History
Just for Laughs was formed in 1982 as a two-day French-language event. In 1985, Andy Nulman joined the festival's staff and introduced English-language events as well; under Nulman's stewardship, the festival increased to a full month, with French-speaking performers during the first half, and English speakers in the second half. International and non-verbal acts (acrobats, pantomimes, etc.) are scattered throughout the program. Between 1986 and 2021, the Just for Laughs name went fully stylized to Just for laughs, and on 2021 as JUST FOR LAUGHS.
In 1999, Nulman left the festival's full-time employ; however, he directed its major Gala Shows at the Saint-Denis Theatre every July, and remained on the board of directors of the festival's parent company. After an 11-year absence, Nulman returned to Just for Laughs in July 2010 as president of Festivals and Television.[6]
Each day, performers, "New Vaudevillians" and other acts both vocal and visual perform throughout the city, particularly in the "Latin Quarter"—an area known for its theatres, cafés and boutique shopping. In the evenings, the nightclubs and live venue theatres offer special programs supporting the performers.
Although Just for Laughs attracts spectators from around the world, many of those in the audience are talent scouts, booking agents, producers, and managers from the entertainment industry. Performing at the festival is one of the biggest opportunities for undiscovered talent to showcase their act in front of industry professionals.
The comedy film festival Comedia is also held during the Just for Laughs festival.[7] Awards are given for feature and short films. In 2005, Comedia screened 125 short films from around the world as well as several feature-length films.
In February 1994, the festival sponsored a splinter project in Hollywood, Florida. That coastal area is a favourite winter destination for Quebecers who head south to vacation in the warmer weather. The event, Juste pour rire—en vacances (Just for Laughs—On Vacation), was held in the Young Circle Park, an outdoor venue with an urban park setting.[8]
In July 2007, Just for Laughs celebrated its 25th edition, launching a festival in Toronto, Ontario.[9]
In 2009, a U.S. edition of the festival was held in Chicago, sponsored by U.S. cable network TBS.[10][11]
On November 24, 2010, it was announced that they have to move the Just for Laughs galas to Place des Arts and that the 2011 festival in the Saint-Denis Theatre would be recycled due to budget cuts.[12]
In July 2014, Just for Laughs London was held at Russell Square.[13]
On April 3, 2020, it was announced that the 2020 edition of Just for Laughs would be postponed until the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was scheduled to run from September 29 to October 11, 2020, however, on July 21, 2020, organizers reversed their decision and cancelled the event. To fill the gap, they choose for a series of virtual performances that will run online (via the Internet only), for two days, on October 9 and 10, 2020.[14][15]
Sale to ICM Partners, Bell and the Molson family
On October 18, 2017, festival president and founder Gilbert Rozon resigned from his position following allegations of sexual misconduct.[16] Rozon later announced that he would sell the festival. As per a partnership with the conglomerate, Quebecor was given right of first refusal to counter competing offers. The company, however, declined. On March 21, 2018, it was announced that the entire company would be acquired by a partnership between U.S.-based talent agency ICM Partners and Ontario comedian Howie Mandel. In their announcement of the purchase, it was stated that Just for Laughs would remain based in Montreal (with Mandel considering the event to be a key component of local culture), and that there would be no changes in its management or operations. It was also stated that the partnership was seeking other local partners. Quebecor subsequently announced that it would become a "founding partner" of Le Grand Montréal Comédie Fest—a competing event established by a group of Quebecois comedians as a competitor in the wake of the Rozon scandal.[17][18]
