On Your Marks...Get Set...GO!!!

SICC-32 Application Process (*)

(*)=subject to updating, accurate as of 6/1/11

1)  Are you eligible?

• Are you at least 21 years of age?
• Were you NOT in last year's competition?

NOTE:  Being eligible is one thing.  Being "ready" is quite another.  Don't look at the five minute sets required in the first round of the competition and think "Oh, I could manage that..."  That's really not the point.  You should really be comfortable working as a professional feature level comedian with the ability to be a headliner/show closer...or on the verge of doing so.  If you feel you'd be stretching yourself far beyond your capabilities to get to that point, there's nothing wrong with concentrating your efforts on being involved with this competition NEXT year.

With that obligatory warning complete, are you still interested in applying for this year?  Wonderful!  Then, by all means, read on.


2)  Is it time to apply?

• The application process runs from June 1st through September 1st. 
• Applications received after September 1st risk not receiving full consideration, depending on how far along we are with the roster selection process when we do receive such a late application.

NOTE:  We want to get the best possible competition roster.  While we're not going to automatically reject an application that gets to us before June 1st, and unless we've picked our entire roster, we're unlikely to outright reject a top quality application just because we've received it after September 1^st—you should know that we do the majority of our roster consideration starting in July and it really heats up in August.  That's when you really want your application in our hands.  By the end of August, we've already made some, if not most, of our roster decisions.  No point in waiting until it's too late.  And, if it's getting close to the deadline...or if that deadline has already past…perhaps you should consider making a better impression, by being better prepared, for NEXT year.


3)  What do I need to include in my application?

• Basic information:  Your name, your age, your location, your phone number and your email address
• Brief biography describing your comedy experience
• Video of you performing comedy

NOTE:  Your brief biography shouldn't just be your promotional boilerplate.  There's no point in including stuff like  "This comedian always leaves 'em laughing" that often pads out many working comedians' bios.  What we're interested in are things like how long you've been performing comedy, what are your major comedy career milestones...things like that.  If you have recommendations or references, they are optional but you can certainly include them for our benefit--as long as they know that you've included them in your application…because, we may contact them to discuss your candidacy.

As far as your video goes, we’ll take whatever you send us…so, we’d recommend that you send us what shows us you doing what you do best.  Obviously, it helps if we can see and hear you clearly.  We recommend clips that are approximately ten minutes long of you performing stand-up comedy for an audience, unedited.  (This is not a competition for video editors, after all.)  Videos shorter than five minutes don't show us what you could actually do in the competition.  Videos showing us your entire two hour long theater headline set...well, the chances of us actually watching ALL of your lengthy video would be slim...so, hopefully you opened strong. 


4)  How do I get my application to you?

• You can choose to apply by email, linking us to your video...hosted online.  Send your application to pgreyy@gmail.com
• You can choose to apply by mail, sending us your video on DVD or VHS.  Mail to Peter Greyy  2816 NW64th St.  Seattle, WA 98107

NOTE:  Please make it clear that this is your application to the Seattle International Comedy Competition.  It should say "Application for the Seattle International Comedy Competition" in the title/subject line of your email or on your envelope if you're applying via mail or dropping your application off in person.


5)  Can I audition in person, instead of applying with a video?

• A series of showcase events are scheduled to allow local and regional performers the chance to be considered for the competition without having to go through the application process.  Space on these showcase events is limited and participation is by invitation only.
• Usually, these showcases are meant to supplement our awareness of what these local and regional performers have been doing over the course of their careers.
• For out-of-the-area performers, even if you’ll be in the area and would be interested in auditioning in person, we'd still rather get an official application with video.
• For local and regional performers, you have the option of either applying with video or, if space allows, performing on one of these showcase events.  If you want to be considered for one of the showcase events, make your interest known by emailing pgreyy@gmail.com with "Interested in Seattle Competition Showcase" in the subject line.

6)  Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee? 

Not at this time, but in the future, there may be.  This is one element of this application process that may be updated.

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Why do you need to be 21 years of age?

Some shows are held in casinos that deny entry to those under 21, even performers.

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What are my chances of being selected?

In most years, thirty-two comedians will compete in the competition.  Last year, we had over 500 entrants.  

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When will I know if I've been selected or rejected?

The roster selection discussions go on throughout the process, but when all applications are in and all of the showcase events have been held, then decisions are made.  Last year, we made it a point to let everyone know as soon as possible if they were definitely in, definitely out or still be considered--as we know that holding the entire month of November (potentially) open is a hardship for any working comedian.  

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What if I have other questions that aren't answered here?

Feel free to email Director of Talent, Peter Greyy (pgreyy@gmail.com) with any questions you may have and he'll do his best to get back to you as quickly as possible.

Best of luck to everyone considering applying for this year's event!

(The 32nd Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition will take place in November 2011.  The competition takes place in venues across Western Washington--and more details about the specifics of this year's event will be posted at a later date.)