Robyn Kaszor: Last News

Stuart Miller This year, Just for Laughs has plenty to celebrate. After the COVID pandemic forced the legendary Montréal comedy fest to go completely virtual in 2020 and a hybrid of virtual and live — but with some shows shipped out to New York and Los Angeles — in 2021, Just for Laughs is back in full force in its hometown this July. And it’s a milestone: this is the 40th anniversary of the iconic festival, with a star-studded gala show planned for July 30 as a capstone on the event. JFL continues adapting to the streaming world in the pandemic’s aftermath and will celebrate its role as a developer of new talent with Kevin Hart, Pete Holmes and Taylor Tomlinson, who got early breaks there, returning in very different roles.

Jenelle Riley Deputy Awards, Features EditorA few months ago, the people behind Just for Laughs, the largest international comedy festival in the world, had to make a tough call and postpone their fest, traditionally held in July. That was hard enough.“But when we were faced with the ever-increasing uncertainty of COVID, we knew we had to switch gears again,” says Robyn Kaszor, VP of festivals, Just for Laughs.