Support the Festival
Would you like to make a bigger impact on the comedic arts of Northeast Ohio?
Where does your donation go?
Your tax-deductible donation goes to direct functions of the festival. You can specify your contribution to equipment repairs & upgrades, general operations, venue rentals, or Class Clown Workshop materials.
Learn More...
A Not-So-Serious Event with Some Serious Marketing Potential
We are very flexible with
sponsor & donation packages.
With over 30 shows over five days across multiple venues throughout the Greater Cleveland area, the annual Cleveland Comedy Festival delivers thousands of fans throughout the second week of November.
Our regular, monthly free showcases bring in hundreds of attendees to support local, live stand-up comedy of rising talent.
We rely on your generous contributions & continued support help to give today's diverse & aspiring performers a unique, inclusive, and welcoming performing arts venue.
We want to cultivate tomorrow's headliners and make Northeast Ohio a premiere destination for laughs
(in a good way, of course)!
If you are looking to do something unique - while also doing good in the community - please complete the inquiry form below. We are always interested in working with new business partners!
Underwriting
50$Acknowledgement during our showcase of your support of the comedy community.Valid for one month- Live spots for acknowledgements & promotion during shows
Community Partnership
0$Available only to 501(c)3 certified nonprofit organizations.Valid for one year- In-kind marketing & support of at least $250 in value
- Live Spot Reads
- Promotional messaging & campaigns
- Banner ads at showcases
Host
150$Equivalent to expenses for one (1) "Class Clown" workshopValid for one year- Live Spot Reads
- Online "Thank You" and recognition on website
- Logo on table tent during the annual festival
Feature
250$Helps cover expenses for a monthly showcaseValid for one year- Live Spot Reads
- Online "Thank You" and recognition on website
- Logo on table tent during the annual festival
- Social Media promotion
- Logo posting on website
Headliner
500$Equivalent to expenses for an entire "Class Clown" Workshop of 10 students.Valid for one year- Live Spot Reads
- Online "Thank You" and recognition on website
- Logo on table tent during the annual festival
- Social Media promotion
- Logo posting on website
- Complimentary festival passes (up to 4)
Showcase
1,000$Helps cover annual festival expensesValid for one year- Live Spot Reads
- Online "Thank You" and recognition on website
- Logo on table tent during the annual festival
- Social Media promotion
- Logo posting on website
- Complimentary festival passes (up to 8)
- Dedicated table during the annual festival
Title
2,500$Let the world know you are bringing the laughs to Northeast Ohio!Valid for one year- Live Spot Reads
- Online "Thank You" and recognition on website
- Logo on table tent during the annual festival
- Social Media promotion
- Logo posting on website
- Complimentary festival passes (up to 12)
- Stage Banner
- Dedicated table during the annual festival
Have some fun - and do some good - with a performing arts organization serving Northeast Ohio.
Whether you think you are funny or not - we are serious about providing volunteer opportunities and always appreciate an extra hand in continuing the long-term success of the festival. Our staff are all volunteers so you would be joining some very dedicated people. If you believe in our mission, we are always welcoming of new & fresh perspectives.
Opportunities:
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Contributing to a certified nonprofit performing arts organization.
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Social media promotion
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Stage technical set-up & production
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Concessions
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Graphics, Audio & Video production
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Facilitating workshops
Benefits Include:
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Networking with other nonprofits and industry professionals.
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Build up your comedic talents & resume
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Gain experience in nonprofit administration
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What is the Cleveland Comedy Festival?We are a non-profit performing arts organization with a mission to celebrate the past, present, & future of Cleveland stand-up comedy. You can check out our GuideStar Profile, our About page or History of the Festival for full details.
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When is this year’s festival?Wednesday, November 6 through Saturday, November 9, 2024. There will be multiple shows each night of the festival.
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Where is this year’s festival?The primary location for the 2024 festival is TBA. Satellite shows throughout the greater Cleveland area will also be announced at a later date.
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Who can submit to the festival?Anyone and everyone is welcome to submit. Whether you are from Cleveland, Ohio, or Cleveland, Queensland, Australia, or somewhere in between. We want to celebrate the art of stand-up comedy from its many voices! It does not matter how long you have been doing comedy, so long as you are serious about performing live & being available the week of the festival. CCF has been around since 2008 and we have a great history of showcasing new & veteran talent to fans in Northeast Ohio.
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What kind of submission is CCF looking for?We ask for a URL link to YouTube or other video player source that can be shared and is accessible of a 5 - 7 minute stand-up performance. Please do not exceed 7 minutes! Please make sure video is at least 5 minutes. No highlight reels, videos must be a continuous 5 - 7 minutes. Your set should be recorded during the same performance, in front of an audience. It does not matter if it is at an open mic, you performing as an opener, feature, or headliner at a showcase, other festival, or special. Video quality is NOT a factor in selections. It can be Super 8 or 8K, so long as we can see you telling the jokes. Please try to have the best audio you can of your set. We want to hear from YOU more & not so much of the crowd.
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Are you only accepting stand-up submissions?While we believe humor is universal, CCF’s focus is primarily on stand-up comedy, so no improv or sketch submissions are requested. Stand-up performances can be considered from multiple genres & formats, including, but not limited to: Alternative Character DIY Musical Observational Satire If you have a podcast, and are interested in doing a live recording during the festival, please cite that in the "Bio" portion of your submission form for consideration.
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How much and why charge a submission fee?Submission fee is $20. All submission fees go directly into our annual budget to cover direct festival expenses, secure venues, insurance, & equipment. CCF is a registered non-profit and you can learn more of our mission.
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How do I submit to the festival?Fill out the submission for then pay the fee. If submitted and selected, CCF, Inc. will contact you directly.
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Am I guaranteed a spot if I pay & complete a submission?No. Entries are not guaranteed. Submissions go through an evaluation panel & selection process.
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How are selections made?We have a diverse panel of volunteers reviewing submissions that consist of comics & non-comics in the community. Personal identifying details will be hidden from reviewers, unless it is on the video itself.
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Is it even worth it?Oh yeah, it's worth it! Check out our Alumni page to see the current & future stars that have brought the laughs to "The Land".
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I have more questions. Who do I ask?Please email: ClevelandComedyFestival@Gmail.com