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Montclair Comedy Festival | November 13-15

About Montclair Comedy Festival

Everyone knows Montclair is one of New Jersey’s cultural gems — packed with art, music, food, and festivals galore. But we noticed one thing was missing: Sweet & Sour Comedy!

Montclair is just a short mic drop away from New York City — the comedy capital of the country (the world?) — so we thought: Why not bring it all together?

That’s how the Montclair Comedy Festival — a celebration of laughs, talent, and community — was born, right here in Montclair.

The festival will showcase so many flavors of funny: stand-up, improv, sketch, musical comedy, character work, storytelling, and family-friendly shows, featuring rising stars and seasoned pros alike.

Information on dates, venues, performers, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer opportunities to come. Stay tuned!

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Want to be a Venue or a Sponsor?

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Performers

The Montclair Comedy Festival is calling all stand-up comics, improv troupes, sketch teams, and comedic misfits to take the stage and bring the funny. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a fresh face ready to break out, this is your moment to shine in front of diverse audiences and industry insiders. With multiple shows across vibrant venues, professional production support, and a built-in fan base, the Montclair Comedy Festival offers the perfect stage to showcase your talent and connect with a passionate comedy community. Apply now!

Apply to Perform

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply to perform at the Montclair Comedy Festival?

Applications open August 1, 2025. You’ll be asked to provide a video clip, bio, and availability.

Is there a fee to submit?

Yes, there’s a small non-refundable submission fee to help cover admin costs.

Why is there a submission fee?
We charge a submission fee of $25 for individuals and $45 for groups (sketch or improv) to help cover the many costs of running the Montclair Comedy Festival — including:

This helps ensure we can provide a high-quality, professional, and well-attended experience for performers and audiences alike. We appreciate your support in helping make the festival a success.

How will performer selections work?

We’re committed to making the Montclair Comedy Festival a vibrant, inclusive, and fair space for performers of all levels. To ensure a transparent and unbiased selection process, click here to see how submissions will be reviewed.

Is there an age restriction for performers?

Yes. Performers must be at least 18 years old to submit and perform in the Montclair Comedy Festival.

We love supporting emerging talent, but due to venue restrictions, show content, and insurance requirements, we are currently only accepting adult performers. If you’re under 18 and interested in comedy, stay tuned — we hope to offer youth or teen programming in the future!

What kinds of comedy acts will be considered?

If it’s funny, we want to see it. We welcome stand-up, sketch, musical comedy, improv, and more!

Will I get paid to perform?

The majority of performance spots at the Montclair Comedy Festival will be paid based on a percentage of the door, with specific rates to be determined per show. Performers who are invited directly by the festival (outside of the submission process) will be compensated based on individually agreed-upon terms. Please note that some showcase events will be unpaid opportunities, designed to highlight emerging talent and provide additional exposure within the festival. Payment details will be communicated upon acceptance.

How does the percentage-of-the-door payment work?
For most Montclair Comedy Festival shows, performers are paid a percentage of the ticket sales after venue expenses are covered. The standard performer payout is 45% of the remaining door, which is then divided among the comics on the lineup—typically a host, two features, and a headliner.

Here’s how it breaks down with an example:

That $315 performer pool is then divided as follows:

Host: 15% of performer split = $47.25
Each Feature: 20% of performer split = $63.00 each
Headliner: 45% of performer split = $141.75

When will performers be paid?
Payments will be made after the show, once final attendance numbers and ticket sales are confirmed and reconciled. We hope to have all of this wrapped up around December 15, a month after the festival has ended. We’ll keep you posted and make the process as smooth as possible.

Do you provide travel or lodging?

We currently do not cover travel or lodging, but we’re happy to connect you with local resources or recommend nearby accommodations.

Can I sell my merch at the show?

Yes! Let us know in advance so we can plan table space or coordinate with the venue.

Health Policy

The health and safety of our performers, audience members, volunteers, and staff is a top priority at the Montclair Comedy Festival.

We will follow all local and state public health guidelines in place at the time of the festival. These may include:

Masking: While masks are not currently required, they are encouraged, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
Vaccination: Proof of vaccination is not required unless mandated by local venues or regulations.
Symptoms/Exposure: We ask that anyone feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms, or recently exposed to COVID-19 stay home.
Venue-Specific Policies: Some partner venues may have their own COVID protocols in place. If that’s the case, we’ll communicate those clearly in advance of your show or visit.
Flexibility: This policy may be updated based on the latest guidance from health authorities. We’ll notify all participants and ticketholders of any changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep the laughs flowing safely!

Venues

We’re partnering with local venues of all shapes and sizes—from cozy cafes to historic theaters—to turn Montclair into a hub of hilarity. Hosting a show during the Montclair Comedy Festival means more foot traffic, fresh exposure, and a connection to one of the most buzzed-about events in town. We’ll handle the logistics—you bring the vibe. Let’s collaborate to fill your space with laughter and energy!

Reach out be a Venue

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a venue owner—how can I host a show?

We’d love to collaborate! Contact us at info@montclaircomedyfestival.com to get the ball rolling.

What are the tech requirements for hosting a comedy show?

Ideally, you’ll need a stage area, sound system, mic, and lighting. We can help assess your space and bring in gear if needed.

Can I sell food and drinks during shows?

Absolutely! We encourage it. Let us know what you offer so we can promote it.

What kind of audience turnout should I expect?

Depends on the show, but we actively promote all events and work with venues to pack the house.

Do I need to staff the show?

We provide our own host/producer and support staff for all events. We coordinate with you for door management, security, or special needs.

Health Policy

The health and safety of our performers, audience members, volunteers, and staff is a top priority at the Montclair Comedy Festival.

We will follow all local and state public health guidelines in place at the time of the festival. These may include:

Masking: While masks are not currently required, they are encouraged, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
Vaccination: Proof of vaccination is not required unless mandated by local venues or regulations.
Symptoms/Exposure: We ask that anyone feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms, or recently exposed to COVID-19 stay home.
Venue-Specific Policies: Some partner venues may have their own COVID protocols in place. If that’s the case, we’ll communicate those clearly in advance of your show or visit.
Flexibility: This policy may be updated based on the latest guidance from health authorities. We’ll notify all participants and ticketholders of any changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep the laughs flowing safely!

Attendees

Welcome to the Montclair Comedy Festival—where punchlines pop, talent shines, and every night is packed with unforgettable performances. This is your all-access pass to stand-up stars, rising comedians, wild improv, and outrageous surprises around every corner. Whether you’re catching one show or binging a full weekend of comedy, you’re part of something special. Buy your tickets, grab your crew, and get ready to laugh ’til it hurts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets will be available here on our website, with early bird and group discounts available!

Are any shows free?

While we aren’t offering any free shows this year, we’ve made a strong effort to ensure there’s a wide range of ticket prices across the festival. Our goal is to make the Montclair Comedy Festival as accessible as possible, so that everyone who wants to experience the fun has an opportunity to join us.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Some shows are marked as “All Ages” or “Kid Friendly.” Others are 18+ or 21+. Check the event listing for ratings.

Is there an age restriction for attending shows?

Most shows at the Montclair Comedy Festival are intended for mature audiences (16+ or 18+), due to language, content, or venue restrictions. However, we do offer select all-ages or family-friendly events, which will be clearly marked in the schedule.

If you’re unsure whether a show is appropriate for younger audience members, feel free to reach out before purchasing tickets. We want everyone to have a great (and appropriate) time!

What’s the best way to get around Montclair during the festival?

Montclair is super walkable! You can also use public transit, rideshare, or parking at nearby lots.

Are the venues accessible?

Most of the venues we partner with are ADA-compliant, and we prioritize accessibility across the festival. However, final responsibility for ADA compliance rests with the individual venues, not the Montclair Comedy Festival. Once our show schedule is finalized and all venues are confirmed, we will provide more detailed accessibility information for each location. In the meantime, if you have specific questions or accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to assist however we can.

Can I volunteer?

Absolutely! Volunteers get perks like free show access and behind-the-scenes fun. Click here to sign up!

What’s the refund policy?

Tickets are generally non-refundable unless a show is canceled. However, we understand that life happens — and we aim to be as fair and flexible as possible. Here’s how it works:

If a show is canceled: You will receive a full refund to your original form of payment.
If a show is rescheduled: You will have the option to transfer your ticket to the new date or request a refund.
If you can’t attend: While we can’t guarantee refunds for no-shows or scheduling conflicts, in rare cases we may offer a credit toward another Montclair Comedy Festival event, especially if you contact us at least 48 hours before the show.
Transfer policy: Tickets are fully transferable — if you can’t attend, feel free to send a friend in your place (just have them check in under your name).
Venue-specific exceptions: Some partner venues may have their own ticketing/refund policies, which will apply in those cases.

If you have questions or need to request a credit, please email us at info@montclaircomedyfestival.com — we’ll do our best to work with you.

Health Policy

The health and safety of our performers, audience members, volunteers, and staff is a top priority at the Montclair Comedy Festival.

We will follow all local and state public health guidelines in place at the time of the festival. These may include:

Masking: While masks are not currently required, they are encouraged, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
Vaccination: Proof of vaccination is not required unless mandated by local venues or regulations.
Symptoms/Exposure: We ask that anyone feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms, or recently exposed to COVID-19 stay home.
Venue-Specific Policies: Some partner venues may have their own COVID protocols in place. If that’s the case, we’ll communicate those clearly in advance of your show or visit.
Flexibility: This policy may be updated based on the latest guidance from health authorities. We’ll notify all participants and ticketholders of any changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep the laughs flowing safely!

Volunteers

Join the Montclair Comedy Festival team and help bring the funny to life! As a volunteer, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes pass to all the action—while keeping the good vibes flowing for performers and audiences alike. From ushering to artist check-in to tech support, there’s a role for everyone. It’s a fun, friendly, and high-energy way to meet cool people, support the arts, and be part of something bigger. Sign up and let’s get this show on the road!

Apply to Volunteer

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I volunteer for the Montclair Comedy Festival?

Easy! Fill out the volunteer form [to come], tell us a bit about yourself, and what makes you tick (or laugh). We’ll be in touch faster than a one-liner at a mic drop.

What kinds of things will I be doing?

Volunteers are the backbone of the Montclair Comedy Festival — and we’ve got a wide range of roles to fit different personalities, skills, and comfort zones. Depending on your availability and interests, you might be:

Greeting guests and helping with check-in or ticketing
Assisting performers with arrival, backstage needs, or transitions between sets
Setting up and breaking down chairs, signs, equipment, and merch tables
Running tech (sound, lights, cues — if you’ve got the chops!)
Selling merch, snacks, or drinks
Helping manage lines, crowds, and seating to keep the vibe flowing
Floating between venues as a roving helper or runner
Posting to social media or snapping photos (if you’re the content-creator type)
Being on-call for general support, troubleshooting, or superhero duties in a festival t-shirt
Supporting accessibility efforts to make sure all guests feel welcome
Cheering loudly and spreading good vibes — yes, that counts too

We’ll do our best to match you with a role that fits your skills and comfort level. Whether you’re a logistics wizard, a people person, or someone who just loves live comedy, we’ve got a spot for you.

Do I need any experience?

Nope! Just bring your good vibes, reliability, and a willingness to help. We’ll show you the ropes—even if they’re made of clown noses.

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

Yes. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Anyone under 18 will need parental or guardian permission and may be limited to certain roles depending on the venue and shift. Some venues may be 18+ due to licensing or late-night events.

If you’re under 16 and still eager to help, reach out — we occasionally have family-friendly opportunities or other ways to get involved!

Will I get to watch the shows?

Most likely, yes! Volunteers usually get to see at least part of the shows they’re helping with—and sometimes even score passes to others. Laughter is part of the job perks!

What do I get for volunteering?

You’ll get a cool festival T-shirt, a behind-the-scenes experience, some free comedy action, and our eternal gratitude (plus maybe a high five or three).

Can I volunteer with a friend?

Totally! Just make sure they fill out the form too, and let us know you’re a dynamic duo. We’ll try to keep you together unless one of you has a strong “main character energy.”

How long are shifts?

Most shifts run about 3–4 hours. You can do one, a bunch, or just jump in for a big day. We’ll work around your schedule like comedy works around awkward silences.

Do I need to stay for the whole festival?

Not at all! You can pick one day, a weekend, or the whole shebang. We appreciate any time you can give.

What should I wear?

Something comfy and ready for action. We’ll give you a festival shirt to rock while you work. Bonus points for fun accessories.

Will there be snacks?

We try to keep the volunteers fueled! There’ll be water and snacks at check-in spots—plus lots of “you’re doing amazing!” encouragement.

Can I get community service hours?

Absolutely. Just let us know what you need signed and we’ll make it official—because we love helping you help us help you.

What if I signed up but can’t make it?

Things happen! Just give us as much heads-up as possible so we can fill your spot without breaking into a panic polka.

Health Policy

The health and safety of our performers, audience members, volunteers, and staff is a top priority at the Montclair Comedy Festival.

We will follow all local and state public health guidelines in place at the time of the festival. These may include:

Masking: While masks are not currently required, they are encouraged, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
Vaccination: Proof of vaccination is not required unless mandated by local venues or regulations.
Symptoms/Exposure: We ask that anyone feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms, or recently exposed to COVID-19 stay home.
Venue-Specific Policies: Some partner venues may have their own COVID protocols in place. If that’s the case, we’ll communicate those clearly in advance of your show or visit.
Flexibility: This policy may be updated based on the latest guidance from health authorities. We’ll notify all participants and ticketholders of any changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep the laughs flowing safely!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can my business sponsor the festival?

Email us at info@montclaircomedyfestival.com or visit the Sponsor page to view our current packages. We can also create custom opportunities.

What kinds of sponsorship levels are available?

We offer multiple tiers, from community supporter to presenting sponsor—each with its own perks, marketing exposure, and VIP access.

Tier Name	Suggested Range	What They Might Get
Groucho Level Sponsor	$10,000+	Event naming rights, logo on all materials, stage shoutouts, large booth, social media/video features, website banner, 10 VIP passes
Harpo Level Sponsor	$5,000–$9,999	Logo on major materials, shared signage, medium booth, 6 VIP passes, dedicated social media post
Chico Level Sponsor	$2,500–$4,999	Logo on select signage, shared booth/table, 4 VIP passes, inclusion in email newsletter
Zeppo Level Sponsor	$1,000–$2,499	Logo in program, 2 VIP passes, social shoutout
Gummo Level Sponsor	$500–$999	Website listing, 1 VIP pass
In-Kind Sponsor	Value equivalent to tier	Same tier benefits based on value (e.g. food/drinks, printing, tech support)

What visibility will my brand receive?

Depending on your tier, you’ll get mentions on social media, inclusion in press releases, signage at events, VIP tickets, and more.

Can we sponsor a specific show or comedian?

Yes! We love targeted sponsorships. Let’s find the best fit for your brand.

Is this a nonprofit? Are donations tax deductible?

The festival is presented by Sweet & Sour Comedy, which is a nonprofit arts organization. That means some donations may be tax-deductible—check with your tax advisor or give us a shout for specifics.

Also: we love hosting benefit shows as part of the festival! If you’re a performer, venue, or organization that wants to make people laugh and support a good cause, let’s team up. For those shows, some or all of the proceeds may be tax deductible—depending on how it’s structured. Comedy + giving back? That’s a perfect combo!

About the Organizers

The Montclair Comedy Festival is proudly produced by Sweet & Sour Comedy, a New Jersey-based production company led by comedians and longtime collaborators Suzanne Stein and Natty Bumpercar. With over a decade of experience producing comedy shows, fundraisers, and special events, Sweet & Sour Comedy is known for its high-energy productions, commitment to local talent, and a deep love for all things funny.

Suzanne and Natty have built a vibrant, inclusive comedy scene in Northern New Jersey, and have recently expanded into theatrical productions — most notably “Jaws: The Musical,” a sold-out, critically acclaimed parody that made a splash at the 2025 New York Fringe Festival.

Their mission is simple: bring people together through laughter, elevate diverse comedic voices, and create spaces where performers and audiences alike feel welcome.

** Montclair Comedy Festival | November 13-15 **

About Montclair Comedy Festival

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Montclair Comedy Festival | November 13-15