FESTIVAL FAQs

WHAT IS BIG PINE COMEDY FESTIVAL?

Big Pine is a 3-day comedy festival and celebration of the arts. Originally held in Flagstaff (2015), Big Pine features 30+ national touring comedians in Stand Up & Musical Comedy. In addition to Live Art performances and Industry showcases, Big Pine features educational workshops & panels, live podcasts, after parties and Special Events. Big Pine is dedicated to supporting performers, and enriching the nation’s art community through live art and art education.

Big Pine 2024 will be held September 26th–28th in Chandler, AZ.


WHAT KIND OF EVENTS?

The Big Pine schedule offers daily industry showcases in stand up and musical comedy. In addition to nightly performances, audiences and performers have access to live podcasts, educational panels & workshops, and networking events. Big Pine showcases feature national upcoming comedic talent, and special one-night-only appearances.

Big Pine has previously featured performers such as Jim Breuer, Jamie Kennedy, Marsha Warfield, Jordan Rock, Dustin Ybarra, Jackie Fabulous, Tony Tripoli, Tony Baker, etc.


WHAT KIND OF WORKSHOPS AND PANELS?

You can find a free copy of previous Big Pine workshops & seminars here. Educational fest events focus on art education and career advancement in the entertainment industry. Please visit our upcoming schedule for a full list of events.


SUBMISSION FAQs

WHEN CAN I SUBMIT?

Submissions for Big Pine 2024 are open now! Submissions will close on July 2nd, 2024.
All fees are non-refundable. Thank you for your donation and support of the art community. Be sure to watch Big Pine on social media for discounts and promotions.


WILL INDUSTRY BE INVITED TO THE FESTIVAL?

Yes. Big Pine is dedicated to providing a strong industry presence each year. Accepted performers will each receive a minimum of one set at a Big Pine Industry Showcase. Please check our industry page to view last year’s attendees.


WHAT IF I'M ACCEPTED?

Big Pine performers receive one industry showcase with visiting Industry professionals. Available performers may receive podcast/video guest spots, additional stage time, and private access to Industry only events. Acceptance also includes daily free meal opportunities, accommodation discounts, festival swag, and access to all networking events and Industry panels.

Set times may vary. Stand Up/Musical Comedy sets range from 5-15 minutes.


DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT CLEAN MATERIAL?

Absolutely not! We welcome all versions of comedy from clean to down and dirty. However, if you have a clean set of 10 minutes or more, please be sure to check the appropriate box on the submission form as this may result in additional opportunities for stage time.


I ALREADY SUBMITTED, BUT HAVE A NEW VIDEO? CAN I SEND YOU A NEW LINK?

Yes. Due to the volume for submissions each year, performers must complete a NEW submission for each new link submitted to our judges.


BEST OF FEST?

  • Festival performers are eligible to win one of the coveted Best of Fest awards at the Big Pine Best of Fest ceremony. Big Pine strives to give away as many opportunities to lineups as possible. Past opportunities include Stand Up Live (AZ), Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy (AZ), HaHa Comedy Club (CA), Laugh Boston (MA), John Tobin Presents (MA & CT), Laughs Unlimited (CA), Harvey’s (OR), LA Comedy Club (NV), Orpheum Theatre (AZ), Mic Drop Comedy (San Diego), Mic Drop MANIA (AZ), Laugh After Dark (NV), JFL, The Tonight Show, The Stand (NY) and a Radio/Media spot with Laugh At Me (AZ).
  • In 2019 Big Pine Comedy Festival, Inc., launched the Big Pine Road Scholar Program. Each year, one performer will be awarded the Big Pine Road Scholar fund of $1,000.

WHAT ARE YOU LOKING FOR IN VIDEO SUBMISSION?

We want to see funny! A stand-up video should be no less than five minutes in length. Videos should be hosted on YouTube and be marked non-private. Judges need to be able to easily hear and see your act. Please consider the following when submitting a video:

  1. Start with you. We don’t want to see the host/MC.
  2. Judges will watch 3-5 minutes of your submission. No more. Don’t save your best material until the end.
  3. Submission videos with inactive links, expired links, or videos marked to private will be ineligible.
  4. We do not accept “Best of” or “Highlight” reels.
  5. We need to see and hear you. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. As long as we can hear and see you, phone recordings are ok. Please be sure to turn your phone horizontally. Also, be sure whomever is filming you rests the camera on something steady.


I DIDN'T GET INTO THE FESTIVAL. ARE THERE STILL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME?

Thank you for your submission to Big Pine. Each year we receive submissions from many talented performers, and we wish we could invite them all. Unfortunately we don’t have room on the lineup for every talented performer who submits. Although you won’t be joining us as a festival performer, there are opportunities at Big Pine for all comedians. If you are interested in attending Big Pine as a visiting performer or audience member please contact Brian@BrokenDrift.com for more information.