Got jokes? Columbus Comedy Festival seeks talent for Aug. 14-18 debut
Fledgling comics and seasoned stand-ups alike can throw their hats in the ring for a spot at the inaugural Columbus Comedy Festival, which will host a laugh-inducing lineup of national, regional and local comedians from Aug. 14-18.
Dozens of entertainers have already submitted applications to take part in the festival, according to a press release from Walker Evans, co-owner and operator of Columbus Underground, which is organizing the summer event. Performers interested in participating can apply at columbuscomedyfest.com.
Talent booking will continue into spring and the festival schedule will be announced in May.
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The five-day showcase will be hosted at multiple venues across the city including Columbus Funny Bone, The Attic Comedy Club, The Nest Theatre, The Hashtag Comedy Co., Don’t Tell Comedy: Columbus and others. The lineup will include a mix of stand-up, improv, sketch comedy, live podcast recording, variety/alternative shows, industry mixers and more.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such a strong pool of comedic talent in Columbus, which has been a bit of a secret until recently," Hannah Romes, performer, producer and co-owner of Hashtag, said in the press release.
“Columbus has multiple comedy shows selling out every weekend, yet so many residents don't know how or where to find live comedy. The inaugural Columbus Comedy Festival is a huge milestone for Columbus' performers, producers and venues.”
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Hashtag, which opened its doors in the Short North last November, is among the newest additions to the Columbus comedy circuit. Others include Don’t Tell Comedy: Columbus, which will mark its second anniversary in February, and The Attic Comedy Club in Olde Towne East, which opened in late 2022 and has hosted well-known performers such as Dave Chappelle and Mark Normand.
Proceeds from the festival will support Columbus Underground events that help to fund local journalism year-round.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Inaugural Columbus Comedy Festival to take place Aug. 14-18
