Welcome to the Artists Zone
Key dates in the application process
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31st October - Open call launch, the application window is opened
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February 28th- The applications window closes
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By mid/late December - 1st round offers issued to successful applicants
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By mid/late February - 2nd round offers issued to successful applicants
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March 14th Programme Finalised
How the festival works: Applications, finances & venues
We accept applications for Previews, Work in progress shows, Split shows or Multi handler shows from all genres/styles of comedy and stand up performances
Shows with a running time of 1 hour. We are occasionally able to accept shows with 45 or 90-minute duration but the standard slot allocation is 60 minutes (or just under). Shows longer than 60 minutes will be up for consideration, further details would need be provided if your show is selected.
Children’s/family friendly shows are welcome to apply, these usually take place over the Saturday daytime within the event week
Allocation and Venues
The Hastings Comedy Festival curates its own venues. If you decide to apply to take part, you will be asked in the application form to select your preferred venue size/capacity, our festival team will then match up a suitable offer for you to review taking into consideration number of members performing, running time, audience suitability, technical specification and your given date preferences.
Our venues are available to see on our website to given you an idea of the space needed.
If your show is accepted we will allocate you to a suitable venue based on the information you give in your application and our knowledge of the spaces.
We use a variety of venues ranging from fully equipped purpose built live performances spaces to underground cellars/function rooms with domestic spotlights. All the venues are within easy walking distance of each other within the town of Hastings and St Leonards. .
The more you let us know about your show in the application form, the better we can help you find the right space. If you have absolute requirements it is important that you let us know so we can put you in an appropriate space.
Each venue will have a staff member/ volunteer who will be able to assist you in the running of your show, from assisting with any set up, and audio cues to helping with seating the customer's to your show, our Comedy loving team are fantastic and are happy to help, if your show has a complex audio cue sheet this would need to be sent in ahead of time via email or ideally within the application so that we can offer the best solutions and festival experience and of course avoid any issues on the day.