The Comedy Game Show
Where you Leave The Audience
Laughing, and Blushing

Hey there Potential SMILF!

Thank you for considering joining the magic on the SMILF stage. Before you step into the spotlight, here’s a complete lowdown on what to expect and how to get ready:

The SMILF Experience

SMILF (Straight Men I'd Like To Friend) is more than just a comedy gig. It's a comedy game show that delves into the rich tapestry of queer culture. You'll be front and center on stage for the majority of the event, answering questions, showing off your playful side, and demonstrating (or failing to demonstrate!) that your understanding of queer culture goes beyond common stereotypes. 😜️

Time Commitment

As a crucial part of the SMILF experience, your presence through the start, middle, and end of the show is necessary. You'll be transitioning on and off the stage throughout the show, and continuous presence is key to a smooth flow - and it’s a game show - you have to be present to win!

Flirtation Station

The atmosphere on stage is cheeky and flirtatious. Bonus points await for those who engage playfully with the host, do a shirt-shedding number, or partake in a light-hearted smooch with fellow contestants. This shit’s kinda gay.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

When it comes to attire, the sky's the limit! Whether you opt for a sharp suit that screams class, go full flamboyant with dazzling colors and patterns, or decide to turn up the heat by showing some skin, we encourage you to be unapologetically you.

Examples & Inspiration:

Cocktail Attire: Think James Bond; suave, sophisticated, and ready for a night of upscale fun.

Go-Go Boy: Channel your inner Chippendales dancer or go-go boy with tastefully skimpy attire.

Wedding-Ready: Imagine you're a guest at a chic wedding—now's your chance to wear that outfit you've been saving for a special occasion!

F*ck Me Club Kid: Tight fitting solid black deep V-Neck Shirt, tighter jeans: you’re going out to the club and you’re not coming home alone.

Remember, you're not just a comedian; you're a SMILF, which means your look should be as captivating as your jokes. Think of it as your chance to make a fashion statement while also embracing the vibrant, queer-friendly vibe of the show. So go ahead—get your glam on and strut your stuff on the SMILF stage!

Thirst Trap!

We ask that you share some alluring "thirst trap" photos with us for potential promotional use. Not sure you have something that will work? We ask that you stage a photo shoot at home with your phone. Need inspiration? Have a look at the snaps from past participants below.

Audience Participation

Before the show, download one or many gay dating apps and create a profile using your own photos. You'll be portraying yourself as a straight man participating in a queer game show — no worries, we'll supply the exact text to maintain authenticity. Points are yours based on the messages you get during the show.

Consent &
Boundaries

This show is all about queer culture, challenging the norms of gender & sexuality, and the playful objectification of Straight Men in a queer context. The show will put you in fun, flirtatious, and playfully sexual situations. All stage interactions should be consensual and comfortable for everyone. Prior to the show, let's chat about your boundaries to ensure a fun and respectful environment for all.

Winning

Oh? So you’re wondering if you get anything for winning the game? I guess straight men don’t get f*cking enough in this world do they?? 🙄

Winning gets you bragging rights and maybe a fun prize; but it also puts you in the running to be booked again for an "All Stars" edition of SMILF. Show us your star quality, and you could find yourself back on stage, soaking up even more of the limelight!

Pre Show

Ahead of the show, we’ll ask to collect promotional photos, a bio, and various other bits of information in our booking form. Ideally, you’ll provide this well more than a month out from the show.

We’ll be generating promotional images that we will give to you to use to promote your participation in the show. We’ll post them to instagram ourselves, and invite you to be a “collaborator” on the posts. (check out previous instances of this on our instagram here) and we appreciate promotion & distribution on other platforms as well.

Post Show

We’d love for you to tag SMILF in any social media posts you make after the show, & we may want to post some of our favorite moments as well, your engagement is appreciated.

Also, your feedback on the experience would be greatly appreciated! Please reach out after the show if you have any thoughts, comments, or notes.

Compensation

While SMILF is in its fledgling stage, we guarantee a minimum $25 compensation.* As our attendance numbers grow—and we're confident they will quickly—you can expect this figure to rise. Our other established shows regularly pay out an average of $95 to $120. So as SMILF gains traction, so too will your potential earnings. We're committed to making sure your talent and efforts are rewarded.

*note: Compensation model will vary when the show is booking you as a part of a comedy festival, and is largely determined by the festival.

Any questions or need clarification? Reach out to us directly, and we'll be more than happy to assist.

We aim to create a show that is respectful, inclusive, and full of life. If all this resonates with you and you're comfortable with the details, the SMILF stage awaits your unique flair!


Connect with Straight Men I’d Like to ‘Friend’

icons from freepik

Your Hosts

Photograph of Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams (@mwillyumz) he/him — Marcus Williams is a Bay Area-based comedian who has appeared at the SF Punchline, SF Sketchfest, and Comedy Central's Clusterfest Showcase. Marcus is known for his unique perspective and clever material, and his performances have earned him recognition in the comedy scene.

Photo of Wonder Dave, wearing a sparkly cowboy outfit, tipping his at at the camera

Wonder Dave (@teamwonderdave) he/himWonder Dave is a comedian, writer, and performer from Minneapolis, MN, now living in California. He's toured the country performing at comedy clubs, colleges, cabarets, and more.

In addition to SMILF, Wonder Dave is also the creator and host of a few other popular comedy shows, including Safe Words Showcase (with producer Jonah Price), and Mental Health Comedy Hour (with comedian Kristee Ono). Dave commentates for Hoodslam, co-hosts & stage manages for Ruckus and Rumpus.