This year, thanks to Cash App, we're making it even easier to shoot your shot. Entry is just $1 if you use Cash App. They believe talented comics already spend enough money chasing stage time, so they helped make this competition accessible to everyone.

At Don't Tell, we love introducing amazing comedians to the world. And the truth is, there are incredible comics performing everywhere that we may never get the chance to see. So Cash App is helping us do something about it.

Not only is the entrance fee $1, but we will cover travel for all comedians who advance to the regionals and finals.

If you applied and showcased last year but believe you have a better tape this time around, we'd love for you to reapply.

We're hosting a comedy competition across the country to find the best comedians who everyone should know about.

Submit a 3 minute set by September 4th, 2026 and pay the $1 entry fee to be considered for one of our regional showcases. The winners from each regional showcase will come to LA for our finals weekend.

The goal of the competition is to find great comics from all over the country. Thus, the regions! You can enter where you're from, where you started comedy, where you've spent much of your comedy career, or where you currently reside.
See our regions.

Submissions Close: September 4th, 2026 Regional Showcase Announcement: September 11th, 2026 Regional Showcase Round: September 18th, 2026 Semi-Finals & Finals Weekend in Los Angeles: October 23rd, 2026

$5,000 grand prize and a Don't Tell Comedy Taped Set that will live on the Don't Tell Comedy YouTube channel.

The runner-up will receive $1,500 and a headlining set on a future DTC show.

All comedians who make the semi-finals will have at least one clip appear on DTC socials.