JUST FOR LAUGHS

This week, the comedy dynasty Just for Laughs was cancelled as the owners sought bankruptcy protection. Just For Laughs in Montreal was the premiere comedy festival that created huge opportunities for comedians and launched the careers of hundreds of comedians. Gatekeepers, managers and agents from all over the world would travel to Montreal for this fest and thousands of comedians would audition for the opportunity. People outside of the comedy bubble never knew what it was but for comedians it was a ultimate credit to "get JFL".

I auditioned over a handful of times for JFL and was never accepted, although I was always thankful to be even considered for an 'invite-only" audition. Talking to veteran comedians, Just For Laughs used to be about who was the funniest comedians with the more promise for careers, no matter what they looked like or discussed. When someone "got" Just For Laughs, it always made sense. They were the funniest comedian on every line up.

In recent years, it felt to some like sometimes, it was more about a "look" or something specific they were looking to market for the future, focusing on diversity instead of funny.

And maybe thats more a reflection of society and there is definitely more of a benefit for inclusion and diversity, giving a voice to those who traditionally did not have one. Especially when most of today's audiences are something other than "white." But funny is funny. Stand up comedy should be about laughter first. Sure, its good and necessary to have a point of view but can you make a room full of strangers laugh and then later have them quote your jokes or stories to their co-workers?

Some people argue that Just For Laughs failed because they lost focus of the funny. I am sure thats not the case as I know so so so many comedians who recently did Just For Laughs and were hilarious. Hopefully this bump will not harm the comedy bubble we are all benefitting from.

If you are in Chicago, I am headlining Zanies Comedy Night Club on Tuesday April 2nd. Then with Paul Ollinger I co-headline The DC Comedy Loft in Washington April 19-20. Hope to see you there and please tag your friends in these towns.

#standup #justforlaughs #formerlawyer #bettercallpaul