How to Be a Comedy Competitor

Funny Women

Funny Women

We are deep into the first round of the 2017 Funny Women Awards heats and, as we have been running the Awards for 15 years, it seems high time we share some top tips for anybody out there who wants to enter comedy competitions.

Do your research…

Before you show up, or even register, it’s useful to find out all you can about the competition. Who are the past winners? Is it audience vote? Probably the most important thing to find out is how long you have got so you show up with the right amount of material and when you’re there be sure to ask about how they will notify you that you’re coming to the end of your allotted time. Make sure you’re familiar with how the competition works so you can make it work for you!

Prepare…

If this competition is your first gig then great, everybody’s got to start somewhere! However, it is worth trying to get as many gigs in as possible beforehand so you’re going on stage with a tried and tested set that is to time. You will seem more professional and feel more confident.

Don’t plagiarise!

The judges see a lot of comedy. A lot of live comedy. If you’ve cribbed some material from someone else on the circuit then chances are the judges have seen it and will question your comedy credentials, ‘cos it’s bloody bad form. On top of that you won’t perform the material as well as the comedian you’ve nabbed it from so do yourself a favour and be original.

Do your most suitable material…

It should be a no-brainer to do your best material, however take some time to decide if this is also your most suitable material. Blue jokes tend not to do well in a competition environment for example. Also usually judges are looking for something different, you don’t want to be the fifth person taking to the stage with another round of jokes about Donald Trump’s hair.

Treat it like another gig…

Try to douse your nerves by thinking of the competition as a gig – whatever happens you have added to your stage time and you have put yourself in front of promoters and comedians you might not have met otherwise.

Don’t waste your time…

Don’t eat into your time by introducing yourself – the MC has done that. You also won’t win any points for complimenting the MC, it’s unwise to try to interact with an audience member and now is not the time to try out some improv. If you’re a musical comedian then make sure you have allowed for time to not just introduce your song, but sing it.

Bring support…

Invite your friends and family so you know you have a fanbase out there!

Stick around…

Whether you think you killed it or died, it’s always worth sticking around to support your fellow comedians. It will help you get the measure of your heat and it’s important to see as much live comedy as possible if you want to become a better comic.

If you get through…

Well done! You’ve obviously got a great set, the judges don’t expect you to write a whole new set for each round, so it’s best to stick to what you know has worked before.

If you don’t get through… 

Don’t be disheartened. Do apply next year! You might simply be a bit green and need more stage time. At the Funny Women Awards we see so many talented acts who we love but don’t think are ready to be a finalist. It’s always a pleasure for us to see acts come back the following year better than ever.

Most importantly of all, have fun. We’re all rooting for you so relax and do the best you can out there!

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Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here