Amateur night gives young comedians a chance to shine

By Priscilla Castro
The Collegian

All who want to be Adam Sandlers come on forward. Those of you who think you got what it takes, now is your chance to show how funny you can really be.

Thursday at 7 p.m. over in the Coffeehouse and Pub, USU Productions will sponsor an amateur comedy night. Performances are open to anyone, students or non-students, who think they have what it takes.

“Anyone who is funny or who thinks they’re funny can get the chance to showcase their comedy,” said Josh Edrington, program adviser of USU productions.

This is the first time in two years there has been a comedy event held on campus. Edrington said there used to be a comedy series at the pub a few years ago, but it seemed to have vanished. He said from word of mouth the comedy shows in the past have seemed to be pretty successful and he hopes that this one will be as well.

Performers will have between eight and 12 minutes to show the audience how funny they are. “The type of humor we are looking for is everything and anything,” said Edrington, though a certain type of humor is encouraged to be left at home, and that is the type that may offend someone.

There is a small screening process involved. On the application it asks applicants what their favorite joke is. Edrington said from the joke the applicant provides they can tell if their humor is going to be appropriate or not.

Radio station Y101 is co-hosting the event. They will be playing music and giving out promotional giveaways.

Thursday night will be some sort of a test run for this comedy show to see how well it does. Edrington said he would like to see more comedy shows next year. “I want those who are going to the event to have a good time.”

Edrington said he thinks that comedy shows are different that hasn’t been done before. “I think that comedy is something that reaches out to every race, age and culture,” he said.

Right now there are five definite performers, but they are still accepting applications for those would like to participate. For anyone interested in participating applications are available in USU room 306.

The event is free for Fresno State students. For non-students it will be a $3 charge.

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