submissions

Closed

We hope to see you in Vegas
October 27-29, 2025

how it works

1. create a free comic portal account

The Comic Portal on Comedy Finder is 100% free to join and is a place for comedians to keep Laugh After Dark up to date with their comedy careers! Complete your free comedian profile in the portal and update it anytime with clips, bio, and more!

2. pay submission fee in the portal

Log in to your account and pay the 2025 ComedyFest submission fee. Once your transaction is complete, your profile will be automatically queued for review once submission close and we begin the nomination process in July.

3. complete your portal profile

Make sure your profile is complete and up to date with your latest/best standup clips by the time submissions close on June 30, 2025.
(**Remember that the Comic Portal is for more than just ComedyFest! We book and cast for projects across the country and throughout the year and Portal Members are always automatically considered**).

** Pro Tip: If you previouosly had an LAD Comic Portal account, you can use your same info to login and submit on Comedy Finder! **

2025
submissions timeline

early bird

Nov 1 -Dec 31, 2024

standard

January 1-April 30, 2025

extended

May 1-June 10, 2025

last chance

June 11-30, 2025

notifications

August 1, 2025

FAQ

{ SUBMISSIONS }

Anyone wishing to be considered to perform at Laugh After Dark ComedyFest must submit as follows:

FILMS :

Films must be submitted via Film Freeway. If you are planning to submit for both standup and film, please note that you will submit your materials and pay fees separately.

STANDUP :

If you plan to submit for standup, you will submit a 5-10 min standup set via the LAD Comic Portal on laughafterdark.com by purchasing the submission inside the portal. Please remember to check your links when submitting.  Submissions with broken, private  or otherwise not viewable links will be automatically disqualified. YouTube and Vimeo links recommended.

Yes! We welcome multi-talented comedians and encourage you to submit for as many categories as you would like. 

*Please note that when submissions go live, film and standup submissions will be accepted separately. Film submissions and fees can be paid on Film Freeway. Standup submissions and fees can be paid here on our website.

**Please note that Early Bird submissions lock in the lowest rate and will be able to submit to either side of the festival all the way until the final deadline.

STANDUP

  • 5-7 min video
  • Audible sound
  • Filmed within the last 18 months
  • Funny. 

FILM

Please see requirements on Film Freeway.

If you are selected to participate in the festival, you will be contacted by a member of our team August 1, 2023 with additional information and instructions.

Yes. Anyone wishing to be considered to participate in the festival must submit and pay the required fees.

*Subject to change

STANDUP CATEGORIES

  • Club
  • Alt
  • Clean
  • Musical
  • Dark

COMEDY FILM CATEGORIES

  • Sketchs
  • Micro Shorts
  • Shorts
  • Standup Specials
  • Music Videos
  • Comedy Podcasts
  • Animations 

5- 7 minutes only please

Please make sure your set meets the following requirements:

  • 5-7 min video
  • Audible sound
  • Filmed within the last 18 months
  • Funny. 

Nope! After all, this is Laugh AFTER Dark! We have several genera categories and our team will place you.

Our festival judges, panel speakers, and visiting industry have collectively worked on projects with Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, Fuze, Lionsgate, and much more!

Yes! There will be opportunities for networking and education throughout the festival for anyone who attends. 

Please review ComedyFest Terms & Conditions

venues & partners

ComedyFest 2025 takes over The STRAT and Downtown Cinemas (the future home of Third Street).

Expect showcases at L.A. Comedy Club, screenings and panels in the Arts District, and everything within a walkable 1.4-mile festival footprint.

We also have exclusive hotel deals at The STRAT and festival attendees unlock a free 3-month LADTV Premium subscription.

FEST FAQ's

ComedyFest is a open to everyone who loves to laugh! Fest Passes and Day Passes are on sale now and there is something for everyone! 9 comedy shows, 26 films, red carpet screening, live filming events and more!

The Laugh After Dark ComedyFest 2025 is taking place October 27-29 in Las Vegas. 

Your ComedyFest Fest Pass or Day Pass grants you first-come access to all festival events including showcases, parties, screenings, workshops, panels, etc. The only exception are private events for the industry and nominees which are all clearly indicated. 

Yes. We have a special booking link for The STRAT.

Yes! All ComedyFest shows will be filmed live, so your laughter and energy could end up captured on a comedy special. It’s your chance to be part of the live studio audience and help make the movie magic real!

Your ComedyFest Fest Pass or Day Pass grants you access on a first-come basis only. Once events are at capacity, no more entry will be permitted. You are not guaranteed entry to any event. 

ComedyFest 2025 takes over The STRAT and Downtown Cinemas (the future home of Third Street).

Expect showcases at L.A. Comedy Club, screenings and panels in the Arts District, and everything within a walkable 1.4-mile festival footprint.

Yes! There are so many reasons to come to ComedyFest as a comedian or filmmaker! From networking and career development programming to shows and screenings, there’s a lot happening!

Yes! ComedyFest 2025 partners are hooking you up with exclusive perks: enjoy hotel room deals at The STRAT, a $30 All You Can Drink special at L.A. Comedy Club, a free 3-month LADTV Premium subscription for all attendees, and the official red carpet event hosted at Third Street.

Good news: the ComedyFest 2025 film festival is available to stream online from October 27-November 7 on Laugh After Dark TV. The best part? Every fest pass* automatically includes the online film festival for FREE!

*Day passes also include the online film festival. 

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