Jokes on Her is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to discovering, championing, and supporting the next generation of women* writing bold new comedies for the stage.
The Jokes On Her Annual Comedy Prize awards the winning playwright a $5,000 grant, an industry reading of her play in New York City in partnership with WP Theater and New Georges, and a featured appearance in a “Women Writing Comedy for the Stage” Q&A at The Drama Book Shop.
Jokes On Her will further support the playwright by identifying and facilitating future development opportunities.
Submissions are now open through October 1, 2026 for original full-length comedies that have never been produced or published. Developmental readings and workshops are acceptable; however, plays under option or scheduled for production, licensing, or publication are not eligible. The Jokes On Her Comedy Prize is open to women (identifying & femmes inclusive) playwrights residing in the United States or Puerto Rico who are 21 years of age or older at the time of submission. Plays must be the author’s own work.
*In an effort to combat the centuries-old false narrative that men are funnier than women, this prize has been designed specifically to celebrate comedic women writers. If you feel that this mission is in line with your gender identity, we welcome your submission.