Past Headliners
- 2018: Gilbert Gottfried
- 2019: Jessica Kirson and Kevin Farley
- 2020: The Roast of Harry Potter
- 2021–2022: Pandemic Hiatus
- 2023: Chris Gethard, Marina Franklin, and Rex Navarrete
- 2024: Rachel Feinstein and Kyle Gordon
- 2025: Raanan Hershberg and Kasaun Wilson
How to Submit
- Submit your video and application to participate in the competition.
- Availability: June 11–13, 2026, in Jersey City, NJ.
- Out-of-region comics are encouraged to attend June 12–13; seeing other showcases is recommended for networking opportunities.
- Video requirements:
- Entire single set, minimum of 5 minutes.
- Must be unedited, from the moment you walk on stage until you leave.
- Highlights, selected jokes, or “best-of” reels are not allowed.
Showcase Details
- Selected comedians perform 4 minutes on June 11 or 12 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) for industry judges and live audiences.
- Two comics advance per night (1 Audience Pick + 1 Industry Pick) to perform 6 minutes in the Best of the Fest finale on Saturday, June 13 (8:00 PM – 9:30 PM).
New This Year
- 2 wildcard comics will be selected to perform in the Best of the Fest finale.
- All finalists receive a $100 stipend.
Dates Fee Dec 15 – Dec 31, 2025 Early Submission: $10 Jan 1 – Jan 31, 2026 General Submission: $20 Feb 1 – Feb 28, 2026 Late Submission: $30 Mar 1 – Mar 31, 2026 Burn the Light: $40 Jersey City Residents* Dec 16, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 $10 (with proof of Jersey City residency) Submission Deadlines & Fees
*Residents of NJ, but not Jersey City are not eligible for the residency fee. Locations
- Art House Productions: 345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
- The Laugh Tour Comedy Club at Dorrian’s Red Hand: 555 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Accessibility
Both venues are wheelchair accessible and offer ASL interpretation and audio description upon request (2 weeks’ notice).
- Art House: info@arthouseproductions.org / 201-579-0532
- Dorrian’s / The Laugh Tour Comedy Club: thelaughtourcomedyclub@gmail.com / 551-227-5995
