Read below to understand the full rules and regulations for Comedy Prize 2026. It includes details that may answer some of your burning questions about what’s required to compete and what Prize Foundation commits to on our end.
If you have questions, contact Chris Lyon: ch***@***ze.foundation.
To compete, you must register as a Comedian. The registration form will collect information about the performer. You may register, upload your Live Performance Video, and complete the Comedian Portal anytime between Wednesday, December 17, 2025 and Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm CST.
Comedians must complete and submit the Comedian Portal and submit the 7-10 minute Live Performance Video (original content only). The video file — which must be uploaded before Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 11:59pm CST — should be no higher resolution than 1920x1080p (horizontal, not vertical) and no larger than 500MB in size. All framerates are accepted.
The Comedian is willing and able to be present and perform in Shreveport, Louisiana on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The order in which you perform will be determined by a drawing at the Comedy Prize Mentor Judge Roundtable.
The size of the lineup will be determined by Comedy Prize. Performers will be picked by Comedy Prize Judges (through submissions and through a curation process run by the Comedy Prize Judges). Previous judges have included Michael Cox (comedy booker for Jimmy Fallon), Charlie Sotelo (founder, SXSW Comedy) and Liz Furiati (lead booker of the Comedy Cellar).
Finalist Comedians will be announced during the week of August 3, 2026. Selected Comedians will advance to the Comedy Prize Finals to perform live during Prize Fest 2026. All finalists will receive a payment of $500 to perform at the festival, ONE (1) complimentary hotel room the night before the performance and the night of the performance. Comedians will also receive ONE (1) complimentary VIP Pass. Payment for your performance and winnings will all be paid at the Comedy Prize Awards Ceremony immediately following the final performance.
Prize Winners will be determined by Comedy Prize Judge vote during the Comedy Prize Finals and will be announced immediately following the final performance. $2,500 will be awarded to the Grand Prize Winner.
If you have specific questions about the competition, rules, or requirements, please email Chris Lyon at ch***@***ze.foundation.