Montreal’s renowned comedy festival, Just For Laughs, will be undergoing a major change as a new company takes over its operations. The new company, Comedy Company, has vowed to include more English acts in the festival’s lineup.
The announcement was made by Comedy Company’s CEO, John Smith, who expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the festival. Smith stated that the decision to include more English acts was a response to the growing demand for diversity and inclusivity in the comedy industry.
Just For Laughs, which has been running for over 38 years, has primarily featured French-speaking comedians. While the festival has seen success in the past, there have been criticisms about the lack of representation for English-speaking comedians.
Smith acknowledged these concerns and assured that Comedy Company is committed to showcasing a diverse range of comedic talent. He also mentioned plans to expand the festival to other cities in Canada, providing a platform for even more comedians to showcase their skills.
The news has been met with mixed reactions from the comedy community. Some are excited about the potential for more opportunities, while others are concerned about the impact on the festival’s traditional French roots.
However, Smith emphasized that Comedy Company’s goal is not to replace the French acts, but rather to create a more inclusive and well-rounded festival. He also mentioned plans to collaborate with Just For Laughs’ original founders, Gilbert Rozon and Andy Nulman, to ensure a smooth transition.
The change in leadership comes after Just For Laughs faced financial struggles and a sexual misconduct scandal involving Rozon. The festival was acquired by Bell Media and Groupe CH in 2018, and the new owners have now decided to hand over operations to Comedy Company.
The 2021 edition of Just For Laughs is set to take place in July, and Comedy Company has promised an exciting lineup of both French and English acts. With this new direction, the festival is sure to attract a wider audience and continue to be a staple in Montreal’s entertainment scene.
