Stage 773 Announces Open Applications For The 18th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival

Stage 773 announces applications are now open for The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival's 18th Anniversary. The nation's largest and most highly anticipated sketch comedy festival takes place January 10th through 20st, 2019 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. "SketchFest" continues to grow and evolve year after year, cementing the city's reputation as the comedy hub of the nation. The festival "whose laughs are right on track," says the Chicago Sun Times, features every form of sketch comedy imaginable, from perverted musical puppets to high-brow political satire.

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has proven itself as a comedic melting pot, inviting artists from all over the world to unite under one roof. SketchFest engages some of the newest, most experimental groups, curating performances that are fresh, exciting, and edgy. Successful comedians, including Silicon Valley's TJ Miller and NBC Community's Danny Pudi continue to return for the grass-roots vibe and celebration.

"We are beyond excited to be bringing SketchFest back to Stage 773 for its 18th year," says Jill Valentine, Executive Producer of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. "With groups applying and participating not only on a national level, but on an international level, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has become a destination event embraced by all who attend and perform and we cannot wait to see what this year brings."

Year after year, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival garners international attention, attracting over 1,000 artists and 11,000 patrons annually from around the world. The event celebrates the best in local, national and international sketch comedy. Applications for participation are open now and may be submitted through October 15, 2018 by visiting http://www.chicagosketchfest.com/. All selected performers receive an all-festival pass, access to artist only events, and exclusive discounts at sponsoring hotel, dining and bar partners.

The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival debuted in January 2002, with 33 local Chicago Sketch Comedy groups gathering together to perform their craft. The event met overwhelming success and has grown to the largest sketch comedy festival in the world, hosting close to 170 groups performing 188 shows in 8 days.

All performances take place at Stage 773, Chicago's home for the most innovative, creative and passionate off-Loop performing artists. Over the course of the two weeks, Stage 773 transforms into a sketch comedy oasis, with the entire building featuring simultaneous performances in all four theater spaces. The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival invites comedians from around the world perform in an atmosphere of celebration, collaboration and community.

Tickets for the 18th Annual Chicago Sketch Festival will go on sale December 1, 2018 at 12 p.m. Limited festival passes, regularly priced at $150, will be available for only $100 if purchased before December 31 at www.Stage773.com, by phone at 773.327.5252, and in person at the Stage 773 box office, located at 1225 W Belmont.

About Stage 773

Stage 773 is a vibrant anchor of the Belmont Theatre District and home to Chicago's finest off-Loop talent. As a performance and tenant venue, our four stages provide entertainment for everyone: comedy, theatre, dance, musicals and more. We are a not-for-profit, connecting and catalyzing the theater community, while showcasing established artists and incubating up-and-coming talent.

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