If you’re an aspiring comedian or sketch artist in the U.S. dreaming of joining Saturday Night Live 2026, you’re not alone. SNL has helped launch the careers of some of the biggest names in entertainment—and while the casting process is highly selective, it’s not impossible.
Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide on how new cast members are discovered, with official resources and trusted links for those ready to take the leap.
Saturday Night Live 2026 Season: Key Dates (Expected)
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Scouting & Submissions | Jan – April 2026 |
| In-Studio Auditions | May – July 2026 |
| Final Cast Selection | August 2026 |
| Season Premiere | September or October 2026 |
There Are No Public SNL Auditions—You Have To Be Discovered
SNL doesn’t post casting calls. You won’t find an open application on NBC’s website.
Instead, SNL talent scouts observe live performances and digital content, quietly shortlisting standout talent from comedy clubs, improv schools, festivals, and social platforms.
📌 Official SNL site: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live
Table of Contents
Train Where SNL Scouts Look First: The Right Comedy Schools
To get noticed, train and perform where industry insiders scout for talent. These schools and theaters regularly feed cast members into SNL:
- The Second City – Chicago
https://www.secondcity.com - Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) – NYC & LA
https://ucbcomedy.com - The Groundlings – Los Angeles
https://www.groundlings.com - The People’s Improv Theater (PIT) – New York
https://thepit-nyc.com
These institutions offer in-person and online programs in sketch, improv, and character work, which are core skills for the SNL audition format.
Build a Professional Audition Reel
If you make it to the audition round, you’ll be asked to perform a 5-minute set, typically on the actual SNL stage at Studio 8H.
Your audition reel should include:
- 3–5 original characters
- 1–2 solid celebrity impressions
- Distinct transitions between each bit
There’s no laugh track, no audience—it’s just you, a spotlight, and a few high-level producers, including possibly Lorne Michaels himself.
Perform Regularly at Live Comedy Venues
Live showcases and festivals are still the biggest gateway to being discovered. Performing regularly helps you grow your stage presence and get in front of the right people.
Here are a few places where SNL has been known to scout:
- Just For Laughs Festival (Montreal)
https://www.hahaha.com - New York Comedy Festival
https://nycomedyfestival.com - The Comedy Cellar – NYC
https://www.comedycellar.com - The Stand Comedy Club – NYC
https://thestandnyc.com
Even weekly open mics or sketch nights can build your reputation. Consistency matters.
Use Social Media Wisely—But Focus on Substance
SNL has embraced online discovery in recent years. Cast members like Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman gained traction through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Make sure your profiles show:
- Smart, original characters
- Creative video concepts
- Strong impression work
That said, don’t rely solely on going viral. Digital buzz can complement your stage work—but it rarely replaces it.
Related Tip: Follow SNL on Instagram for trends and cast updates – @nbcsnl
The Final Audition: Studio 8H in New York
If you get the callback, you’ll be flown to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where SNL is filmed. This audition lasts only a few minutes—but it’s your chance to prove you belong on one of the biggest comedy stages in the world.
- Perform without a crowd
- Deliver 3–5 sketches or impressions back-to-back
- Maintain energy and originality—producers don’t laugh out loud
If all goes well, you’ll be shortlisted and possibly invited for a chemistry test or one-on-one meeting with producers.
Conclusion:
Getting cast on Saturday Night Live isn’t about luck—it’s about building skill, staying consistent, and showing up where it counts. If you start putting in the work now, you could be part of the 2026 lineup—and maybe the next breakout star from Studio 8H.
