About the Festival

Two Days of Original Comedy

Improv, Sketch & Stand Up

ColdTowne Theater – Zach Theatre

Austin, Texas

A Veritable Marathon of Funny

A unique opportunity for youth, families & educators to participate in a hands on comedy event.

Who Attends the Fest? Comedy fans, performers, students and educators of all ages and backgrounds.

Who Performs at the Fest? Improvisers, Sketch Troupes and Stand Ups as young as 4 and as old as…

We are proud to include some of Austin’s most talented comics as well as up and comers of all ages. One goal for 2023 is to add acts from throughout Texas (and beyond), so hit us up if you’re interested.

Some history…

Excused Absence Festival was launched in the Spring of 2015 by Move Your Tale (now Excused Absence Comedy) at ColdTowne Theater. Realizing that much of the comedy in Austin is inaccessible to youth, ExAb created a festival that gives performers and fans the chance to get onstage, take workshops, socialize and most importantly, see shows performed by experienced and accomplished comics as well as peers.

In 2023, the festival will take place at Zach Theatre and ColdTowne Theater in Austin, Texas. Improv, Sketch and Stand Up performances, classes & social events presented by both adult and youth performers take place over the course of the weekend with a focus on Sunday’s marathon of comedy shows. Designed for beginners, veterans, fans and the “just curious,” attendees have the option to purchase single show or workshop tickets or a festival pass.

It’s comedy, but a code of conduct will be enforced to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of all attendees.

This is a public event, but we do ask that attendees under 11 who plan to attend onsite shows be accompanied by an adult. Those under 11 who have participated in our programs may attend without an adult with permission from the Festival Director.

Sure, it’s PG. But it’s also hilarious. You’re going to laugh loudly and often.