OK, people say you're funny. You make your friends, family, college roommates chuckle all the time.  They say that you're talented,  that you should try stand-up, that you're as funny as those jerks on cable. Sound familiar? Read on...

One of the main purposes of the RI Comedy Fest is to help newcomers find a way to break into the business.  There are very few open mikes around these days  for aspiring comics (although you might want to click here for Frank O'Donnell's Comedy Boot Camp) and the Big Break might actually turn into ... well ... a 'big break' for some lucky contestant.  We're offering a prize of $300 and a spot on the Saturday, March 31st ALL-STAR STAND-UP SHOW to the funniest act we can find.  You will perform at the beautiful Woonsocket Stadium,  in front of a crowd of over 1000,  plus comedy agents,  people 'in the biz,' bookers, etc.

If you can put together 3 to 5 minutes of comedy, with or without a partner, you can enter. You must be 16 years of age or older, and NOT a professionally-working comedian.  We like to spotlight Rhode Islanders, but if you come from some other state, that's OK (and good for you) although a little special preference will be given to locals.  There are 2 ways to show us 'whatchew got.' You can send in a 3 to 5 minute VHS/DVD video, by Saturday, March 24th to:

Charlie Hall  
10 -B Cutters Green  
North Providence,  RI  02904

But we'd rather see you live! We are holding 2 COMEDY SHOWCASES: one at Julio's Restaurant, 1488  Mineral Spring Avenue,  Nawt Providence (Directions) on Wednesday, March 21 at 7 pm, and one at Asia Grille, Lincoln Mall Plaza, Lincoln (Directions) on Sunday, March 25 at 6 pm. We will pick 4 or 5 of the best acts from each night who will gather on Tuesday, March 27 at Julio's Restaurant, where one act will be crowned THE BEST OF THE  FEST.  You'll be judged on material, stage presence, and audience response - so bring an audience to respond! Tell family, friends and everyone on your email list about it. Charlie Hall will host the shows, and special guests will be coming in to spice up the nights.  Comics should show up no later than 6:30 pm when the order will be chosen from a hat. Show begins at 7pm and there is a $5 cover charge for your guests (no, not the comics).  But come early and enjoy the fine Italian food and pizza at Julio's and the great authentic Chinese cuisine at Asia Grille. Plus you can have appetizers and cold Narragansett Beer throughout the evening.

IMPORTANT: There is a $20 entrance fee per act.  Pay that night, or send with your video.  Make out any checks to Charlie Hall.

TO ENTER:  Email Charlie at charliehall@cox.net or call 353-3330, and we will give you a slot.

TIPS:  Your material must be original, not stolen from some comic you saw on TV once, or from some jokes you found on the web. Also, profanity should be kept to a minimum.  Although there is no ban on any subject or language,  crowds don't really want to hear the F-word every 12 seconds - even if other well-known comics do just that.  But, it's your call. Keep it to NO MORE than 5 minutes. Any other questions? Feel free to contact Charlie Hall.

ATTENTION COMICS!

Please NOTE!!!!- Since there are approximately 35 comics or so, we’ve decided to use only 2 nights for qualifying: Wednesday, March 21 at Julio’s (North Providence) and Sunday, March 25 at Asia Grille (Lincoln Mall). The Final Round will now take place on Tuesday, March 27 at Julio’s. So we’ve eliminated Wednesday, March 28th – not such a bad thing since Frank O’Donnell’s Comedy Boot Camp showcase was also taking place on that night at the new comedy room at Catch a Rising Star.

Below is a list of who’s performing when and where. PLEASE EMAIL ME TO CONFIRM YOU’VE SEEN THIS LIST! If the date I have down for you is a HUGE problem, let me know and I’ll try to make it all work. (My home number is 353-2408)

Showtimes are 7 pm at Julio’s, 6 pm at Asia. Please be there no later than a half an hour before when we will choose the order from a hat. (If you need to perform at a certain time due to work or some insurmountable problem, also, please contact me) You’ll get about 5 minutes or so, and you must do at least 3. Charlie Hall and Frank O’Donnell will host the shows, and along with a small panel of judges, help pick winners. We are looking for approximately 5 winners each night for about 10 or so in the finals. But we’re leaving ‘wiggle room’- we might just find 8 worthy comics, or 12 or 14 for the finals. Who knows.

A good part of your score is based on audience reaction, please tell friends and family to come cheer you on, and to come early for food and drink at these fine restaurants. There is a $20 entrance fee for all comics, and a $5 cover for the audience members.

Note: Jim Wright, the booker of Catch A Rising Star will be one of the judges for the finals! He (and Frank O’Donnell) book the acts there: it would be a good thing to be seen by him. Also we’re hoping to get John Perotta, who books hundreds of shows in the area, under the name of the FUNNY FARM, to also grace us with his presence. These two can help you move on in stand-up. Can Leno or Letterman be far away?

CONTESTANTS

FINALS!!!!----TUESDAY, MARCH 27- JULIO’S

Winner- Rodney Norman

Andrew Bobola
Rich Butters
Rick Canavan
John Cullen
Mike Hanley
Maya Manion
John Porch
Dave Pizelli
Zach Sylvain