LAUGHING FESTIVAL IN MONTREAL

HISTORY

is a comedy festival held each July in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1983 by Gilbert Rozon 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., it is the largest international comedy festival in the world.

In 1999, Nulman left the Festival's full-time employ; however, he directed its major Gala Shows at the St. Denis Theatre every July, and remained on the Board of Directors of the Festival's parent company After an 11-year absence, Andy Nulman returned to Just for Laughs in July 2010 as President of Festivals and Television.

Each day, street 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 Just for Laughs festival also has the Comedian comedy film festival component, which started in 1996. It gives awards for feature and short films. 2005, Comedian 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 favorite 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.

DONE BY : MAYSAA AL-SAYED