Just pour rire
Juste pour rire (better known internationally as Just for laughs ) is the name of the international comedy festival in Montreal / Canada , which takes place every July. It began in 1983 by Gilbert Rozon with 16 participants as a purely francophone platform for local comedians, but has now grown to the largest festival of its kind with over 2000 participants from all over the world and over 20 venues in Montréal. The performances by the artists cover all areas of comedy , but street arts and improvisational theater have become an integral part of the festival. The World Stupidity Award was presented during the festival from 2003 to 2007 .
For many comedians who have since become successful, “Juste pour rire” marked the start of their careers. Rowan Atkinson , for example , who later became internationally successful as Mr. Bean , performed here as early as 1987. In 1995 the team from RTL Saturday Night and in 2010 Michael Mittermeier were guests from Germany.