The Bentzen Ball is a comedy festival held in Washington, D.C., first in 2009, and then in 2013. It is produced by the D.C.-based online magazine and event company Brightest Young Things (often abbreviated as BYT) and curated by Tig Notaro.[1]
Named for Ollie Bentzen, a Danish man who allegedly laughed himself to death during a screening of the film A Fish Called Wanda,[2] the inaugural festival featured 60 comedians and 26 shows from October 22, 2009 to October 25, 2009. The second festival was held October 10–13, 2013, and was jokingly billed as the "Fifth Annual Bentzen Ball," referring to its hiatus.[3]
- ^ "Tig Notaro on organizing this weekend's Bentzen Ball". The A.V. Club. October 22, 2009.
- ^ Ramanathan, Lavanya (October 16, 2009). "Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival" – via www.washingtonpost.com.
- ^ Ramanathan, Lavanya (August 26, 2013). "Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival is back after a four-year hiatus" – via www.washingtonpost.com.