Performer Guidelines

Laughter Festival Performer Guidelines  

Here are our expectations of the performers in the Laughter Festival.  We expect every performer to read and follow these guidelines. If these rules are not followed it may result in a period of suspension from performing at future events.

You must fill out the online application at lease 3 days before the event so we can review and schedule your slot.  A confirmation email will be sent to you. No applications will be accepted the day of the event.

Your stage time will be either 7 minutes or 15 minutes depending on the act. Each time you are on stage you are evaluated.  We are looking for a tight, efficient, set that is consistently funny. We are listening for strong audience response.

We will email you 48 hours before the event and indicate your time slot(s). Please send a return email 24 hours in advance to confirm you are able to perform your timeslot. If we do not receive this confirmation from you, you will be taken off the list and your slot will be given to someone else. Please arrive at lease 1 hour before your time slot.

When you arrive, you must check in at the “Performer Check-in” table at the event entrance. You will be given a printed schedule showing which stage and time of your performance.  You will have free entry into the event and be given a ticket for one complimentary non-alcoholic drink. You pay for anything else. Do not ever appear noticeably intoxicated. Each stage has a stage manager and they will announce who is performing next and who is “On deck”. It is too confusing to make last minute changes to the schedule so it stays as set. If you have an intro more than just your name it must be typed and handed to the stage manager at this time. Your intro needs to be short and to the point.

Your time begins from the moment the Stage Manager has introduced you. There is countdown clock and light visible from the stage. When you have one-minute left in your set the light will come on and stay on. When you have arrived at the end of your time the Stage Manager will approach the stage. You should have your set timed so that you don't need the light. When the Stage Manager approaches you need to stop your set at that moment and say something along the lines of, "That's my time, Thank You!" When you come off stage, do not go to a group of friends or other performers and start talking about your set while in the stage area. If you need to talk you need to go outside the show area.

There will be video and photographs of the performances to be used next year for promotional purposes. By agreeing to these Performer Guidelines, you are allowing this use of the images.

We are very serious about the professional quality of our Festival. We have a reputation for treating everyone in our showroom, be it guests or entertainers at any level, with kindness and respect. We expect you to do the same. Be prepared so you can attempt to do your best. Remember that this is a family event so no swear words, sexual innuendos, or politically incorrect material.  Just be ready, respect the art of comedy, and a have a good time.