Amateur comics to compete for cash at Grumpy Dave's Pub

Aspiring comedians will have the chance to be treated like professionals for one night.

Inside Joke Productions will host the Best in the Midwest Amateur Comedy Competition at Grumpy Dave's Pub on April 23. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. with the comedians expected to hit the stage shortly thereafter.

The contest is open to any amateur including University students, said Tim Hoyt, operation and acquisition manager of Inside Joke Productions; however all spots are booked as of March 25.

Amateurs wishing to compete can contact Inside Joke Productions (ssabocomic@aol.com) for more information.

An amateur is considered someone who hasn't received money more than five times for comedy sets in the past, according to Hoyt.

Hoyt, who will be one of the 15 competitors and hopes to be a professional comedian, said money is not important to him. All that matters to Hoyt is supplying laughter while entertaining audiences during a set.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity," Hoyt said. "My whole goal [in comedy] is making people laugh and wanting people to have fun."

To avoid a conflict of interest, Hoyt said he will not be affiliated with Inside Joke Productions for the event. He will solely be a competing comedian on April 23.



The winner of the contest will receive $100 in cash. Second and third places will receive $40 and $20 gift certificates to Grumpy Dave's Pub located above Easy Street Café at 104 S. Main St.

A fee of $5 is required for all entrants.

Steve Sabo, owner of Inside Joke Productions, said the competition will give nonprofessional comedians the prospect to test their comical skills in front of a live audience.

"It's an opportunity for somebody that hasn't done comedy before, [or] has only done comedy a couple of times, to actually get some stage time," Sabo said.

The winner will be decided by a panel of three judges, one of which will be a random audience member. Grumpy Dave will be the tie-breaking vote if necessary.

Sabo said the winner will not be guaranteed a comedy deal or future shows. Yet, that night's comedy champ will be awarded professional advice, such as writing jokes and presenting material, in hopes to get sets in the future.

Hoyt is looking forward to next month's event. Even though he will be facing tough competition, Hoyt is excited people care about comedy in the area.

"It shows comedy is still growing and it's alive and well in the Bowling Green/Toledo area."


GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME
As a professional comic, Sabo knows what makes or breaks a comic on stage. Here are some tips he offers to help aspiring comedians for the competition.
* Prepare: Make sure you've done your stuff over and over and over again so you know it. Once the light hits you, it's a whole different world.
*Don't second guess yourself: If you think the material is funny, it probably is.
*Don't freeze or panic: If the audience doesn't like the first joke, go on to the next one.
*Make eye contact
* Don't take it too seriously: It's fun

Related links to help amateur comedians:
Standup 411
About.com
Joke Starter