Just For Laughs Not Returning To Chicago In 2014

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 19, 2013 5:00PM

Just For Laughs festival will not be returning to Chicago next summer, citing fiscal constraints. Just for Laughs chief operating officer Bruce Hills told the Tribune the Montreal-based group “decided to take a year off to rethink the festival model, to adjust to the current marketplace.”

JFL launched its Chicago festival in 2009 that has grown over the years to feature nationally recognized comedians at venues like the Chicago Theatre, the Vic and Park West while still paying close attention to looping local comedy clubs and comics into its orbit. Even with cable network TBS providing presenting sponsorship the festival had its share of financial struggles despite its popularity with local residents and tourists.

One option to resurrect JFL Chicago would be to model it after the group’s Toronto iteration and become an interactive festival. Hills would only say he was “reevaluating the festival’s timing, approach and structure for Chicago.” Festival producers reached out to venues earlier to let them know they wouldn’t need their bookings next summer.