still leave the bar feeling a certain sense of superiority -- so it's really win-win.
Comedy Bar, $5, starts at 9pm

FILM I Death of the Virgin film premiere
TIFF may occupy the vast majority of movie fans' focus right now, but that doesn't mean other interesting stuff isn't going on. Case in point: the Toronto Underground Cinema is screening the premiere of Death of a Virgin tonight as part of the Toronto Independent Film Festival. A suspense thriller, the film sounds downright intriguing - what with dreams becoming reality and a series of murders related to the painter Caravaggio. So if TIFF tickets didn't happen, or if you're just not into the crowds, this could be the ticket. There will also be an opportunity to chat up the director and lead actress after the film.
Toronto Underground Cinema, 186 Spadina Ave, $8, 6pm.

FILM I Social Cinema Week
If you are, on the other hand, feeling like doing the TIFF thing (and a little schmoozing), SoCin in Toronto might suit your fancy. An exploration of the intersections between social media and the entertainment industry, tonight's panels deal with storytelling in the digital age and the transformation of network television. Runs til Septemeber 16. Check the website for information on other panels.
Art Condos, 44 Dovercourt Rd, $30, 6-9pm

GALLERY I The Start Show: Celebrating Toronto's independent games community
Are video games art? It'd be pretty easy to make the argument that some are, but perhaps more difficult to include all of them under this designation. Nevertheless it's fascinating to examine what the arguments for and against are, and whether or not it is merely a sort of socio-historic bias that prevents such questions from being posed more often. The Start Show will offer the opportunity to delve into this wholeheartedly, while also featuring games by a number of designers. Runs til the end of the week.
The Great Hall at OCADU, 100 McCaul St., Free, 8am-10pm

MUSIC I Elvis Monday
The Drake is making the most of their extended last call (to 4am) by offering live music throughout TIFF. I have to be honest, I haven't heard any of the bands playing, but give me hours on end to drink, and I'm sure to think I've stumbled upon the next Sub Pop signing.
Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. East, Free (except the booze), 8pm-4am

Photo by Michael Mitchener in the blogTO Flickr pool.