Apply for the 2025 or 25th Annual FunnyFest Comedy Competition
The FunnyFest Comedy Festival Society does NOT charge comedy artists to apply. We do NOT believe you should be penalized for desiring to share your “Art & Craft“.
The 25th Annual FunnyFest Comedy Competition (Live in Venue / Person Shows and 1 Zoom Virtual Show) details – APRIL 17 to 26, 2025 *:
- This is the fairest competition possible — With a minimum of 8 independent judges per show — For you to hopefully win a cash prize and an opportunity, to perform in 3 shows from MAY 29 to JUNE 8, 2025, during the 25th Annual FunnyFest Comedy Festival;
2. Winning PRIZES — $5000 in total CASH and prizes — 1st prize – $2000 + 3 paid shows in Main Festival; 2nd prize – 3 paid shows in Main Festival; 3rd prize $500 in Gift Certificates and 24 Beer;
3. The top winning Two (2) Comics of the “Championship Final” will also win the opportunity to perform in the main festival. Of course. The 3rd place comic might be invited to perform, if 1 of the winners is unable to participate;
4. The preliminary rounds of the competition run from APRIL 17 to 24, 2025;
5. Two (2) winners from each competition round advance to A. The winners from 1/4 final advance to the Semi – Final held on APRIL 25, 2025;
6. The CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL is Saturday, APRIL 26, 2025, in Calgary with 300 person audience —
a. The Finalists, will each be allocated a five (5) minute set;
b. This showcase will be attended in person and virtually by industry representatives, highlighted by much pageantry & entertainment, and your contact information will be provided (upon request);
c. This showcase might be video recorded for future broadcast;
7. Each comic selected will be allocated 5 to 8 minutes to perform on one preliminary round competition;
8. On average there will be 6 to 8 comics competing per 90 minute show;
9. The shows are professionally produced and feature contestants competing, bookended between a professional comic as MC and another Pro as Headliner / Closer — To make for a well – rounded night of laughs;
10. Special notes: Performers must apply. All comedy must be original. Any hack material delivered and you will be banned for 1 year from applying to perform again;
11. As the contest will be over – subscribed by potential competitors, the selection committee will decide who competes;
12. ANY ONE that is an “Up and Comer“ (i.e. Not considered a genuine headliner) in the Comedy UNIVERSE can apply. However, we have a limit to the total amount of competitors, to keep the shows a reasonable length for all to enjoy;
13. Each contestant will be allocated 10 complimentary ticket links to invite supporters to attend FREE on Zoom (if selected to perform on the zoom show on Monday, April 21 @ 6 pm MDT;
14. The DEADLINE for applications is MARCH 1, 2025. NOTE: Every year the competition has been over subscribed, so get your application in now. The selection committee will be active filling the spots with quality talent, so don’t delay submitting your application. NOTE: There is No Guarantee you will be selected to compete, as the competition is over – subsbribed. However, we try to consider a well-rounded talent pool of funny performers.
15. The competition is also a great showcase of your talent for both the selection committee and the artistic director, respectively, of the 25th Annual FunnyFest Comedy Festival, May 29 to June 8, 2025. You might get booked to perform in different shows outside the comedy competition and / or the main festival, if they feel your comedy art & craft are a great fit for other events;
16. You will be notified if you were selected. Normally, you are not notified if you are not selected.
Thank you and good luck.
* Some of these items above — like the dates and cash prize — might be subject to change a little bit … if we elect to do so, the PRIZE money can increase (NOT DECREASE) as it is our money coming out of our drinking fund to pay for this whole comedy thingy!
Apply for the 2025 or 25th Annual FUNNYFEST Comedy Competition
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