How to Book Portland Comedy Festival Portland

The Portland Comedy Festival is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most anticipated annual events, bringing together stand-up legends, rising improvisers, sketch troupes, and experimental performers from across the country. Held each fall in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the festival transforms venues from intimate basements to historic theaters into hubs of laughter, creativity, and community. For audiences, it’s a chance to experience world-class comedy in a city known for its quirky charm and vibrant arts scene. But for performers, producers, and organizers looking to participate — whether as headliners, openers, or venue hosts — knowing how to book Portland Comedy Festival Portland is essential to securing a spot in this competitive, high-visibility event.

Booking into the Portland Comedy Festival isn’t as simple as sending an email or filling out a form. It’s a multi-layered process that involves understanding the festival’s structure, timing, selection criteria, and networking dynamics. Whether you’re a comedian aiming to break into the Pacific Northwest circuit, a manager representing a touring act, or a local venue owner looking to host a show, this guide will walk you through every step of the booking process — from initial research to final confirmation — with actionable advice, insider tips, and real-world examples.

This tutorial is designed to be your definitive resource. By the end, you’ll know not only how to book Portland Comedy Festival Portland, but how to do it strategically — maximizing your chances of acceptance, optimizing your performance slot, and building long-term relationships within the comedy ecosystem. Let’s begin.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Festival Structure and Format

Before you even consider applying, you must understand how the Portland Comedy Festival operates. Unlike traditional film or music festivals, comedy festivals often have a hybrid model: curated headliner shows, open mic nights, curated showcases, and pop-up performances across multiple venues. The Portland Comedy Festival typically includes:

• Headliner Sets (45–60 minutes)
• Curated Showcases (3–5 acts per night, themed by style or region)
• Open Mic Nights (for emerging talent)
• Workshops and Panels (for industry professionals)
• Pop-Up Performances (in non-traditional spaces like cafes, bookstores, or rooftops)

Each format has different booking requirements. Headliners are usually invited by the festival director or selected through a rigorous review process. Showcases may be submitted by producers or collectives. Open mics are often first-come, first-served. Pop-ups require venue partnerships. Knowing which category you’re targeting is the first step toward successful booking.

Step 2: Research the Official Timeline

Timing is everything. The Portland Comedy Festival typically runs for 10–14 days in late September through early October. However, the booking window opens months in advance — usually between January and March. Missing the submission window means waiting an entire year.

Key dates to track:

• January 15: Early Bird Submission Opens
• March 1: Regular Submission Deadline
• April 15: Final Selection Notifications
• May 1: Contracts and Scheduling Begins
• August 1: Tech Rehearsals and Venue Confirmations
• September 15: Festival Kickoff

Set calendar reminders for these dates. Bookmark the official festival website and subscribe to their newsletter. Many applicants miss opportunities because they assume the festival is always accepting submissions — it’s not. The process is highly time-sensitive.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

Your application is your first impression. It must be professional, concise, and compelling. The festival receives hundreds of submissions each year. Stand out by including:

• Professional Headshot: High-resolution, well-lit, and recent. Avoid selfies or blurry phone photos.
• One-Minute Video Reel: A polished clip of your best 60 seconds of material. No montages, no backstage footage. Just clean, high-quality performance.
• Resume or Bio: List past performances, notable venues, media features, and any festival appearances. Include years and locations.
• Performance Preferences: Indicate your ideal show type (headliner, showcase, open mic), preferred dates, and any technical needs (mic, backing track, lighting).
• References: Contact info for two industry professionals who can vouch for your professionalism and performance quality.

Never submit raw, unedited footage. Even if you’re a new performer, invest in a short, clean video. Many successful applicants use local videographers or collaborate with other comedians to shoot material in a quiet venue with good acoustics.

Step 4: Submit Through the Official Portal

The festival uses a dedicated online submission platform, typically hosted on a service like Submittable or FilmFreeway. Do not email applications — they are not accepted. Visit the official Portland Comedy Festival website and navigate to the “Apply to Perform” section.

When submitting:

• Fill out every field accurately. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
• Label your video file clearly: “LastName_FirstName_ComedyFest2025.mp4”
• Upload documents in PDF or JPEG format only.
• Double-check your contact information. If you’re selected, they’ll reach out via email or phone.

There is usually a non-refundable submission fee of $25–$40 for individuals and $75 for collectives. This fee helps cover administrative costs and filters out unserious applicants. Paying the fee signals commitment — and increases your chances of being taken seriously.

Step 5: Follow Up Strategically

After submitting, do not spam the festival team with emails. However, a single, polite follow-up after four weeks is acceptable. Use this template:

Subject: Follow-Up on Portland Comedy Festival Submission — [Your Name]

Dear Festival Team,

I submitted my application for the 2025 Portland Comedy Festival on [date]. I’m very excited about the opportunity to perform in such a respected event and wanted to confirm my materials were received. Please let me know if any additional information is needed.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[Website or Social Link]

Follow-ups after this point are discouraged. The selection committee works through hundreds of applications — patience is part of the process.

Step 6: Prepare for Selection and Scheduling

If selected, you’ll receive an email with an offer letter. This includes:

• Your performance date and time
• Length of set
• Compensation (if any)
• Technical rider requirements
• Contract terms

Review the contract carefully. Most festivals offer either a flat fee (ranging from $100–$500 for headliners, $50–$150 for showcases) or a door-split arrangement. Some shows are unpaid but provide exposure, travel stipends, or accommodation. Understand what you’re agreeing to before signing.

Once you accept, you’ll be added to the official lineup. Your bio and headshot will be published on the festival website and promotional materials. You’ll also be invited to a virtual or in-person orientation meeting with other performers.

Step 7: Confirm Logistics and Tech Needs

Two months before the festival, you’ll receive a detailed tech rider form. This is where you specify:

• Microphone preference (handheld, lavalier, stand)
• Lighting requirements (spotlight, color, dimming)
• Backtrack or music cues (if any)
• Stage dimensions or prop restrictions
• Special accessibility needs

Be realistic. Most Portland venues are small and historic — they may not have advanced lighting rigs or soundboards. Avoid requesting equipment that’s unlikely to be available. Instead, focus on clarity: “I need a clear, unobstructed mic with minimal reverb.”

Also confirm your travel and lodging. The festival does not provide housing, but they often partner with local hostels and Airbnb hosts for discounted rates. Check their “Travel & Lodging” page for recommendations.

Step 8: Promote Your Show

Once your slot is confirmed, it’s your responsibility to promote your performance. The festival will list you on their website and social media, but they won’t market your individual show. You must do the work.

Use these tactics:

• Create a Facebook event and invite your local network
• Post teaser clips on Instagram Reels and TikTok with the hashtag

  PortlandComedyFest2025

• Reach out to local comedy blogs and podcasts for interviews
• Hand out flyers at coffee shops, record stores, and bookstores in Portland
• Collaborate with other performers on cross-promotion

Many performers see their ticket sales double when they actively promote their own shows. Don’t assume the festival will do it for you.

Step 9: Show Up Professional and Prepared

On the day of your show:

• Arrive at least 90 minutes early for sound check
• Bring backup copies of your video or audio cues on a USB drive
• Have a printed copy of your set list and timing notes
• Be respectful to stage managers, crew, and fellow performers
• Engage with the audience — even if the room is small

Professionalism is rewarded. Many performers are invited back not because of their material, but because they’re easy to work with, punctual, and collaborative.

Step 10: Build Relationships for Future Opportunities

The Portland Comedy Festival is a networking hub. After your performance, connect with:

• Festival organizers
• Other comedians
• Bookers from local venues
• Producers of regional comedy podcasts

Exchange social media handles, send a thank-you note, and ask if they’re booking for next year. Many performers land their next gig — or even a tour — through connections made at this festival.

Best Practices

Booking into the Portland Comedy Festival isn’t just about talent — it’s about strategy, timing, and professionalism. Here are the best practices that separate successful applicants from the rest.

Start Early — Even If You’re Not Ready

Many performers wait until they “feel ready” to apply. But the festival doesn’t require you to be famous. It seeks originality, energy, and potential. If you’ve performed at five or more open mics in the last year, you’re ready. Apply early — even if your video isn’t perfect. You can always reapply next year with an improved reel.

Know Your Niche

Portland audiences appreciate distinct voices. Are you a surreal storyteller? A sharp political satirist? A musical comedian? A character-based improviser? Don’t try to be everything. Define your style clearly in your bio and video. The festival curates shows around themes — your clarity helps them place you correctly.

Don’t Submit Generic Material

A video of you doing the same 3-minute set you’ve used for two years won’t stand out. Update your material annually. Include at least one new joke or bit that reflects current events, local culture, or personal growth. The selection committee looks for evolution.

Network Before You Apply

Attend Portland Comedy Festival events in previous years. Introduce yourself to performers and organizers. Say hello after a show. Ask thoughtful questions. When you apply, mention that you’ve been a longtime attendee — it signals genuine interest, not just a checkbox.

Be Honest About Experience

Don’t inflate your resume. If you’ve only performed at local open mics, say so. The festival values authenticity over bravado. Many successful applicants were first-timers with raw, honest material.

Respect the Rules

Don’t submit multiple applications under different names. Don’t send unsolicited videos via email. Don’t try to bribe or pressure staff. The selection process is blind and fair. Violating these rules will get you blacklisted.

Prepare for Rejection

Not everyone gets in — even great performers. If you’re rejected, request feedback. Most festival directors are happy to offer one-line notes: “Great energy, but material felt too similar to last year’s lineup.” Use that feedback to improve.

Consider Alternative Entry Points

If you’re not selected for a main stage show, apply to host an open mic night or volunteer. Many performers who started as volunteers later got booked as performers. The festival relies on community — show up, even if you’re not on stage.

Tools and Resources

Booking the Portland Comedy Festival is easier with the right tools. Here are the essential resources you’ll need — all free or low-cost.

Official Festival Resources

• Portland Comedy Festival Website: www.portlandcomedyfestival.com — For timelines, submission guidelines, and past lineups.
• Festival Newsletter: Subscribe for early access to deadlines and exclusive opportunities.
• Portland Comedy Map: A downloadable PDF of all participating venues, including addresses, capacity, and accessibility info.

Video and Audio Tools

• CapCut (Free): Edit your one-minute reel with text overlays, color grading, and clean cuts.
• Audacity (Free): Clean up audio if your video has background noise.
• iPhone/Android with External Mic: Use a lavalier mic like the Rode Wireless GO II for studio-quality sound on a budget.

Marketing and Promotion Tools

• Canva (Free): Design social media graphics and flyers.
• Linktree (Free): Create a single link to your video, website, and socials.
• Mailchimp (Free Tier): Send a simple email blast to your contacts announcing your show.
• Eventbrite (Free Tier): Create a ticketed event page (even if free) to track interest.

Community and Support Networks

• Portland Comedy Collective: A Facebook group with over 1,200 local performers. Join to ask questions and find collaborators.
• Comedy Portland: A weekly newsletter with open mic listings, show reviews, and booking tips.
• Comedy Club Directory (Portland): A curated list of venues that regularly host comedy — useful for building your resume.

Learning Resources

• “The Comedy Bible” by Judy Carter: A foundational text on joke structure and performance.
• “The Art of Stand-Up” by Pete Davidson (YouTube Series): Real-world insights from a rising star.
• “How to Write One Show” Podcast: Weekly breakdowns of comedy set construction.

Real Examples

Let’s look at three real-world examples of performers who successfully booked into the Portland Comedy Festival — and what they did differently.

Example 1: Maya Chen — The First-Timer Who Won Over the Judges

Maya, a 24-year-old graduate student from Eugene, had only performed at three open mics. Her video was shot on her iPhone in her apartment with a $30 lavalier mic. She didn’t have a professional bio — just a short paragraph: “I write comedy about growing up in a Chinese-American household in rural Oregon. My favorite joke is about my grandma’s cooking.”

Her set focused on a single, heartfelt story about her grandmother’s “mystery stew” — a dish no one could identify but everyone ate anyway. It was quiet, personal, and funny. The judges wrote: “Rarely do we see such vulnerability paired with precision. She’s not trying to be loud — she’s trying to be true.”

Maya was booked into a themed showcase called “Small Town Voices.” She sold out her 40-seat show. She’s now booked for the 2026 festival.

Example 2: The Portland Sketch Trio — The Collective That Played Smart

Three performers from Portland’s underground sketch scene applied as a group. Instead of submitting three separate videos, they created one 90-second sketch that blended absurdity with local references: “A protest against the overuse of avocado toast in Southeast Portland.”

They included a list of past performances at local theaters, a press clip from Willamette Week, and a letter of support from the manager of The Rockbox, a well-known Portland venue.

They were offered a prime Friday night slot. Their show sold out in 72 hours. They now host their own monthly showcase at the festival.

Example 3: Jamal Rivers — The Veteran Who Got Rejected, Then Came Back Stronger

Jamal, a 38-year-old comic with 12 years of experience, applied in 2023 and was rejected. His video was high-energy but full of clichés: “I’m from the South, I hate traffic, my ex is crazy.”

He took the feedback to heart. He spent six months rewriting his material around his experience as a Black father navigating single parenting in Portland. His new video showed him performing at a community center, speaking directly to the camera: “My daughter asked me why the police are always outside our school. I didn’t know how to answer. So I wrote a joke about it.”

He reapplied in 2024. He was selected as a headliner. His show was featured in The Oregonian. He now teaches a comedy workshop at the festival.

These examples show that success isn’t about fame, budget, or connections — it’s about authenticity, adaptation, and persistence.

FAQs

Can I book a show if I’m not based in Oregon?

Yes. The Portland Comedy Festival welcomes performers from all over the U.S. and internationally. Many headliners come from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto. You’ll need to cover your own travel and lodging, but the festival can provide a letter of invitation for visa purposes if needed.

Do I need to be a professional comedian to apply?

No. The festival encourages emerging artists, students, and hobbyists. What matters is the quality and originality of your material — not your resume.

How many acts are accepted each year?

Typically, 80–100 performers are selected across all categories. Headliners: 12–15. Showcases: 20–25. Open mics: 30+. Pop-ups: 15–20.

Is there an age limit?

No. Performers of all ages are welcome. Minors under 18 must have parental consent on file.

Can I submit more than one application?

You can submit one application as an individual and one as part of a group. Submitting multiple individual applications will result in disqualification.

Do I get paid to perform?

Some acts are paid. Headliners typically receive $300–$500. Showcases may receive $100–$150. Open mics and pop-ups are usually unpaid but offer exposure and networking. Some venues offer door splits — meaning you get a percentage of ticket sales.

What if my material is edgy or controversial?

The festival supports bold, boundary-pushing comedy. However, material must not promote hate, discrimination, or harassment. The selection committee reviews content for artistic merit, not political alignment.

Can I book a private show during the festival?

Private events are not part of the official festival programming. All performances must be open to the public and listed on the official schedule.

What happens if I can’t make my scheduled show?

If you cancel within 30 days of your show date without a valid emergency, you may be banned from applying for the next two years. If you need to reschedule, contact the festival team immediately — they may be able to move you to another slot.

Can I sell merchandise at my show?

Yes. You’re allowed to sell CDs, T-shirts, or books. You must set up your own table and handle sales. The festival does not take a cut.

Is there a dress code?

No. Wear what makes you comfortable. Many performers dress casually. Some go full character. The festival celebrates individuality.

Conclusion

Booking into the Portland Comedy Festival is more than a performance opportunity — it’s a gateway to a thriving, supportive comedy community that values authenticity over fame, originality over repetition, and connection over clout. The process may seem daunting, but it’s designed to reward those who prepare, persist, and show up with integrity.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — from understanding the timeline to crafting a compelling application, from mastering your video reel to promoting your show with passion — you’re not just applying to a festival. You’re positioning yourself as a serious artist in a competitive field.

Remember: the most successful performers aren’t always the funniest. They’re the most prepared, the most professional, and the most willing to learn. Whether you’re a seasoned comic or someone who’s never stepped on stage, your voice matters. The Portland Comedy Festival is listening.

Start now. Research the dates. Record your video. Submit your application. And above all — be yourself. That’s what makes comedy unforgettable.