Just for Laughs Festival

Just for Laughs Festival

Late July

Every July, Montreal hosts one of the largest comedy festivals in the world. The Just for Laughs Festival, also known as the Montreal International Comedy Festival, is a time for comedy fans to catch the best acts and for aspiring comedians to make a foray into the industry.
Two Canadians, Gilbert Rozon and Andy Nulman, founded the festival in 1983 as a small French-language show (called Juste pour rire ) comprised of only two nights. In 1985, the organizers opened the stage to English-speaking comedians, paving the way for newcomers like Tonight Show host Jay Leno and sitcom star Jerry Seinfeld to launch their careers. In the subsequent years, the organizers extended Just for Laughs to 12 days and added a film component to the festival. A TV deal was also inked to attract millions of international viewers.
Today there are more than 1,300 shows and performances, featuring all kinds of comedy as well as juggling and performance art, but the gala shows at Montreal's St. Denis Theatre are always the main event.

CONTACTS:
Just for Laughs
2101 St-Laurent Blvd.
Montreal, QC H2X 2T5 Canada
www.justforlaughs.ca

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 126