Registrations for Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s RAW Comedy 2026 are officially open, inviting budding comedians from every corner of the country to take a shot at comedy glory.
RAW Comedy has been responsible for unearthing new generations of Australian comedy superstars for more than 30 years. Now, it’s your turn! Are you an unofficial clown? The office storyteller? Always wanted to give stand-up a go? Well you’re in luck – the stage is set, and waiting.
All you need is five minutes of original material, and a bit of courage, to sign up for a heat near you. The top performers from around the country will then battle it out for a coveted spot in the RAW Comedy National Grand Final, held during the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The winner will score a career-changing trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as – of course – bragging rights, as the next big name in Australian comedy.
Some of Australia’s most beloved comedians have launched via RAW Comedy. . . Including Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Anne Edmonds, Bron Lewis, Sam Campbell, Aaron Chen and so many more. These alumni have gone on to tour globally, write for television and film, dominate online, and shape the future of comedy.
And it all started with a simple sign up.
RAW events kick off in January 2026.
