The stage is set — you're the next one up
A landmark meeting of legendary comedy and the next generation of emerging voices — under the unifying voice of one of the most iconic figures in the history of American entertainment.
This is an open call for a curated showcase — not a competition. Step up to the mic; the right set can change everything.
Comic registration is open to the public — that means everyone. Newcomers, seasoned comics currently working the road who have never had a special, and comics whose last special aired more than ten years ago are all welcome to step up.
Submit your own original stand-up. Entry tapes run 5–7 minutes maximum — your tightest, truest set.
The Evaluators review every eligible submission and select 23 of the 24 featured comics on merit alone, against the Six Discovery Criteria. No scores, no eliminations — a curated showcase.
The community fills the final spot: the entrant with the most popular support earns it, chosen by independent, uncompensated PTM Influencers, each of whom receives 25 support indicators to allocate however they choose. Support is open to every submitter equally and can’t be bought. That community-selected comic will also be invited and offered a paid, professional opportunity to open a live, on-stage Martin Lawrence comedy show.
The 24 selected comics are invited to film a segment on Pass Tha’ Mic, a multi-episode comedy discovery series filmed live before a studio audience. Everyone involved is invited to grow and develop under the Runteldat umbrella, and will have the opportunity to receive management advice from Runteldat.
You may submit more than one set — enter as many times as you like. Your community support combines across all of your submissions and is shown as a single total on each, so every set reflects your full backing. The one requirement: use the same email address every time you enter. The email on your submission is the identifier that links your sets as yours; submissions made under different emails are treated as different comics and their support is not combined.
Creator & Curator · Host of record for the discovery
Academy Award®-winning producer · Magenta Light Studios
Host
Producer · Magical Minds Productions
Executive Producer
Executive Producer
Executive Producer · Runteldat Entertainment
Executive Producer · President, Runteldat Entertainment
The creator, curator, and beating heart of Pass Tha' Mic — a generational trailblazer whose contributions to comedy, film, and television have shaped American popular culture for more than three decades.
His early ascent through HBO's Def Comedy Jam and the iconic original run of Martin established him as a defining voice of a generation. His film career — spanning Nothing to Lose, Life, Blue Streak, Big Momma's House, Black Knight, and the billion-dollar-grossing Bad Boys franchise — cemented him as one of Hollywood's most bankable and beloved stars. He is currently #2 at the box office with Bad Boys: Ride or Die and continues to command sold-out arenas through his celebrated Lit AF Tour.
Following nearly thirty years of audience demand, The Martin Reunion Special aired on BET and Paramount+ to record-breaking ratings across both platforms. In recognition of his lasting cultural legacy, Martin was honored at the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, where the iconic set of Martin was recreated alongside landmark productions including All in the Family, Grey's Anatomy, and Game of Thrones. With Pass Tha' Mic, Lawrence does what he has always done: he sees talent, he builds stages, and he makes room for greatness.
One of the most prolific and decorated producers in the modern history of Hollywood, Bob Yari has produced more than 60 theatrical motion pictures, including the Academy Award®-winning Crash, as well as The Illusionist, Hostage (starring Bruce Willis), The Matador (starring Pierce Brosnan), and The Painted Veil (starring Edward Norton).
He has directed several films, including Papa: Hemingway in Cuba. He currently serves as Executive Producer of the landmark Paramount Network series Yellowstone (starring Kevin Costner) and its acclaimed spinoffs 1883 and 1923, as well as Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Lioness, and The Department. A founder, board member, and shareholder of 101 Studios, Yari launched Magenta Light Studios on the principle of creative collaboration and storytelling excellence.
One of the most dynamic and influential live stand-up performers working in comedy today.
With a global touring footprint, multiple Netflix specials, and a passionate, multigenerational fanbase, Koy brings warmth, authenticity, and elite-level stage presence to his role as host. He is the ideal bridge between established legend and emerging voice — a comedian who has himself walked the road from discovery to worldwide recognition, and who carries that story with him every time he takes a stage.
Leslie Small is an American film director and executive producer known for his extensive work in comedy and urban entertainment.
Born in Los Angeles around 1968–1969, he began his career in 1998 shooting commercials for Master P’s No Limit Films before transitioning into directing and producing feature films and television specials. His directorial debut, Hair Show (2004), a comedy starring Mo’Nique, marked his first theatrical release. He went on to direct and produce numerous Kevin Hart specials, including Laugh at My Pain (2011), Let Me Explain (2013), What Now? (2016), and Irresponsible (2019).
His recent work includes For the Love of Money (2021) and My Name Is Mo’Nique (2023), alongside television credits as executive producer of BET’s ComicView (2024) and Black Comedy in America (2024). He is the founder of L S Productions Inc. and Coast 2 Coast Productions, both based in Los Angeles.
Founded by veteran producer Bob Yari, a new production and distribution company built on original storytelling and deep creative collaboration — delivering exceptional independent films to the theatrical marketplace and partnering with bold creators across platforms.
Founded in 1994 by Martin Lawrence with President Robert Lawrence and producer Rae Proctor. Film credits include the Big Momma's franchise, Rebound, Black Knight, National Security, What's the Worst That Could Happen?, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, and Mindcage — grossing over $400M domestically and over $500M worldwide. Comedy specials include RunTelDat, You So Crazy, Doin' Time, and The Lit AF Tour; television includes Martin, First Amendment Standup for Starz, Partners for FX, and The Martin Reunion Show for BET.
Producing partner of Martin Lawrence Presents: Pass Tha' Mic.
Conceived and developed exclusively by Martin Lawrence and Stacy Lyles. These six measures govern all comedian selection decisions for Season 1 and every season that follows.
A voice that is genuinely their own.
Holding a room without a safety net.
A point of view nobody else can replicate.
Where they're going, not just where they are.
Specific in origin, universal in impact.
Make a room feel — not just laugh.
Production
Martin Lawrence Presents: Pass Tha' Mic
Format
Multi-Episode Live Comedy Series
Filming Dates
August 29 & 30, 2026
Venue
Legends Theater at Route 66 Casino Hotel
Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Production Companies
Comic Knockout LLC · Runteldat Entertainment · Magenta Light Studios
Producer, Martin Lawrence Presents: Pass Tha' Mic
Magical Minds Productions