Samantha and Lauren wanted to bring a female lead premiere comedy experience to the city of Santa Barbara. There hasn’t been a comedy festival in Santa Barbara for nearly a decade and they wanted to change that.

With their combined love of comedy, passion for representation, and desire to foster new talent in the comedy community, they shared an elated, “fuck yeah,” and with those famous last words, they brought their vision to life.

Frustrated with festivals that offer nothing more than stage time they really wanted to create a festival that provides the winner with tools and opportunities to elevate their comedy career.

The Santa Barbara comedy festival is also one of the few comedy festivals that offers a cash prize to the winner!

About Samantha: Samantha Bearman is a Santa Barbara native, and boasts over 12 years of improv and stand up comedy experience. A passionate teacher and leader, she launched her comedy coaching business in 2020 and coaches clients all over the country. When she isn’t coaching or performing herself, she produces the premier comedy show in Santa Barbara county, Bear Cave Comedy. Bear Cave Comedy proudly touts the “tiniest stage with the biggest talent”— and the most heart.

About Lauren: Lauren Clark moved to the Central Coast to pursue her PhD, and while in Santa Barbara, discovered a love of stand up comedy. She has been a professional writer since she was a teenager, and loves the challenge of translating those writing chops to the stage. Lauren has produced comedy shows with top talent from Los Angeles at venues such as the Arlington Theatre, and performs all over California.

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