--- title: "Comedy Festivals and Showcases: A Roadmap | D.O.C." description: "A step-by-step roadmap to comedy festivals and showcases: the calls open now, what they ask for in their own words, what to send and what to keep." url: https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-comedy-festivals-and-showcases.html updated: 2026-11-10 --- The Career Atlas · Discovery & recordings · stop 2 of 5 # Festivals and showcases: your roadmap Start the playbook → Your proof The short answer A festival or showcase picks a set from a short, continuous tape, judged against its own published rules. Have the five they ask for, choose the calls that fit your act and your budget, send exactly what each page asks, and turn the weekend into contacts and credits you can use. - **18** steps, each with its “done when” - **3** buyers, in their own words - **8** places to send it - **4** notes ready to send By D.O.C. Editorial · [The Career Atlas](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html) ## This roadmap, in five parts Your roadmap ## From here to a stand-up set on television Where you are, the tests for the next stop, and the steps between, in the order most comics take them. The steps are the Career Field Manual's; mark each one as you go, and the day goes in your passport. You’re here if… ### Festival or curated showcase comic - You have a tight, tested five or ten that holds a room of strangers. - You have a continuous, unedited tape of it, on a link that opens for anyone. - You’re ready to travel for a weekend of short sets. - You want audiences, bookers and producers beyond your home scene to see you. You’re ready to move on when… ### …to [a stand-up set on television](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-stand-up-on-tv.html) The first tests come from a televised festival’s published rules, the kind of buyer at the next stop. Tick each one when it’s true for you. You have a clean set at an exact length that stands on its own: Winnipeg Comedy Festival, casting its TV shows, says 8–10 minute sets are ideal and asks you to keep the set TV clean. [Winnipeg Comedy Festival ↗](https://www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com/about-us/submissions) The material is new to a national audience: Winnipeg asks for material unaired on national TV or streaming. [Winnipeg Comedy Festival ↗](https://www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com/about-us/submissions) Your tape is clear in sound and picture: Winnipeg doesn’t review one that isn’t. [Winnipeg Comedy Festival ↗](https://www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com/about-us/submissions) A festival or showcase has picked you, and the set held in front of its audience and industry. Your reel, credits and any representation details are current. 0 of 5 true ### The playbook 18 steps in 4 parts, from the Career Field Manual. Each has its “done when”, a D.O.C. tool for it, and your status, note and target date; star up to twelve for your 90-day plan. #### Have the set they ask for From the Career Field Manual: Grow the act without padding, Assemble booking proof and Record without losing the act. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 51–70, 115–131, 435–455, 143–173 and 348–382. 1. Grow the act without padding · set-01 #### Build a dependable five-minute set **Done when** Two or more performances that fit the slot. [Build the five: the Starter Course →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/how-to-start-stand-up-comedy.html#lesson-3) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 2. Grow the act without padding · set-03 #### Build ten usable minutes without adding filler **Done when** A ten-minute recording and notes. [Log the set in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 3. Assemble booking proof · package-04 #### Record an uninterrupted live sample set **Done when** A clip showing what a buyer can expect. [Set up the tape: Stage Time’s Tech tab →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#tech) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 4. Record without losing the act · release-05 #### Prepare a live-set submission clip to each outlet’s rules Send one continuous set at each call’s own length: Windy City asks for 5–7 minutes; Raleigh and FunnyFest for five. **Done when** A compliant clip with current requirements. Each call’s rules, on this page → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Choose the right calls From the Career Field Manual: Find and pitch the right rooms, Choose help when it solves a problem and Choose your starting point. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 143–196, 290–313, 1–20 and 435–455. 5. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-02 #### Separate open mics, showcases, paid bookings and auditions **Done when** Opportunity types labeled in your lead list. [Showcases, bringers and contests →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-after-open-mics.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 6. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-03 #### Verify the current submission route for three target rooms Read each call on its own page: the window, the fee, the clip length and who’s eligible, and note the day you read it. **Done when** A dated first-party booking requirement record. [Submission Deadlines →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-festival-submissions.html) Where to send it, on this page → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 7. Choose help when it solves a problem · team-07 #### Avoid pay-to-play, bogus showcases and fake representatives A real call says on its own page what it costs and what a picked comic gets; pay only when both are clear. **Done when** Documented checks before paying any fee. [The Hollywood Effect: a real offer →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/pay-to-play-comedy.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 8. Choose your starting point · start-06 #### Decide your monthly career-development budget Entry fees add up: set what you’ll spend on calls this season before the first one closes. **Done when** Your spending ceiling in dollars. [When exposure is worth it →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-exposure-gigs.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Apply, and track it From the Career Field Manual: Assemble booking proof and Find and pitch the right rooms. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 143–173 and 143–196. 9. Assemble booking proof · package-02 #### Write a one-paragraph comedian bio **Done when** Current facts without inflated credits. The application bio → [How to write a comedian bio →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedian-bio.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 10. Assemble booking proof · package-03 #### Prepare a clean headshot or clear performer photo **Done when** A usable portrait with permission to share. [Headshots and credits →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedian-bio.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 11. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-08 #### Apply to an appropriate open festival or contest Enter where the festival fits your act and your plan, not every call that’s open. **Done when** A real application and its current deadline. [The calls open now →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-festival-submissions.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 12. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-05 #### Create a submission tracker with dates and outcomes **Done when** A list showing sent, replied, follow-up, declined. [Deadlines into your calendar →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-festival-submissions.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 13. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-06 #### Set follow-up reminders that respect buyer instructions **Done when** Follow-up dates, not repeated random nudges. [Follow-up dates on your booking desk →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html#passport) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date #### Make the festival count From the Career Field Manual: Become the comic rooms trust, Choose help when it solves a problem and Find and pitch the right rooms. In [the D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html): topics 400–434, 290–313 and 143–196. 14. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-03 #### Prepare your show-day checklist **Done when** Travel, arrival, set list, sound and exit. [How professionals handle show night →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-show-night.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 15. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-05 #### Respect set time even when the room is going well **Done when** Consistent finish times over several sets. [Your finish times in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 16. Choose help when it solves a problem · team-01 #### Identify the people who already influence your bookings Note who ran each show, who was in the room, and who asked for your details. **Done when** A map of buyer, host, producer and promoter roles. [Network without being annoying →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-comedy-networking.html) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 17. Become the comic rooms trust · pro-07 #### Follow up after a booking without demanding another date **Done when** A concise thank-you or useful check-in. The note after the festival → **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date 18. Find and pitch the right rooms · bookings-09 #### Log every accepted or declined offer and why **Done when** A decision trail you can learn from. [Your log in Stage Time →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stage-time.html#log) **Your note and target date** Your note: what you did, a link, what's next Target date ### What speeds this up - **Enter early** Some calls charge more the later you enter. [Fees that go up →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-festival-submissions.html) - **Know a real offer** A real call says what it costs and what you get. [The Hollywood Effect →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/pay-to-play-comedy.html) - **Film your strongest night** A clear, continuous tape is what the judges see. [Record your sets →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-record-your-stand-up.html) - **Go with comics you trust** Share the drive, the room and the contacts. [Buddy Up →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/buddy.html) - **Keep your record current** Festivals and bookers look you up. [Your SUCDb record →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedian-profile.html) - **Try contests too** A contest round is a short set in front of judges and a crowd. [Showcases and contests →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-after-open-mics.html) Each week ## Your weekly rhythm here Habits, not a timetable: the atlas has no stopwatch. Keep these going, and the proof for this stop builds up week by week. - **Check the calls** Look at which stand-up calls opened or close soon, and note each window. - **Get up and film** Take your sets, and film one whole set where the room allows it. - **Tighten the five** Cut one weak line from the five you’ll send. - **Send one, log it** Enter one call that fits, and log the date, the fee and the clip you sent. - **Watch a showcase** Watch a showcase or contest set, and note how comics open and close in a short spot. - **Answer the same day** Reply to anything a festival sends the day it comes, and follow up only on its own timetable. What buyers check ## In their own words Each buyer's published rule, quoted from its own page, checked on 10 November 2026. They differ, so send each one what its page asks for, and read the page again before you send. A festival’s published submission rules ### Windy City Comedy Festival One continuous 5–7 minute set of your original material, no highlight reels, unlisted but not private. Its 2027 call opened on 1 November 2026. - Submit a continuous 5-7 minute set showcasing your original material (no “best of” or highlight reels). - Unlisted tapes are fine, but please don’t make them private or password-protected. - Submissions Open November 1. 2026 until February 14, 2027 [Windy City Comedy Festival’s page ↗](https://www.windycitycomedyfest.com/submissions2027) · checked 10 November 2026 A festival’s published submission rules ### Raleigh Comedy Festival Your best unedited five minutes in front of a live audience. Its judges watch five minutes and grade joke quality, stage presence, audience response and professionalism. - Your best, unedited 5-minute tape. - Videos can be shorter or longer than 5, but our judges will only watch 5. - They will be looking at a combination of joke quality, stage presence, audience response, and professionalism. [Raleigh Comedy Festival’s page ↗](https://raleighcomedyfestival.com/submissions) · checked 10 November 2026 A competition’s published rules ### FunnyFest A link to an unedited five-minute performance of original material, with no fee to apply. The video doesn’t have to be high quality. - Link(s) to unedited 5 Minute Performance - Does not have to be a high quality video. - All comedy must be original. [FunnyFest’s page ↗](https://funnyfest.com/comedy-competition/) · checked 10 November 2026 ### Where to send it Places that publish how a stand-up gets in, each checked on 10 November 2026. Save one to your booking desk to keep its status, a follow-up date and a note. [62 places in all, on the Career Atlas →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html#ways) Published route Raleigh, NC · Festival · Form #### Raleigh Comedy Festival, comic submissions Your best unedited 5-minute tape in front of a live audience, on a link that stays active through February 2027. Its 2027 call closes on 15 November 2026: $25 for a feature comic, free for comics who live in North Carolina. The festival runs 18–20 March 2027, with two sets for each comic picked. **Worth knowing.** Broken or private links are disqualified without a refund. The festival doesn’t record the sets; you may film your own. [Its page ↗](https://raleighcomedyfestival.com/submissions) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Chicago, IL · Festival · Form #### Windy City Comedy Festival, 2027 submissions A continuous 5–7 minute set of your original material, with no “best of” or highlight reels, unlisted but not private. Open since 1 November 2026: $20 in November, $25 in December, $30 late. Comics must be 21 or older; the comics it picks hear in April 2027, for the festival on 5–8 August 2027. **Worth knowing.** Its page gives both January and 14 February 2027 as the close: send by January to be safe. Fees aren’t refunded, and it’s a showcase with no cash prizes. [Its page ↗](https://www.windycitycomedyfest.com/submissions2027) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Calgary, AB, Canada · Competition · Form #### FunnyFest Comedy Competition A link to an unedited 5-minute performance, a bio of 100 words or less and your tier (opener, middle or headliner), for comics who aren’t yet headliners. No fee to apply; applications close on 1 February 2027, for rounds in Calgary from 8 April 2027 and one round on Zoom. **Worth knowing.** It normally answers only the comics it picks, and the material must be your own. [Its page ↗](https://funnyfest.com/comedy-competition/) Checked 10 November 2026 Published route Temecula, CA · Festival · Form #### LouddMouth Comedy Festival Its home page says comedian submissions are open for its 2027 spring festival, 1–4 April 2027 in Temecula, through the form it links; the form lists comedian competitions, showcases and networking among the festival’s events. **Worth knowing.** The home page gives no closing date or fee: read the form through before you send. [Its page ↗](https://louddmouthcomedyfestival.com/) Checked 10 November 2026 Closed Tulsa, OK · Festival · Form #### Blue Whale Comedy Festival Its 2026 call closed on 30 April. Its stand-up slots ran from a 5–7 minute host to a 35–45 minute headliner, from a clip of at least 5–10 minutes before an audience, with a fee to apply ($20 early to $50 late). **Worth knowing.** Closed: watch for its next call. Performers aren’t paid; its page lists bookings on its shows through the year among the perks. [Its page ↗](https://www.bluewhalecomedyfestival.com/comic-submissions) Checked 10 November 2026 Closed Albuquerque, NM · Festival · Form #### Albuquerque Funny Fiesta Its submissions page says, at the top, that submissions are now closed. **Worth knowing.** Closed: watch for its next call. [Its page ↗](https://www.abqfunnyfiesta.com/submissions) Checked 10 November 2026 Closed Providence, RI · Festival · Form #### Lil Rhody Laugh Riot Its submissions page now asks for a password: the last call for comics has ended. **Worth knowing.** Watch for its next call. [Its page ↗](https://www.lilrhodylaughriot.com/submissions) Checked 10 November 2026 Closed Nationwide · Competition · Form #### Don’t Tell Comedy, the competition Entries for its 2026 competition closed on 4 September 2026. **Worth knowing.** Closed: watch for the next year’s call. [Its page ↗](https://www.donttellcomedy.com/competition/) Checked 10 November 2026 The money here ### Count the cost before you enter Each call on this page publishes its own entry fee and what a picked comic receives. None quotes a fee for performing, so this page gives none: count the entry fee, the travel and the nights away before you enter. **Know before you pay** - The entry fee, and whether it’s refunded - What a picked comic receives: the spots, the set lengths, any stipend - Travel and lodging: who pays, and any festival rate - Whether the sets are filmed, and who may use the footage - The dates you must be there, and when you’ll hear - Anything you sign: recording and promotional rights Questions to ask before you pay · [Road Maps: the Math of a Gig, with your own numbers](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-road-maps.html#math-of-a-gig) · [Get Paid, Get Back: the deal in writing](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/get-paid.html#deal) · [The IRS on gig work ↗](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/manage-taxes-for-your-gig-work) Ready to copy ## The notes to send Fill in what you know once: it fills every note below and stays on this device. Anything left blank shows in [brackets], to fill in by hand. Your details Your name Your home town Years doing stand-up Your credits, as they are Your SUCDb record or website The festival or showcase The producer’s name The dates you can do The booker or producer you met Your set length, in minutes The show you were on Your clip’s link ### The application bio ``` [Your name] is a stand-up comedian from [Your home town], performing for [Years doing stand-up] years. Credits, as they are: [Your credits, as they are]. Clips and dates: [Your SUCDb record or website] ``` ### Questions to ask before you pay ``` 1. What does a picked comic receive: how many spots, and how long? 2. Are the sets filmed, and who may use the footage? 3. Is there a stipend, a festival hotel rate or help with travel? 4. When will I hear, and when must I confirm? 5. Is the fee refunded if the festival changes its dates? 6. Who attends the industry shows? ``` ### Saying yes ``` Subject: [The festival or showcase]: yes, and thank you Hi [The producer's name], Thank you for picking me for [The festival or showcase]. I can do [The dates you can do]. Please send the schedule, my set lengths, where to check in and anything you need from me. My bio and photo: [Your SUCDb record or website] See you there, [Your name] ``` ### The note after the festival ``` Subject: From [The festival or showcase]: [Your name] Hi [The booker or producer you met], We met at [The festival or showcase], where I did [Your set length, in minutes] minutes on the [The show you were on] show. Thank you for watching. A full set, unedited: [Your clip's link] I'm open [The dates you can do]. My record: [Your SUCDb record or website] Best, [Your name] ``` Your proof ## Proof for your passport Tick each piece when you have it: the day goes in your passport with it. The passport keeps your whole career's record on this device, to download, print and review once a year. The evidence ### This stop is done when you have A continuous, unedited tape at each call’s own length, on a link open to anyone A tracker of each call you entered: the window, the fee and the answer A festival or showcase that picked you, its dates in your log The contacts you met there, and the note you sent each one Your record updated with the credit, as it is Your status ### A festival or showcase that picks you A link to your proof: a tape, a booking, a review Your private note **On your record** Nothing yet: your status changes and ticks appear here, each with its day. [Your whole passport: the timeline, your booking desk, your 90-day plan, the printable career record, the yearly review and the cloud copy →](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html#passport) Saved in this browser ## Next stops [Discovery & recordings · Optional **A stand-up set on television** The set has to stand on its own, and spots are few.](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-stand-up-on-tv.html) [Club circuit · Get seen **Guest spots & auditions** Get watched by the people who book the slot.](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/career-atlas-comedy-club-auditions.html) ## Go deeper - [How do you get into comedy festivals?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-get-into-comedy-festivals.html) The explainer, from the D.O.C. book - [Comedy festival submissions and deadlines](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/comedy-festival-submissions.html) The calls open now, with each one’s fee and closing day - [Chapter 8, Getting Booked](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html) In D.O.C.’s companion book, Stand-Up Comedy: From Writing to Touring ## Sources The buyers' rules are quoted from each buyer's own page, checked on 10 November 2026. A buyer can change its rules at any time, so read its page before you send anything. - [Windy City Comedy Festival, 2027 submissions ↗](https://www.windycitycomedyfest.com/submissions2027) A festival’s published submission rules. - [Raleigh Comedy Festival, comic submissions ↗](https://raleighcomedyfestival.com/submissions) A festival’s published submission rules. - [FunnyFest Calgary, the comedy competition ↗](https://funnyfest.com/comedy-competition/) A competition’s published rules. - [Winnipeg Comedy Festival, submissions ↗](https://www.winnipegcomedyfestival.com/about-us/submissions) A televised festival’s published rules. - [LouddMouth Comedy Festival ↗](https://louddmouthcomedyfestival.com/) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Blue Whale Comedy Festival ↗](https://www.bluewhalecomedyfestival.com/comic-submissions) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Albuquerque Funny Fiesta ↗](https://www.abqfunnyfiesta.com/submissions) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Lil Rhody Laugh Riot ↗](https://www.lilrhodylaughriot.com/submissions) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [Don’t Tell Comedy, the competition ↗](https://www.donttellcomedy.com/competition/) Its published route, checked 10 November 2026. - [The D.O.C. book](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-book.html) The playbook's book topics, matched to the book's contents on 10 November 2026. ## About this roadmap **By D.O.C. Editorial.** This is one stop of [the Stand-Up Career Atlas](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html): discovery & recordings, stop 2 of 5. It's a way to plan, not a promise of bookings: it gives no expected years, its only figures are the ones buyers and venues publish on their own pages, and the buyers' rules are theirs. For how comics get into festivals, read [How do you get into comedy festivals?](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/answer-get-into-comedy-festivals.html). Updated 10 November 2026 · [The Career Atlas](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/stand-up-comedy-career-atlas.html) · [Comic's Corner](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/tools-for-comedians.html) · [Privacy](https://disciplesofcomedy.com/privacy.html)