The Don't Tell Comedy Competition

FAQ

Everything we get asked, answered. Still stuck? Email competition@donttellcomedy.com.

Submissions for the 2026 competition closed at 11:59 pm Pacific Time on September 4th, 2026. The answers below describe how this year's competition ran — regional showcase lineups are announced on September 11th, 2026.

How do I apply?

Applications are closed for 2026. Entrants filled out the application on our website and paid the submission fee before the deadline.

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone who submits an application and has not yet participated in a Don't Tell Comedy Live Taping for our digital stand-up series.

What if I apply and am deemed ineligible?

If you are deemed ineligible, your submission fee will be refunded.

Is there a submission fee?

Yes, there is a $1 submission fee through the Cash App app. The submission fee for any other payment providers is $35. The submission fees are going towards the costs of hosting the competition, including hiring submission reviewers to watch all the submission tapes to determine who advances to the regionals. The submission fees will also go towards covering the cost of the video production for the semi-finals and finals, as well as the cash prizes.

If you are unable to afford the submission fee, please feel free to contact us to apply for a submission fee waiver at competition@donttellcomedy.com.

Where are the competitions?

If your tape is selected by our team of reviewers, you will advance to a regional showcase which will take place in one of the following locations:

East Coast · New Jersey Showcase Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C.
Southeast · Atlanta Showcase Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana
Midwest · Chicago Showcase Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota
Southwest · Austin Showcase Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona
West Coast · LA Showcase California, Nevada, Hawaii
Northwest · Seattle Showcase Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Alaska

The Semi-Finals and Finals will be held in Los Angeles.

Last year, I submitted an unlisted video through YouTube and it showed no views. Did you review it?

Don't worry — we're watching them!

A disclaimer: for unlisted YouTube videos, views from our review process may not appear on your public view count. We had this issue last year, but rest assured, your set is reviewed twice as part of the competition.

Does this pay?

If you are selected to participate in the regionals, you will be paid a $75 performer rate for each show that you perform in. There is also a cash prize for the winner!

In addition to being paid for every performance on an official DTC competition show, any comedian who lives more than 250 miles away from our regional show, will be given a $250 travel stipend to help cover costs. Similarly, any comedian who lives more than 250 miles from our Finals (in Los Angeles) will be given a $500 travel stipend.

What are the prizes?

The winner of the competition will be awarded a grand prize of $5,000 and will also be automatically booked on an upcoming Don't Tell Comedy Taping that will live on the Don't Tell Comedy YouTube channel.

The runner-up will receive $2,500 and a headlining set on a future DTC show. Third place will receive $1,000. All comedians who make the semi-finals will have the opportunity to have at least one stand-up clip posted on the DTC social channels.

What should I submit?

Applications are closed for 2026.

When will I know if I am accepted?

You will be notified either way by September 11th, 2026.

Is there a submission deadline?

Yes, the submission deadline is 11:59 pm Pacific Time on September 4th, 2026.

Who is judging the competition?

A board of comedy "experts". C'mon, comedy is subjective but it'll include Don't Tell Comedy execs, comedy "industry" people, and professional comedians.

How much material do I need to be able to compete?

The longest set that is a part of the competition is 12 minutes. 7 minutes of material is needed for the regional showcase.

Is the competition only for stand-up comedy?

Yes, just stand-up comedy acts.

Submissions are closed.

Back to the competition

Regional showcase announcement: September 11th, 2026

Presented in partnership with Cash App