PRESS RELEASE — Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s first ever community-wide festival of laughter, will be announcing headlining performers for the 2020 festival on November 19, but for individuals wishing to perform at free showcases during LaughFest’s tenth anniversary, applications are now at laughfestgr.org.

LaughFest is accepting submissions from amateur to seasoned comics from across the country for the festival. The ten-day festival is held annually in Grand Rapids and surrounding communities. This year’s festival will take place March 5-15.

LaughFest’s free showcases include stand-up and improv/sketch. New for 2020, there will be themed showcases including Ladies Night Out, Young at Heart, Cancer Journey and First Timers. Showcases will be made up of mixed levels of talent. Individuals of all ages and groups of any size are encouraged to apply early for the opportunity to showcase their talents. Showcase spots are limited and the application deadline is December 15.

Gilda’s LaughFest, created by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, was launched in March 2011 to celebrate laughter for the health of it. The festival offers free showcases and ticketed events with nationally known and up-and-coming artists performing stand-up and improv.

During LaughFest 2019, more than 100 LaughFest showcases and other free events were featured at various locations in downtown Grand Rapids and Lowell, Michigan. Past LaughFest headliners have included  Ed Asner; Ali Wong; Loni Love; Jo Koy;  Howie Mandel, Seth Meyers, George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Iliza, Amy Schumer, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Pete Holmes, Sinbad, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Kathleen Madigan, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Trevor Noah, Joel McHale, Lewis Black, Brian Regan, Tiffany Haddish, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Bert Kreischer and Anjelah Johnson.

Proceeds from the festival and donations raised will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit laughfestgr.org, or call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.