FAQ
What is the mission of the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival?
The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival celebrates and elevates women, trans, and non-binary comedy makers from Metro Detroit and beyond.
DWCF strives to honor and amplify marginalized voices across a spectrum of genders and identities and create an inclusive platform for community-building, joy, and collaboration in comedy.
The festival features improv, stand-up, sketch, podcasts, alt comedy, and workshops. 100% of proceeds directly support Detroit-based non-profits with a focus on arts, education, and services for at-risk populations in our community.
When and where will the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival be held?
The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival will be held in person at Planet Ant (Hamtramck, MI) on May 15th & 16th, 2026.
Is the festival only for women?
This is an inclusive festival for all genders and identities to come together in a show of support for women, trans, and non-binary performers in comedy. ALL are welcome to submit their talent, attend the festival, and join us in celebration! We firmly believe in the importance of community and inclusivity, while also creating intentional opportunities for folks who have historically been marginalized in comedy.
What kind of comedy acts are you looking for?
We’re looking for comedy of all kinds! The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival features stand-up, improv, sketch, videos, podcasts, puppet shows, interpretive dance — or whatever other form of comedy you want to bring to the table.
SUBMISSION PROCESS, DATES, & FEES
HOW DO I SUBMIT AN ACT TO THE DETROIT WOMEN OF COMEDY FESTIVAL?
To submit an act, you will need to pay the submission fee and fill out the DWCF 2026 Submissions Form.
Please make your submission payment here: DWCF 2026 Submission Fees. The fees will appear as “tickets” on the platform and will only be visible while submissions are open. Once paid, you will receive your confirmation email, locate your Reference #.
Then complete the DWCF Submissions Form (Note that you will need your payment confirmation number to complete this form)
Please send any questions to DWCFsubmissions@gmail.com.
This is what your submission fee confirmation email should look like - with the reference numbers circled!
WHEN WILL #DWCF26 SUBMISSIONS BE OPEN?
Early Bird submission is open February 1st through Feburary 15th @ 11:59PM. Regular submission is open February 16th through March 15th @ 11:59PM.
WHAT ARE #DWCF26 SUBMISSION FEES?
Early Bird Fees: 2/1 - 2/15 @ 11:59PM
Improv/Group: $50
Stand-Up/Solo: $25
Podcast: $25
Video: $15
Regular Submission Fees: 2/16 - 3/15 @ 11:59PM
Improv/Group $60
Stand-Up/Solo $35
Podcast: $35
Video $20
WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
Accepted performers will be notified via email no later than April 12th, 2026.
HOW DO I SUBMIT A WORKSHOP TO THE FESTIVAL?
To submit a workshop, please send us an email at detroitwomenofcomedyfest@gmail.com with the following information:
The name of the workshop and a short description
Workshop length/duration
Max # of students
Recommended fee per student
We do not require you to pay a submission fee to submit a workshop for consideration.
VIDEO DETAILS
DO I NEED TO HAVE A VIDEO TO SUBMIT?
Yes, we’re asking for an unedited performance from 2025 or 2026 (videos recorded before 2025 may be disqualified).
For all acts, please provide a video between 3-7 minutes (depending on the type of act - see below) showcasing your act and include any necessary start time stamp on the form. Any submissions shorter or longer than this may be disqualified.
Stand Up/Podcast 3-5 Minutes
Improv/Live Sketch 5-7 Minutes
Video Sketch: 3-5 Minutes
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR SELECTING A VIDEO?
A good quality video is easy to see and hear clearly. Additionally, a steady video with a good, clear view allows us to really get the most out of your submission.
HOW DO I SEND THE VIDEO?
You will be asked to share a link on your submission form. Please make sure your video is hosted somewhere that does not require downloading and is not password-protected.
HOW LONG WILL THE SETS RUN DURING THE FESTIVAL?
Standup: 10 minutes
Improv/Live Sketch: 20 minutes
ONE OF THE CAST IS UNSURE OF WHETHER THEY CAN MAKE IT. WHAT DO I DO?
Please list all currently confirmed performers in your submission. We understand that life happens and things may change, so we ask that you please let us know of any changes by emailing us at DWCFsubmissions@gmail.com.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A PICTURE?
Yes, we’ll use your high-resolution picture for festival promotions.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A LOGO?
If you have one, we’ll use your logo for festival promotions as well.
WHO ARE THIS YEAR’S BENEFICIARIES?
The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival is donating 2026 proceeds to several fantastic local nonprofit organizations: Planet Ant Theatre, The Detroit Creativity Project, and Detroit Justice Center.
TAKING OVER ALL THREE STAGES AT PLANET ANT
MAY 15 & 16, 2026