The New Shayne-Michael.COMedy

Comedy Festivals

 

Festivals are basically large industry showcases. It’s somewhat small because there aren’t a lot of them. They don’t occur at a single club. And, they are spread out over long periods of time. Often there is prize money involved. Do not expect as an unknown to get paid, have your rooms covered or see the club pay for the price of your flight.

 

This festival page is special in that it interacts with the casting call database. You have one central location to tell you when submissions are being accepted, and when they’re not. Now, here’s how to use this festival database itself.

 

Q: Where is the state map?

 

A: There are so few comedy festivals that all states and Canada appear on the same page. You don’t need to go looking for a map. If you want to narrow them down by city or state, simply click on the city or state in the festivals that show up.

 

Q: I don’t see phone numbers.

 

A: Because festivals are so spread out, very few festivals publish one. Additionally, even though the yahoo map is there it’s somewhat useless. The address you are given is a submission address, it’s not where you’d perform should they see your tape and say yes.

 

Q: How long should submission tapes be?

 

A: That varies with each and every festival. Check the website for details. I got booked in Chicago with five. Since it’s a showcase, you probably don’t have to send one that’s very long.

 

Q: Does an entry fee make a festival illegitimate?

 

A: No, but it makes it suspicious, especially if its absorbent. If the festival is clearly making its money off the entry fees and not the shows, it’s a scam. A while back Hollywood had its first festival. Every show was at a coffee house. In a city where we have the Laugh Factory, the Improv and the Comedy Store, the fact that festival was holding shows at the Acapella was a pretty good indication it was a scam. When you combined that with the 300 entry fee, I decided to stay away. I stand by that choice.

 

Q: How can I sort my results?

 

A: You can sort by Name, Address, City, Submission Date, Deadline and Ranking.

 

Q: How do I get more detailed information about a festival?

 

A: Like all other databases, click on the festival name. This brings up a set of Quick Facts. Here are the Quick Facts for the D.C. Comedy Festival.

 

Quick Facts For The D.C. Comedy Festival | Details
Full Address	717 D St. NW St Washington		DC, 20004
Event Date:	04/12	Booker	Blaire Postman
Website	Website	E-Mail	E-Mail
Submissions	12/01	Deadline	02/22
Review Cost	N	Submission Cost	N
Type	Festival	MySpace	None
Ranking	5 / 1 Vote	Awards	N

 

Like the club and open mic you can screen by booker and zip codes. You can use the ranks to screen by stars and votes. This will also show you if there is a known submission cost, if the festival offers any awards and weather it’s considered a festival or a contest.

 

Q: What does the link on top that says Festivals/ Contests do?

 

A: It allows you to screen for either festivals or contests exclusively. By default you’re looking at both.

 

Q: Can I make mailing labels like in the club database?

 

A: Sure simply click on the link that says “L” next to the word contests.

 

Q: What do I use these links for:  [Festival is Defunct] & [Festival is Ongoing]

 

A: Clicking [Festival is Defunct] adds one closure warning to the database. After four separate warnings the festival will disappear. Clicking [Festival is Ongoing] will cancel one closure warning out.

 

Q: What is the booking tips link for?

 

A: It’s exactly what it sounds like, here’s the best way to get booked.

 

Q: How can I see more detailed info?

 

A: Look at the heading on the Quick Facts and look for the word Details

 

Quick Facts For The New York Comedy Festival | Details

 

Click on the word details and you will see all available patron and comedian reviews. If you want to post a review, click on Post Review

 

Festival Reviews | Hide Reviews | Post Review | Reset Festivals

 

The posting system is exactly like a comedy club. You can approve your own post, unless you post anonymously or leave a booking tip.

 

Q: Why did my girlfriend leave in the middle of the night?

 

A: You’re a comedian right? Don’t look the free material in the mouth.