Fest 201: Taking Your Next Step Beyond the First Show

We had our Festival 101 and 201 sessions earlier this week and have compiled some handy notes on how to put your best foot forward. With an average of 200+ applicants, making sure your application stands out is super important!

Check out our Fest 101 notes here.

FESTIVAL 201

So, you’ve done your first Comedy Fest show, that’s no small feat! But now what? How do you move beyond the “one-and-done” barrier and keep building a career in comedy?

That’s where Festival 201 comes in: a guide for returning artists who want to keep developing, understand how programming decisions really work, and set themselves up for long-term success.

Why We Introduced This Guide

The reality is, competition is tough. Festival programming is curated, and not every show can be accepted every year. That doesn’t mean your application isn’t strong, but there are lots of other factors at play. We hope that this guide helps you understand those factors, avoid common pitfalls, and build momentum rather than stalling out after your debut.

What Programming Decisions Are Really Based On

Every year, our programming team balances a mix of things: venue availability, genre spread, artist development, and audience demand. Even a “solid” show or comedian might not get accepted if the timing’s off, if there are applications of a similar nature, or if it just doesn’t fit the overall balance of the programme that year.

Some artists trip up by resubmitting the exact same show idea year on year without showing growth, or by being unclear about their purpose. A good application should not just say what the show is, but why it matters now.

Developing Beyond the First Show

A standout second show doesn’t just repeat the first. It shows creative development. Fresh ideas, refinement, growth in audience numbers, or a clear step forward in your craft.

That doesn’t mean you need to scale up too fast. Not every act should leap straight into a bigger venue on their next show. A realistic scale can often set you up for more success than overreaching. What matters is showing you’re building momentum and making progress. 

Building Your Team & Support Systems

Going it alone can only take you so far. Some artists plateau simply because they don’t have the right support. Trying to do all the Festival admin on your own while also trying to write and perform your show can be a lot and isn’t for everyone! Producers, directors, and mentors can make a huge difference, helping you shape your work, navigate logistics, and help you to grow strategically.

The Trust can connect you with resources like potential mentors, 1:1 development sessions, Comedy Lab, and our producer pack to help you find the right support. 

Audience Development & Marketing - The Next Level

Most first shows lean heavily on friends and whānau attending. The next step is building a genuine following. That can take more than a few social posts in the month of May. Think collaborations, PR angles, partnerships, and unique ways of getting noticed. Consistency is also key! If you’re only posting to social media when you have tickets to sell, you’re likely to have less year round engagement.

Programming decisions also consider whether you can realistically fill seats. Demonstrating growth in audience reach is one of the clearest signs you’re ready for the next level.

Financial & Strategic Planning

Your first settlement statement isn’t just paperwork, it’s a learning tool. Did you hit break-even? Where did the money actually go? What worked, what didn’t?

A smarter budget for your second season means knowing your risk vs reward. Sometimes that looks like split bills, shared seasons, or co-pro opportunities to keep costs manageable while still building your name.

The Bigger Comedy Landscape

Not every path is a solo stand-up show then a bigger solo stand-up show. The Festival values a range of comedy formats: sketch, improv, musical comedy, ensemble work, and everything in between. These formats aren’t just valid, they’re foundational to the comedy scene.

The Festival isn’t the only stage. Fringes, regional festivals, and touring circuits all give you ways to sharpen your work and expand your audience. Experience outside NZICF not only builds your profile but also strengthens your future Festival applications. 

Think of it as playing the long game: building toward awards, Trust-produced shows, and bigger slots down the track. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep connecting. Whether it’s building a team, targeting your niche audience, experimenting with formats, or simply refining your craft - the next step is about proving you’re in it for the long haul.

Top Tips for Building Momentum

• Show evidence of growth: include reviews, audience feedback, highlight reels, or ticketing data to demonstrate your track record.
• Focus on getting better, not just bigger: progress can mean deeper audience engagement, smarter marketing, or more confident performance - not just a bigger room.
• Collaborate smartly: split bills, triple headers, and shared seasons help manage costs, maximise programming opportunities, and grow your network.
• Learn from your audience: festival audiences are shifting - fewer repeat attendees, more unique visitors, and increasingly niche segments. What patterns have you noticed, and how are you adapting?
• Target your niche: show you understand who your show is for and how you’ll reach them
• Think sustainability: it’s not just about this year - how does this show set you up for the next one?

Applications for NZICF 2026 close on 1 October.
Learn more and apply through the Performers Hub.

Got questions? Flick us an email at info@comedyfestival.co.nz — we’re here to help.