Just for Laughs names 47 comics and writers for 2026 New Faces
The Montreal comedy festival’s showcase class spans stand-ups, character performers, digital creators and comedy writers.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Just for Laughs has picked 47 performers and writers for its 2026 New Faces class, spreading the annual comedy showcase across stand-up, character work, creators and writers programs.
Deadline reported the lineup Monday, with the Montreal festival’s ComedyPRO showcases scheduled for July 22 through July 25. The wider Just for Laughs festival began July 15 and is set to run through July 26.
The stand-up roster includes Red Richardson, an English comic recently named by Deadline among its comics to watch in 2026, and Mario Adrion, a German-American comic previously spotlighted by Deadline’s Comedy Means Business newsletter for his debut special, My Struggle.
Nick Brazao, Just for Laughs’ vice president of programming and talent, said in a statement that New Faces introduces audiences to “the next generation of brilliant comedy talent from around the globe.” He added that the 2026 performers are “sharp, original and hilarious.”
The New Faces of Comedy Showcase dates back to 1994 and has been described by Just for Laughs as a major springboard for comics. Deadline noted past participants have included Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Colin Jost, Ali Wong, Jerrod Carmichael and Jack Whitehall.
Just for Laughs has staged its flagship Montreal festival since 1983. The company was acquired in 2024 by Quebec-based ComediHa, led by Sylvain Parent Bédard, according to Deadline.
This year’s creator program is being presented in partnership with SMOSH for the second year in a row. The writers program has a new partner in Semi-Formal Productions, the company from Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick.
New Faces: Stand-ups
- Ainsley Bailey
- Alon Elian
- Andrew Packer
- Carolina Montesquieu
- Chris Renois
- Cristina Mariani
- David Drake
- Elijah Nevels
- Elle Orlando
- Elouise Eftos
- Esteban Gast
- Fiona Cauley
- Freddie Shanel
- Gary Simons
- Gus Tate
- Hannah Veldhoen
- Hassan Phills
- Helen Bauer
- Jack Hirschfield
- Jackson Banks
- Joe Marrese
- Joey Dardano
- Jonis Josef
- Kenny Lee
- Mario Adrion
- Mark Thomson
- Mitchell Doran
- Nicky Paris
- Peyton Ruddy
- Red Richardson
- Tessa Belle
New Faces: Characters
- Annie Sullivan
- Caitlin Frain
- Clare McConnell
- George C. Owens
- Jesse Kendall
- Jon Blair
- Russell Daniels
- Tiyawnda
New Faces: Creators
- Lucas Lopez
- Lucy Sandwick
- Pooja Tripathi
- Tom Cardy
New Faces: Writers
- Austin S. Harris, The Hayes House is Haunted
- Elliot Connors, Omni
- Jenna Ebersberger, Me & Marie
- Mike Liebenson, Midwestern Realty
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.