Festival Scales Down Size to Focus on Quality
The New York City Underground Comedy Festival is accepting submissions for their annual comedy event. Comedians can expect stiffer competition for slots on the shows as the festival scales down from its behemoth size.
“We still want to present new, quality faces to the industry along side established comedy veterans; however, we want to do it in a more targeted way,” says festival producer Jim Mendrinos. “In the past, we’ve focused on quantity; this year is all about quality.”
Among the changes announced are three categories of shows: “Festival Events” will focus on up and coming talent and be marketed to the industry. “Club Events” will present established talent in one of the NYUCF’s many partner clubs, and “Curated Shows,” will present the best of the independent shows in and around NYC. “Ultimately, we want to end the confusion of the past and get the right industry to the right show while having a tighter grip on quality control,” says Mendrinos.
The festival is set to run in New York City from October 3rd to October 10th. The festival has also launched an online comedy radio site, www.NYUCFRadio.com.
Submissions Policy
WHAT CATEGORY SHOULD I SUBMIT TO?
If you are working regularly, and are comfortable doing longer sets, you should consider submitting in the Professional Comic Category. Comics submitting in this category are being considered to perform along side of some of NYC’s best comics in heavily attended industry shows. Be sure you’re ready if you’re submitting in this category.
If you are a newer comic who doesn’t have as much experience or minutes of material, you may want to consider submitting for the EMERGING COMIC’S CONTEST. The goal of this contest is to put 8 to 10 great young comics in front of industry in order to provide them with exposure and opportunity. The contest is judged by an industry panel. Previous judges were talent producers from Comedy Central and MTV, personal managers, club owners, and agents from legit agencies and college agencies. This is where the industry looks to find talent years ahead of the curve.
PLEASE NOTE: If you’ve performed a stand up set as a featured performer on any U.S. TV show you’re not eligible to perform in the Emerging Comic’s Contest.
HOW DO I SUBMIT?
Submitting for the PROFESSIONAL COMIC CATEGORY — Comics should send in a DVD of 20 minutes or more, plus a recommendation letter from and industry professional (Agent, manager, or club owner.) Submissions will be accepted between March 1st and June 30th. There’s no fee to submit for the professional comic category; however, all recommendations will be verified. Mark your submission “Professional” on the outside of the envelope.
Submitting for the EMERGING COMIC’S CONTEST — Comics should send a 5+ minute DVD. There is also a $25 submission fee if you submit before July 1st. If you submit between August 1st and August 31st the submission fee is $40. Checks should be made out to Hubris Entertainment, LLC. Mark your submission “Emerging” on the outside of the envelope.
The line up for the Emerging Comic’s Contest will be announced on September 15th.
Send all submissions to:
Hubris Entertainment
Box 200697
South Ozone Park, NY 11420
