Awards & Programs
SUPPORTING COMEDY
Sydney Comedy Festival is more than a month of shows. We’re part of a comedy community that exists all year round.
Alongside bringing some of the world’s biggest comedians to Sydney, we’re committed to championing Australian comedy — creating opportunities for new voices, celebrating exceptional work and helping artists connect with audiences both here and across the country.
From discovering emerging comedians through FRESH, to recognising outstanding shows through the Sydney Comedy Festival Awards, and taking a hand-picked lineup of Festival favourites on the road with the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour, our programs are designed to help great comedy travel further.
AWARDS — Celebrating the shows that make the Festival.
Every year, hundreds of artists bring their work to Sydney Comedy Festival. Our Festival Awards recognise some of the standout shows, performers and ideas that make each year’s program special.
It’s our chance to celebrate exceptional comedy and shine a bigger spotlight on the artists behind it.
FRESH — Finding the next generation of Australian comedy.
Great comedians have to start somewhere.
FRESH is Sydney Comedy Festival’s program dedicated to discovering, supporting and amplifying emerging comedic voices, giving new artists an opportunity to develop their craft, reach new audiences and become part of the wider Festival community.
Because today’s newcomer could be tomorrow’s festival favourite.
BREAKOUT COMEDY — Backing the next generation of Australian stand-up.
Every comedian starts somewhere. Break Out Comedy helps promising emerging acts take their next step, pairing a hand-picked group of rising comedians with an experienced professional mentor and giving them the chance to perform throughout Sydney Comedy Festival.
For audiences, it’s a chance to discover some of Australian comedy’s most exciting new voices while they’re still on the way up. For the comedians, it means mentorship, invaluable stage time and the opportunity to develop their craft in front of real Festival crowds.
SHOWCASE TOUR — Taking the Festival on the road.
When Sydney Comedy Festival finishes in May, the laughs don’t stop.
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour takes a hand-picked selection of comedians from the Festival to audiences across Australia, bringing a taste of the Festival to metropolitan and regional communities around the country.
For audiences, it’s a chance to discover brilliant comedy closer to home. For artists, it’s an opportunity to perform for new crowds, visit new places and take their work beyond the Festival stage.
MORE COMEDY. MORE OFTEN. IN MORE PLACES.
From first stages to national tours, Sydney Comedy Festival exists to get more people laughing. All while helping the people who make those laughs happen build audiences, develop their work and keep Australian comedy thriving.