LA UNDERGROUND COMEDY FESTIVAL 2023
The LA Underground Comedy Festival is a highly-anticipated 10-day event that showcases the best independently produced comedy shows in Los Angeles. It's an opportunity for comics from around the country to submit their work and participate in a festival that features some of the most exciting and innovative comedic acts.
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The festival guarantees every comic accepted into the festival will appear on at least two shows, which provides a platform for exposure and networking opportunities. At the end of the festival, the five best comedians will be selected to perform on the "Best of Fest" showcase at the prestigious Orpheum Theater.
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Not only is this festival a great opportunity for comedians, but industry professionals such as agents, managers, bookers, and more will also be present, scouting for fresh talent.
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The Third Wheel Comedy Studio will host a live production of podcasts with an audience present, providing a unique opportunity for podcasters to showcase their talents.
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In addition to the traditional comedy shows, the festival also includes a week-long Comic Wars tournament, which culminates in the finals taking place on the "Best of Fest" show at the Orpheum Theater.
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Aspiring filmmakers can also get involved by submitting their video sketches to appear in one of the two "Undiscovered Genius" showcases, with the best video screening at the "Best of Fest" show at the Orpheum Theater.
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Overall, the LA Underground Comedy Festival is an inclusive event that celebrates the best of comedy, providing opportunities for established and emerging comedians, industry professionals, and fans alike. It's a unique opportunity for the comedy community to come together, showcase their talents, and have fun.
Submission Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in submitting to the LA Underground Comedy Festival! We are excited to review your work and consider it for inclusion in our festival.
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Please note that each category you submit for requires a separate submission. Please refer to the guidelines below for each category:
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Stand-up Comedian Submission:
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Your submission must be an unedited link to your set on YouTube.
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There can be no password restrictions on the video.
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The video can be any length, but please be aware that the judges will ONLY watch the first 5 minutes of your submission.
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Your submission must be your original work.
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Live Podcast Submission:
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Please send a brief description of your show along with a link (preferably) to a video of your favorite episode or a previous live podcast you did.
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Include a link to a YouTube clip up to 5min in length. (You can send a longer clip, but the judges will stop listening after 5min) The clip does not necessarily have to have video, but is preferred.
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Include an explanation of how doing your podcast live in front of an audience might differ from a normal recording.
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Video Sketch Submission:
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Your submission must be no longer than 5 minutes, but we recommend it be under 3 minutes. (The Shorter your sketch is the more likely we will have space to program it)
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You must sign a waiver stating that you own the rights to all media included in the video or that it has been approved for fair use.
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Comic Wars Tournament Submission:
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We recommend you send a video of a past roast battle. If you do not have one, you can submit a stand-up clip instead.
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Please make sure that your submission meets all of these requirements before submitting. Incomplete or ineligible submissions will not be considered.
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All submissions must be received by the specified deadline, and all decisions made by the judges are final.
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Thank you for your interest in the LA Underground Comedy Festival, and we look forward to reviewing your submission!
Deadlines & Fees
EARLY BIRD SUBMISSIONS
May 1 - May 31
Stand Up Submission: $20
Podcast Submission: $10
Comic Wars Submission: $10
Video Submission: $5
Multiple: $25 (Submit from 2 to all 4 categories)
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MAIN SUBMISSIONS
June 1 - June 30
Stand Up Submission: $30
Podcast Submission: $15
Comic Wars Submission: $15
Video Submission: $10
Multiple: $40 (Submit from 2 to all 4 categories)
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LATE SUBMISSIONS
JUlY 1 - JULY 15
Stand Up Submission: $45
Podcast Submission: $25
Comic Wars Submission: $25
Video Submission: $15
Multiple: $60 (Submit from 2 to all 4 categories)
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LAST MINUTE SUBMISSIONS
JULY 16 - JULY 31
Stand Up Submission: $60
Podcast Submission: $35
Comic Wars Submission: $35
Video Submission: $25
Multiple: $85 (Submit from 2 to all 4 categories)
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All parties will be notified of their status by August 15th.
SUBMISSION PAYMENT
Stand Up
Podcast
Comic Wars
Video
Multiple