The 2016 Ladies of Laughter Contest is seeking stand-up comedians to compete in its bi-annual event. Ten finalists will be selected at preliminary events in New York to advance to the Grand Finale at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Saturday, August 20 where they will compete for cash prizes, paid bookings and the coveted 2016 Ladies of Laughter titles. National headliner and former Ladies of Laughter winner, Tammy Pescatelli, will host the Grand Finale.
The five-part comedy series will kick off Wednesday, July 13 at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. Preliminary shows will take place in July and August at The Funny Bone (Albany), Levity Live (West Nyack) and Gotham with the Grand Finale at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Upstate New York.
“Since it was first introduced into comedy clubs in 1999, the Ladies of Laughter series has awarded theater and comedy club bookings, major publicity and thousands of dollars to aspiring comediennes and has been a driving force behind women getting to the next level in their comedy careers,” said Executive Producer, Peggy Boyce.
The national competition draws funny women from all over the US, Canada and as far as Australia. Besides Pescatelli, past winners include headlining comedians Alycia Cooper, Jane Condon, Robin Fox, Stephanie Blum, Chris Rich, Patty Rosborough, Dana Eagle, Dena Blizzard, Kim Cea, Wendy Spero, Shelly Colman and Regina DeCicco. The Ladies of Laughter Contest has also included past participants such as Amy Schumer, Melissa Rauch and Rachel Feinstein.
Professional and amateur comedians can submit their registration form online along with a link to their 3-7 minute video performance and $35 entry fee. Contestants must be 18 years or older and entries must be received by Sunday, July 10.
2016 Ladies of Laughter sponsors include Turning Stone Resort Casino, Stage Time Magazine and Skinnygirl Cocktails. A percentage of proceeds from the events will benefit Buddy Cares – an animal rights advocacy group that provides wellness and services to abandoned animals in need.
For more info on the Ladies of Laughter, visit www.ladiesoflaughter.org and follow them on Twitter @ladiesolaughter.
