Q. What are the performance dates of the 2024 Comedy Festival?
A. 2024 Festival Performance Dates: Tuesday October 1 – Sunday October 6th, 2024. Celebrating 19 Years of laughs!
Q. Where can I find an application to perform?
A. The 2024 submission form is available starting Feb 26,2024 Right Here but Please read through these frequently asked questions first! Physical application forms available upon request, Email submissions@mkecomedyfest.com
Q. When are applications due?
A. Submissions open Early Bird: February 26-29 ($10), General: March 1 – April 30 ($25), Late Submissions: May 1-5 ($40) NO SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE. The application fee goes directly to covering costs to review submissions and does not cover any festival staff pay, or result in any profit. The submission fee is not refundable. Incomplete applications and those without payment will not be processed.
Q. What kind of comedy does the festival accept?
A. All forms of Stand Up, Sketch Comedy, Long & Short Form Improv Teams, Musical Sketch or Video Sketches are accepted. Comedy from across the country as well as international submissions are accepted. Comics and comedy acts chosen to perform in the MCF typically have several years of professional experience. If you think you have what it takes we encourage you to apply.
Q. What kind of video should I submit?
A. We need to see how you perform in front of an audience. Clips should be at least 10-15 minutes but can be longer. At least one link 10 minutes or longer is required. We ask for a few video links of you performing so we can figure out if you are a good fit. If accepted, we want to make sure your set is the right fit with others on a show. We will not accept gag reels, punch lists or clip shows! Do not send password protected clips or download links! Vimeo or YouTube links please.
Q. How long is a performance slot in the festival?
A. Host: 10-12 minutes
Feature Act: 20-25 minutes
Headlining Act: 35-45 minutes
Sketch & Improv: 20-30 minutes
We make every effort to give comics at least 2 performing slots in the festival.
Q. How are performers judged for acceptance in the festival?
A. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges including the producers of the festival and select area comedy professionals. Applications are judged on quality, originality, professionalism, audience reaction and above all, funniness. We review each and every submission we receive equally! The #1 reason comics are rejected is poor quality video where we cannot see or hear you!! See our Video Tips below! You must submit at least 10 minutes to be considered!
Q. When will I be notified of acceptance or rejection to the festival?
A. We will begin contacting applicants by July 11th.
Q. Is there compensation for performing in the festival?
A. There is no payment for performing in the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, but there are many perks including paid bookings on Milwaukee shows throughout the year, small travel stipend for out of town performers, free food and beverages backstage, gift bag with swag, free admission to the official Kick Off Party, free admission to festival shows, discounted fest t-shirts & merch, and more. The Milwaukee Comedy Festival also strives to create an environment where comedians of all styles and abilities can interact and are treated with respect.
Video Submission Tips!!
- Do not send password protected clips or download links. YouTube or Vemeo links preferred.
- Send a good video! This sounds simple, but one of the top reasons performers do not get accepted is the video or audio quality is bad, the stage action is blocked by the audience or the camera operator is laughing over the jokes. Videos with bad audio, shaky or blurry video make our jobs very difficult and does affect the review process!
- We review the first 5 minutes unless instructed. If your video includes a long intro or other content, this can affect your submission. We watch hundreds of hours of submissions and can’t always tell what is part of the act or not. Simply tell us when to start watching. For example: “Begin watching at 1:07, the host has a long intro”. This helps us immensely!
- Be honest. We have been doing this 19 years and believe it, we have seen it all. If it’s your first festival, tell us! We support growing talent with opportunities for rising talent. Do not lie, or otherwise try to forgo the application process. You will be disqualified from participating in this and future festivals.