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 - new for 2026! - solo performers of all skill levels for festival ensemble improv teams.
Settle in, cause here come the deets.
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! Submissions officially close at midnight on November 23 and final selections will be announced in early December.
IF APPLYING AS A SOLO PERFORMER FOR AN ENSEMBLE TEAM:
Our ensemble team program is new - we’re super excited for it! 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 Festival Pass good for free access to festival shows. The Festival Pass does not cover admission to the “Whose Live Anyway?” 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 a college student performer/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 29.
Submission fees are $20 for improv teams are $10 for standup acts. There are no additional fees for accepted improv teams or standup acts. Individual submissions for the ensemble improv teams are $15. If 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 29 - College Night showcases, opening night headlining act
Jan 30 - Last Word Academy training by day, headliner & submission showcase acts by night
Jan 31 - Workshops by day, headliner & submission showcase acts by night
Feb 1 - Farewell brunch, social meetup to close out the fest