So Whistler – you think you’re funny do you?
Next Tuesday marks the start of the Whistler Comedy Showdown, a three night run of comedic mic magic on March 31, April 7 and culminating in a finale during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival on April 14.
Hosted by local funny ladies Megan Fullerton and Tara O’Doherty, there will be seven comedians performing five-minute skits on the 31st and 7th with the top three comedians going through to the final on April 14 round with $1,750 up for grabs. There will also be a professional comedian headliner to cap off each night. Look out for Harry Doupe, Jonathan Baum and Kelly Dyer who will be taking the stage during the Whistler Comedy Showdown events.
“There’s no book on how to do funny,” says O’Doherty. “Each comedian will have their own style. Whistler’s full of characters and creative types – I tapped into that network and got an overwhelming response. We have retirees, pizza delivery guys, and mountain workers who will be taking to the stage – it’s going to be so much fun.”
For O’Doherty this event is a bucket lister, as a comedian and writer herself it’s been a life long dream to create a space for amateur comics to take a stab at the limelight.
Here are some of her top tips for the performers:
- Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – make your performance as polished as it can be
- Prepare like you would for any other speech, presentation or performance – there might be times when you’re thrown off your game, if you know your material it’s easier to get it back
- Time your routine – you have five minutes, make them count. The light starts flashing a 30 second warning and then the fire hose comes out…
Why Would People Do This?
“When you start your routine your energy goes out to the crowd. When you tell your first joke and they start laughing it’s like that energy is bounced right back – it’s an awesome exchange. You won them over – can you do it again? Time for the next joke…”
There’s also some prize money up for grabs thanks to the folks at Gibbons and Absolut:
Hilarious Person: $1,000
Funny Person: $500
Amusing Person: $250
Whistler Comedy Showdown Details
Dates: Tuesday’s – March 31 / April 7 / April 14
Where: Buffalo Bills
Times: Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm
Tickets: For the first two events entry is by a minimum donation of $5 and the finals are part of WSSF and $20 tickets can be bought here.
All proceeds go to Zero Ceiling, who provides employment and adventure-based learning programs that empower at-risk youth and young adults to develop life skills and achieve personal growth.