JANUARY 2026

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TBA -

JANUARY 2026 - TBA -

Supporting all the comedians working their craft with recognition … & pay!

Oh and did we mention… A LOT of $$$, Credits, and Gigs for the winner!?!

We love a winner- Come on! We’re Americans, after all!

Who’s ready for core day?

Let’s Laugh, Together Treasure Valley and Beyond.

Blue City Comedy 's Annual Comedy Showcase Competition!

 

Show Dates

7PM-9:30PM

THURSDAY | January TBA

ROUND ONE

5-MINUTE TOPICAL SETS

The Linen Building
Boise, ID

Get Tickets

FRIDAY | January TBA

ROUND TWO

10-MINUTE ORIGINAL SETS

The Linen Building
Boise, ID

Get Tickets

FRIDAY | January 31

SEMI-FINALS

10-MINUTE TOPICAL WRITTEN SETS

The Linen Building
Boise, ID

Get Tickets

SATURDAY | February 1

FINALS

20-MINUTE ORIGINAL SETS

The Linen Building
Boise, ID

Get Tickets

 

COMIC OF THE YEAR: 2026

Blue City Comedy 's grand annual comedy showcase competition!

15 comedians will showcase their talent and compete for money, opportunities and tools to continue honing their craft, EVERY ROUND. And a GRAND PRIZE of a $1,000 and the title of Blue City Comedy’s COMIC OF THE YEAR, if they take it all in the 3-ROUND COMPETITION.

Local producers score each set and audience votes for their favorites to crown the champion!!!

The artist who wins this will win because they have the strongest, most cohesive 20-minute set. We are creating World-Wide Worthy Feature here!!!

Check out the finest the Treasure Valley has to offer.

 

Meet your Comic of the Year: 2026 …

HOST: Hailee Lenhart-Wees | Founder of Blue City Comedy

Our Core Community Producers - Judges Panel:

Krystal Moore - Host and Producer of Femme Fatale, Jack Mormon Comedy Hour & Mom Jokes

Reese Samuels - Producer of Cause We Can Comedy

LJ Sullivan - Producer of Cause We Can Comedy

 
 
 

Round 1

THUR | TBA | 7PM- 9:30PM

Location: TBA

Special Guest Judges:

TBA

15 comics - 5-minute set. 10 comedians are chosen and will move on to Round 2.

YOUR 2026 PICKS:

TBA

Car Problems

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Generations

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Racing

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Right & Wrong

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Car Problems 〰️ Generations 〰️ Racing 〰️ Right & Wrong 〰️


 

Round 2

FRI | TBA | 7PM- 9:30PM

Location TBA

Special Guest Judges:

TBA

Megan McCaleb - CEO of Improv Team Culture

10 move on for the So you think you’re good: 7-minute set. Experience in all types of shows and experiences will play a role here.

8 contestants move on to the Semi-Finals.


 

Semi-Finals

SAT | TBA | 7PM- 9:30PM

Location TBA

Special Guest Judge:

TBA

Sophie Hueges - Comic of the Year: 2024

8 move on for their Tight 10-minute set. Practice will play a part here.

4 contestants move on to the Finals.

 

Finals

Sat| TBA | 7PM- 10PM

Location: TBA

Special Guest Judges:

Dylan Haas - Treefort’s Comedy Fort Booker

JASMINE ROGERS - Comic of the Year: 2025

The top 4 bring their best 20-minute feature set.

One will walk away with the title of Blue City Comedy’s Comic of the Year and the Grand Prize of $1,000!!!

The person who wins this will win because they have the strongest, most cohesive 20-minute set, and the chops for what it takes to be an artist in a world thankless of the value of art.

We are creating World-Wide Worthy Featured Artists here!!!


FAQs

  • We have our 3 main producers judging the whole competition for consistency of booking perspectives. In addition, one special guest judge will offer their expertise each round!

  • No worries! Just submit your Headshot, Bio and a 3-5min set to Booking@BlueCityComedy.com by Wednesday 11/27.

  • Everyone is welcome! However, we are looking for artists that have really sculpted their craft. Experience does assist with that element.

  • Holly King, Dustin Chalifoux, Montana Burke, Kris Sharma, Tyson Gusman, LJ Sullivan, Chris Foster, SaraFina Rodriguez, Matthew Vorhies, Jake Martin, Josh Price, Natasha Dash, Dan Clark, Brett Haney, Danny Monsoon, Tanya Cope, Samson Large, Andrew Kent, Norelle Bond, Victor Pellegrino, Reese Samuels, Jake Myers, Sophie Hughes, Kat Lizarraga, Jack Wheeler, Katie Bird, Che, Merry Cole, Breanna Kelley, DD Bauer, Brian Nelson, Parker Krahn, Jared Munson, Emmanuel Vera

  • Sophie Hughes

  • Kris Sharma

    Tyson Gusman

    Danny Monsoon

  • Greg Sisco

  • Kris Sharma

    Jack Wheeler

    Myles Matthews

  • Winners of Comic of the Month 2023 (Jan-May):

    JANUARY was HENRY STODDARD and Runner-Up- Holly King

    FEBRUARY was DUSTIN CHALIFOUX and Runner-Up- Yeti Abides

    MARCH was MONTANA BURKE & MARINA WOOL and Runner-Up- Kris Sharma

    APRIL was TYSON GUSMAN and Runner-Up- Myles Matthews

    MAY was LJ SULLIVAN and Runner-Up - Chris Foster

    June-December didn’t happen due to personal reasons with BCC staff.

    Not all Winners and Runners-Up will be competing in C of the Y |’24. Participation depends on availability and interest.

  • Judging Rubric: Comic of the Year

    Category 1: Preparedness (25 points)

    • Organization (10 points):

      • Is the routine well-structured and organized?

      • Are transitions between jokes smooth and well-timed?

      • Does the comedian exhibit a clear understanding of comedic timing?

    • Material Preparation (8 points):

      • Is the material rehearsed and polished?

      • Are props or supporting materials used effectively?

      • Does the comedian demonstrate a mastery of the chosen material?

    • Adaptability (7 points):

      • How well does the comedian handle unexpected situations or audience reactions?

      • Is there evidence of quick thinking and the ability to adapt to the flow of the performance?

    The Riff Round Deviation : Round 2

    • Organization (7 points):

      • Does the routine feel forced or have a flow?

      • Are transitions between jokes smooth or intentional?

      • Does the comedian exhibit a clear understanding of comedic timing and call backs?

    • Material  (8 points):

      • Does the comedian complete the full 2 minutes on each topic ?

      • Are props or supporting materials used effectively?

      • Does the comedian demonstrate a mastery of the given material?

    • Adaptability (10 points):

      • How well does the comedian handle unexpected situations or audience reactions?

      • Is there evidence of quick thinking and the ability to adapt to the flow of the performance?

    Category 2: Originality (25 points)

    • Creativity (10 points):

      • Does the comedian bring a fresh perspective to common topics?

      • Are the jokes and premises original and inventive?

    • Unique Style (8 points):

      • Does the comedian have a distinctive comedic style?

      • Is there evidence of a unique voice or perspective in the delivery?

    • Innovation (7 points):

      • Does the routine incorporate novel ideas or approaches to comedy?

      • Are there elements that set this performance apart from others?

    Category 3: Stage Presence (25 points)

    • Confidence (10 points):

      • Does the comedian exude confidence on stage?

      • Is there a strong and positive connection with the audience?

    • Body Language (8 points):

      • How effectively does the comedian use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to enhance the performance?

      • Does the physicality of the routine contribute to the overall comedic impact?

    • Command of the Stage (7 points):

      • Does the comedian effectively utilize the entire stage?

      • Is there a good balance of movement and stillness, contributing to the overall stage presence?

    Category 4: Audience Reception (25 points)

    • Engagement (10 points):

      • How well does the comedian connect with the audience?

      • Is there evidence of audience engagement through eye contact, responsiveness, etc.?

    • Laughter and Response (8 points):

      • How consistently does the audience respond with laughter?

      • Are there moments of heightened audience engagement, such as applause or positive reactions?

    • Readiness for Audience Dynamics (7 points):

      • How well does the comedian handle audience reactions, whether positive or challenging?

      • Is there an ability to read the room and adjust the performance accordingly?

    Total Points: 100