FESTIVAL FAQs
WHAT IS BIG PINE COMEDY FESTIVAL?
Big Pine Comedy Festival is a 4-day celebration of comedy, creative connection, and professional development—held every spring in the cute and walkable town of downtown Chandler, Arizona.
Founded in 2015 in Flagstaff, Big Pine has grown into a nationally recognized comedy and arts festival. We now call Mic Drop Comedy Chandler home—a boutique comedy club with two professional showrooms, top-tier production, and a vibe that’s both polished and personal.
We love this venue, we love this town, and we’re proud to bring performers from around the country to a space that’s built specifically to showcase talent and build community.
In addition to nightly showcases and headline events, Big Pine offers:
- Daily educational panels and workshops
- Live podcast recordings
- Speed networking with real industry reps
- After-parties, curated mixers, and creative hangouts
- Daily meal opportunities for performing and attending comics
🎉 Big Pine 2026 takes place April 8–11 in Chandler, Arizona.
PREVIOUSLY FEATURED TALENT INCLUDES:
Jim Breuer, Marsha Warfield, Jamie Kennedy, Andrew Dice Clay, Dustin Ybarra, Matt Rife, Michael Longfellow, Kristin Chirico, Shapel Lacey, Jetski Johnson, Jackie Fabulous, Marcella Arguelo, Jordan Rock, Tony Tripoli, Tony Baker, and more.
WHO CAN SUBMIT TO BIG PINE?
Comedians of any level or experience are welcome to submit. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned road comic, Big Pine is for artists actively working to grow in craft and community.
🚨 Comics under 18: Accepted performers under the age of 18 will only be permitted in the venues during daytime hours and/or for their scheduled stage time. A legal guardian must accompany them at all times.
HOW DO I SUBMIT?
Visit the calendar section of our website—a submission link goes live on the last Sunday of each month.
You’ll need:
- A 5-minute unedited stand-up video (no intros, no crowd work, no edits)
- A short bio and basic performer info
💸 Submission fees start at $22 and go up to $37 closer to the January 31st deadline.
WHAT KIND OF EVENTS DOES BIG PINE OFFER?
Big Pine is designed to create maximum exposure and meaningful connection.
We feature:
- Multiple nightly showcases
- One-night-only headliner performances
- Daily educational workshops & industry panels
- Speed Networking events with talent buyers and reps
- Live podcasts, daytime mixers, and curated social events
- Daily meal opportunities for performing and attending comics
- After-parties and special events focused on community-building
💥 With multiple shows happening each night, comics enjoy more chances to shine and more face-time with industry.
WILL INDUSTRY BE INVITED TO THE FESTIVAL?
Absolutely. Big Pine doesn’t just invite industry—we integrate them.
Every accepted comic performs on at least one Industry Showcase, attended by professionals actively seeking talent. Our team brings in new and returning guests each year, including:
- 🎤 Comedy club owners & operators
- 🎟️ Festival producers & talent scouts
- 🎯 Managers, agents, and touring bookers
- 🎬 TV casting & unscripted producers
- 🎓 College, cruise, corporate & private event buyers
- 📢 Podcast producers & creative collaborators
WHERE IS BIG PINE LOCATED?
Big Pine is held at Mic Drop Comedy Chandler, a boutique two-room venue in downtown Chandler, Arizona. Chandler offers that rare combination of small-town charm and big-city energy—plus it's totally walkable.
You’ll be just steps away from coffee shops, great restaurants, shops, and late-night eats. The entire festival is contained within a few blocks, creating a tight-knit, energized vibe every year.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
We partner with multiple walkable hotels and trusted national brands, offering discounted lodging for festival performers and guests.
🏨 For hotel info and booking links, email BigPine@BrokenDrift.com
WHAT IF I’M ACCEPTED?
If you're accepted to Big Pine Comedy Festival, you'll be contacted via email before the public lineup announcement. Performer schedules are built around your availability, and all comics are placed in professional industry showcases and curated themed events.
✅ All accepted performers receive:
- At least one Industry Showcase set, with 1–3 showcases possible depending on availability and schedule
- Placement in additionally curated events & showcases
- Access to daily networking events including mixers, after-parties, and our signature Speed Networking & Industry Trivia
- Admission to all educational panels & workshops
- Daily meal opportunities
- Food, beverage, and accommodation discounts
- A performer swag bag and special event invites
🎤 Our team works diligently to provide as much stage time as possible for every performer, with opportunities for additional sets based on availability and interest.
🤝 Daily opportunities to build relationships with visiting industry professionals and fellow performers are a core part of the Big Pine experience.
🏆 All comics are eligible for:
Best of Fest selections, which may include paid work opportunities
The Road Scholar Award, voted on by attending industry and festival producers
📩 Questions? Reach out to Brian@BrokenDrift.com
WHAT IF I HAVE ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS?
We’re committed to a safe, inclusive, and accessible festival for all. If you have specific needs or requests, email Info@BrokenDrift.com, and we’ll work with you to ensure your experience is smooth and supported.
FESTIVAL PASSES FOR NON-PERFORMERS
YES. Even if you’re not selected to perform, you’re highly encouraged to attend. We offer Comic Festival Passes that include access to panels, workshops, mixers, and events.
💡 We offer real value and real access to all attending performers—not just the ones on stage.
🎟️ To reserve your Comic Pass, contact Camille@MicDropComedy.com
I DIDN’T GET INTO THE FESTIVAL. ARE THERE STILL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME?
Absolutely, YES. In fact, both Brian and Hillary—who now produce Big Pine—started as volunteers at the festival. This festival isn’t just about who’s on the lineup—it’s about building community, creating opportunity, and supporting comics at every stage of their journey.
Even if you weren’t selected this year, there are still great ways to be involved:
🎟️ Submitter All-Access Pass
All comics who submitted are eligible to receive a discounted All-Access Pass, which includes entry to festival showcases, workshops, and industry panels.
🙌 Volunteer Opportunities
Join our on-site team and get access to industry-only events, daily comic meals, and valuable networking with other performers and professionals.
🎁 FREE Comedy Camp Pass
All submitting performers are eligible to receive a FREE pass to attend one Big Pine Comedy Camp of their choice (a $135 value), hosted quarterly in California, Arizona, or Texas.
📩 To claim your pass, email Camille@MicDropComedy.com
📬 Your Submission Was Seen
Every submission is reviewed by a panel of club owners, bookers, and producers across multiple regions. Even if you weren’t selected, your submission may still open doors to other bookings, showcases, or industry connections down the line.
We appreciate your submission, your creativity, and your continued commitment to the comedy community. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events—and we encourage you to stay involved, stay learning, and stay visible.
📩 For volunteer info or general questions, email Brian@BrokenDrift.com
ARE THERE REFUNDS ON SUBMISSIONS OR PASSES?
No. All submissions and pass purchases are final. We appreciate your support of the comedy community.