Black and white poster for a comedy festival titled 'Excused Absence' with a large caption 'Comedy Festival' at the bottom. Features a cat and a microphone, and an improv chair, with a sign 'All Ages,' and a sign for a live comedy event.

APRIL 10, 11 & 12 2026 @ COLDTOWNE THEATER

There is no age limit on comedy.

Live Comedy Shows, Workshops, Open Mics, and Improv Jams for all ages in Austin, TX

Black and white photo of four people on a stage. Two seated in the center, one woman talking to a man. Two women standing to the left, observing and smiling.

Austin’s best-loved comedians

Catch some of Austin’s most talented improv, sketch, and comedy acts, as well as up-and-comers of all ages.

Three women engaged in a discussion on stage in black and white, with one woman in the center gesturing with her hand.

All ages shows & workshops

Comedy fans, performers, students, and educators of every age and background are welcome.

exab fest alumni performers

Jane Austin Improv

Nasty Jasmine

Rochelle McConico

The SASAC Players

Seth Barkin

Middle School Vibes

The Suck Zone

Essentials

McNeil HS Improv Club

The SweetLambs

ZACH Theater IMPROV

Group of five seniors in casual clothing posing with fists up as if ready to boxing, smiling, some wearing glasses, on stage with dark background.
Two young individuals stand in front of a wooden wall, engaging in a playful pose.
Two women engaged in a close conversation. The woman on the left is wearing a patterned top and jewelry, and the woman on the right is wearing a plain dark T-shirt. They are touching hands and looking at each other in a dimly lit setting.
Two men sitting on stage in front of a curtain, engaged in conversation. The man on the left is wearing a T-shirt and shorts, the man on the right is wearing a polo shirt and pants. Audience members are visible in the foreground.
Black and white photo of play actors on stage, some with arms raised, in period costumes, performing a scene.
A kid with curly hair appears to be interacting with two other kids on a stage with dark curtains behind them. The kid is smiling or laughing, and the other kids are looking on with neutral or amused expressions.

WHAT IS

excused absence comedy?

Audience members at a concert or event, some holding phones, watching attentively.
Children performing on stage, with one girl in a red shirt and girls in casual clothes, some seated and one girl kneeling, under stage lighting with dark curtains in background.

We are proud to serve as the official youth program of ColdTowne Theater in Austin, TX, where we offer classes, camps, shows, and events.

Our primary focus is improv comedy, and we work with kids from pre-school through their teens. Our sketch, creative drama, stand up and storytelling events and classes are grounded in the “yes, and” philosophy of improv.

Learn more

About the Exab comedy fest

Since 2015, this annual festival has provided an opportunity for comedy fans of all ages to see high-quality, original improv, sketch & stand-Up, and an avenue for jumping into the local comedy scene regardless of age or experience level.

more about us

Get Involved

Pulling off our festival is a community effort, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers. Parents and responsible teenagers, we’re looking at you!

volunteer with us