Submissions open on September 1st and close on October 15th! The Film Festival offers an extended deadline, but the Live Festival does not. So be ready with your completed submission as soon as possible in the open submissions window. Visit the relevant submissions page for current opening dates, deadlines and application links.

There are lots of incredible platforms and festivals for improv and stand-up comedy. TOsketchfest is the festival for everything else. While classic sketch comedy is at our core, TOsketchfest is the home for wild characters, clown, comedic drag, solo sketch, musical comedy, and genre-bending experiments. If it’s scripted and hilarious, TOsketchfest wants to see it!

Each year TOsketchfest presents a huge slate of live performances on multiple Toronto stages, including a Film Festival featuring in-person presentations of hilarious works on screen. The vast majority of the lineup for each program is chosen via our annual public submissions process. TOsketchfest assembles diverse programming committees comprised of respected comedy artists, and professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industries. Our programming committees watch and assess every single submission we receive each year, guided by a clear set of programming principles.

In short, TOsketchfest is a “punch up” environment. We’re interested in presenting a festival as rich in perspectives as our city; one that showcases the work of emerging and established artists; and one that gives Toronto the belly-laugh the greatest city on earth deserves. Want to know more?

Check out TOsketchfest’s Programming Principles

If you’re interested in performing live at TOsketchfest in March – either yourself, or with your ensemble – apply through Live Festival Submissions.

If you’re submitting a finished piece of digital creative intended for screens (e.g., a comedy short, web series, or short film), apply through Film Festival Submissions.

Yes! TOsketchfest welcomes submissions from artists in Toronto, across Canada and internationally. Visit the Live Festival or Film Festival submissions page for stream-specific eligibility and participation requirements.

Not necessarily. Requirements may differ between live and film submissions. Visit the relevant submissions page to learn whether previously performed, screened or published work is eligible.

Yes, but each act or project will likely require a separate submission and fee. Review the requirements on the Live Festival or Film Festival submissions page before applying.

You will receive a confirmation that your submission has been received. Visit the relevant submissions page for notification timelines and information about what happens if your act or project is selected.

We get it. But first – dig a little deeper on the process and eligibility requirements for each of the Live Festival Submissions and the Film Festival Submissions to find out more. We bet a lot of those questions will be answered.