The University of Virginia prides itself on ample performance opportunities for aspiring entertainers. If you aspire to be a future Patrick Stewart, you can practice your Shakespearean acting in Shakespeare on the Lawn. On the other hand, Idina Menzel-wannabes can join the First Year Players. But what about those who hope to be the next Dane Cook? Zilch.
That is, until now.
For the first time, the University will play host to a nationwide student stand-up comedy competition. The show, which will take place next Wednesday, is part of a national comedy competition organized by Rooftop Comedy. Any Virginia student is eligible and can either sign up online or simply walk in and participate the night of the show. Each comedian has three to five minutes to talk about whatever he or she pleases (without regulations or pre-screenings, due to Rooftop's strong no-censorship policy). Rooftop-sponsored comedian Geoff Tate is hosting the show and will perform his own routine.
Rooftop Comedy started the four-month-long competition by choosing 32 schools that will each host a school-wide competition, with each school selecting eight semi-finalists. The eight from U.Va. will compete against the semi-finalists from George Washington University. From there, online voters will pick the four top comedians, who will fly to the finals in Aspen, Colo. and compete for $1,500.
Rooftop "came and approached us, and we'd been looking for a stand-up show for a while," said Peter Elbaor, a member of the University Programs Council Comedy Committee. "Sometime in the past UPC did a stand-up thing that kind of failed miserably because it was weekly and nobody came."
Elbaor said he is particularly excited to be able to give aspiring comedians an arena for their acts.
"Although it's a small show, we are happy to offer such a program, as there hasn't been a student stand-up competition at U.Va. in a while," he explained.' It is UPC's role to bring entertainment and opportunities that students wouldn't receive elsewhere, and we feel that this event accomplishes this ... plus they could win $1,500!"
Second-year contestant David Leon is trying his hand at stand-up for the first time.
"I haven't had any experience at all, but I've been looking at a lot of stand-up, and it looks like something that I want to give a shot," he said. "It's easier to try it here than in a professional setting. I've written down a few topics to start off with, and I can easily break off into a rant. You never know if people will think it's funny or if they'll be disturbed or disgusted."
According to the Rooftop Comedy Web site, the organization is "dedicated to giving comedy fans access to the best, most cutting-edge (and, yes, funniest) professional comedy from around the globe." Every day, the Web site features new comedic short videos and clips of stand-up shows. Following in this pattern, their college competition will include a short comedic film portion. College filmmakers are invited to upload their shorts onto the Rooftop Web site, where viewers can vote for their favorites.
Stand-up comedy has recently been making a comeback in the entertainment industry. Lavish, sold-out televised stand-up specials on Comedy Central and network shows like Last Comic Standing are playing a large part in the newfound popularity of the medium, which has long been a staple in smoky bars across the country.
Judging by the reception of the sold-out John Oliver show Feb. 15, this popularity is not at all lost on U.Va. students. Next Wednesday, whether or not you're interested in performing, get out of your Clemons cubicle and head to the O-Hill Forum to enjoy some comedic competition.3
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