Are comedy festivals worth it?

On this week’s livestream we were asked about comedy festivals and it sparked a deep discussion about:

• When are you ready to apply?

• How to make the most of festivals?

• Are they worth it?

When are you ready to apply?

There is not a comedy law about when you are “ready” to apply to a festival. If you want to apply then go for it! However a good tip is to research some festivals and look at the line-ups of other comedians attending. If you feel you are in that caliber then jump in. You can also post in our Facebook group about specific festivals that others may have experience with to see if it’s worth submitting.

How to make the most of festivals?

The main value of a festival is getting to network with other motivated comics. So don’t forget to follow the Hot Breath! Mantra of “Be Nice and Be Funny! In addition to networking, festivals are also an amazing opportunity to perform under pressure. You have traveled to an unfamiliar place to perform in front of unfamiliar people. These uncomfortable moments are what help you grow exponentially as a comedian. So get out of your comfort zone and into your grow zone! (I think I just invented a new phrase 😂)

Are they worth it?

You get out what you put in to a festival. They can be a big investment from submission fees, to travel expenses and more. So be very intentional about the festivals you apply to and follow the tips above to make the most of your experience there. That mindset can help make them a worthwhile investment.

If you found this email helpful, please reply with your favorite insight and forward it to a fellow comic encouraging them to join this email list!

Sincerely your comedy friend,
Joel Byars