Sarah Silverman, shown in Los Angeles in September 2008, will host a Just for Laughs gala in Toronto. (Matt Sayles/Associated Press)

Sarah Silverman, the American comedian known for lampooning ethnic stereotypes and other taboo subjects, is to host a gala at Toronto's Just for Laughs festival this year.

The Emmy-winning actress, who stars in her own program on Comedy Central, will perform with American comedians Louis C.K., Arj Barker and Todd Glass.

On Tuesday Just for Laughs organizers announced a roster of comedic talent for the festival, which runs July 15-19.

British comedian John Cleese was previously announced as a host of two of six galas to be held at Massey Hall.

Canadian Jeremy Hotz and popular U.S. standup John Pinette will perform in another of the galas.

Shaun Majumder, of CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes, has been called on to host The Ethnic Show, an evening of ethnic comedians that includes Steve Byrne, Egyptian Akmal Saleh and Toronto's Frank Spadone.

Toronto's Colin Mochrie and American Brad Sherwood will host an improv show and Nick DiPaolo will host The Nasty Show.

There will also be a series of one-person acts, including Scottish sensation Danny Bhoy, throughout the city.

The summer comedy festival is in its third year in Toronto. Just for Laughs was born in Montreal and has moved into France and the U.S.