Newcomers: Cara Daniello, Ella Steinbeck, Mae Soleiman, Producer, Peggy Boyce, Pros: Christine Hurley, Christine Boudreau, Linda Belt and Alycia Cooper. Photo: Keli Doughterty
The 2014 Ladies of Laughter competition has selected 14 finalists to compete for cash prizes, paid bookings, publicity and the prestigious Ladies of Laughter titles at the Grand Finale show on Monday, August 11 at Gotham Comedy Club.
Hosted by Robin Fox (2012 Pro Winner) the grand finale will feature professional comedians Marla Schultz, Kendra Cunningham, Katherine Williams, Linda Belt, Christine Hurley, Christine Boudreau and Alycia Cooper (Wild Card). Comedians Erica Spera, Mindi Hecht, Shelly Colman, Cara Daniello, Ella Steinbeck, Mae Soleiman and Liz Barrett (Wild Card) will compete as newcomers.
Each contestant will be judged on audience response, originality, material and delivery by a panel of entertainment industry talent reps from Comedy Central, WE tv and Gotham Comedy Club.
Since 1998, the Ladies of Laughter contest has been a staple in the comedy community supporting the careers of new and veteran comedians. “The history and legacy of Ladies of Laughter makes it a very unique event series,” said executive producer Peggy Boyce. “It began as a tribute to a woman in comedy (Mary Jo Wobker) who helped other women in comedy. That legacy is very special and the atmosphere of the contest reflects that. Everyone connects at these events and subsequently becomes part of a larger community known as the Ladies of Laughter community.”
Past winners of the competition include Tammy Pescatelli, Jane Condon, Dana Eagle, Stephanie Blum, Patty Rosborough and Dena Blizzard. Nationally known comedians such as Amy Schumer, Melissa Rauch, Laurie Kilmartin and Jessica Kirson have also participated in the event.
“The competition is gaining more seasoned comediennes each year because of its reputation as not only a contest, but a great source of networking for other women,” said Boyce. “The fact that winners and finalists do get a shot to not only be seen at great venues by management, but they are now part of the mix of being considered for the Ladies of Laughter Funny & Fabulous Tour in major theaters. Even if you don’t place, you’re still a winner!”
Boyce is continuously creating paid opportunities for the winners and increasing the value of prize package, most recently adding new tour dates through April 25, 2015.
The Ladies of Laughter will crown the winners on Monday, August 11 at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. The show starts 8pm. 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.
The 2014 Ladies of Laughter contest is executive produced by Peggy Boyce and sponsored by Stage Time Magazine, Skinnygirl Cocktails and Renee’s Readers.
2014 Ladies of Laughter Finalists Spotlight
Check out what some of this year’s finalists had to say about participating in the competition.
Alycia Cooper (Pro Comic)
“I stopped doing contests for 10 years because every time I didn’t advance. I’d have to listen to audience members say, as they are filing out, ” You were robbed.” But, I trust Peggy Boyce and the integrity of her franchise, so I decided to give this competition a try. This opportunity means a lot to a seasoned veteran comic such as myself. It can open many doors. You’re seen by industry professionals who may not have gotten a chance to see you live and in person otherwise. Best of all, it shows that in spite of way too many people’s beliefs, women are just as funny, if not funnier than men.”
