STAND-UP COMPETITION SUBMISSION FORM
Are you a stand-up comic looking to compete in the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival? Submit now as fees increase monthly! This is your chance to perform for industry professionals and great audiences, make connections, and showcase your talent. Two winners, an Audience Pick and an Industry Pick, will be crowned Best of the Fest and receive $500 each in cash prizes plus performance spots at clubs!
SUBMISSION DETAILS:
- Comics must submit an entire single set with a minimum of 5 minutes. The recording must be uploaded to youtube unedited, starting from the moment the comic walks on stage until the set is fully completed. Highlights, selected jokes, or “best-of” reels are not allowed. Important: Submissions that don’t meet these requirements will be disqualified and fees are non-refundable.
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 showcase (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:
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2 wildcard comics will be selected to perform in the Best of the Fest finale on ne 13.[announced at the end of Fri June 12 showcase]
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All finalists receive a $100 stipend.
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All out-of-town comedians (flying in or driving 3+ hours) who do not advance to the finals receive a guest spot at The Laugh Tour Comedy Club on Saturday June 13.
STAND UP COMEDY SUBMISSION DEADLINES + FEES:
- DEC 15 - DEC 31, 2025 | Early Submission: $10
- JAN 1 - JAN 31, 2026 | General Submission: $20
- FEB 1 - FEB 28, 2026| Late Submissions: $30
- MAR 1 - MAR 31, 2026 | Burn The Light: $40
JERSEY CITY COMICS*
- DEC 16, 2025 - MAR 31, 2026 | $10 fee *with proof of Jersey City residency
- [if you live in NJ but NOT in the city of Jersey City, you are NOT eligible]