The Ladies of Laughter started out as an annual videotape comedy competition in New York to honor a fellow woman in comedy who helped women get their start. Since its inaugural year when the contest went live in a YWCA in New Jersey, The Ladies of Laughter contest has visited national historic theaters and legendary venues, including Caesars and Madison Square Garden. Past participants include Amy Schumer, Tammy Pescatelli, and Melissa Rauch (Big Bang Theory), and it has steadily become known in the comedy world as a career builder for women in comedy.