SUBMIT YOUR ACT
The LWCF aspires to grow a positive community of diverse comedic performers from around the country. We accept standup acts, improv teams, and solo performers of all skill levels for festival ensemble improv teams.
DETAILS! HERE COME THE DETAILS!
IF SUBMITTING AN IMPROV TEAM OR STANDUP ACT:
STEP 1: Head over to our submission hub and fill out the form of your choosing with all your info. Fair warning: it's going to ask for a link to a video of a past performance.
STEP 2: Chill out and wait for us to get in touch! Our early bird submission deadline is October 26, and our regular deadline is end of day on November 9. Final selections will be announced in late November.
IF APPLYING AS A SOLO PERFORMER FOR AN ENSEMBLE TEAM:
We’re casting four ensemble teams with a crew of incredible coaches! Head over here to the Last Word Academy for everything you need to know.
THE FINE PRINT
The festival reserves the right to close the submission process prior to the final deadline if necessary given the quantity of entries received.
Selected performers will be offered stage time in the festival (usually 20-25 minutes for improv, 10-15 minutes for stand-up). In exchange, performers will receive a Performer’s Pass good for free standby access to festival shows. Performers will have the opportunity to upgrade their Performer’s Pass to a regular Festival Pass for a nominal fee. The Festival Pass does not cover admission to the Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood headliner act on January 30. Submitting performers will not be financially compensated and are responsible for their own transportation and lodging for the festival.
If you are submitting on behalf of a college improv group, you do not need to send a submission fee. Use the code word COLLEGE when filling out your form to waive the application fee. You will be considered for the festival's College Night programming currently scheduled for January 28. College improv participants are provided with a free workshop and lunch on January 29, as well as a Performer’s Pass for each member of the team.
Early bird submission fees are $20 for improv teams, $15 for standup acts, and $10 for individuals applying for ensemble teams. Regular submission fees (after October 26) are $25 for improv teams, $20 for standup acts, and $15 for individuals applying for ensemble teams. There are no additional fees for accepted improv teams or standup acts. For individuals accepted into the Last Word Academy, additional fees apply - all those details are available here!
We hope you plan to attend regardless of whether you perform or not. If you’re looking to make travel plans sooner than later, please note the following general festival schedule:
Jan 28 - College Night showcases, opening night headlining act
Jan 29 - Last Word Academy training by day, headliner & submission showcase acts by night
Jan 30 - Workshops by day, headliner & submission showcase acts through the afternoon and night
Jan 31 - Spotlight headliner workshop, theater leadership roundtable meetings