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submissions

how it works

1. create a free lad comic portal account

The LAD Comic Portal 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 2024 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 June.

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 May 31, 2024.
(**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**).

(filmmakers submit via film freeway)

2024
comedyfest deadlines

early bird

Through Dec 31, 2023
$29

standard

January 1-March 31, 2024
$39

extended

April 1-May 10, 2024
$49

last chance

May 11-31, 2024
$59

notification

July 1, 2024

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.