Comedy Festivals

They're tough to organize (and it's totally thankless work) but every now and then there are festivals in the DC/Baltimore area.

Bentzen Ball (Fall 2009)

The first Bentzen Ball iwas October 22-25, 2009. It was organized by comedian Tig Notaro and sponsored by BrightestYoungThings.com, which is essentially a big blog for hipsters in the DC area. Lots of New York and L.A. alternative-type comics in showcase settings, plus a few big headliner shows, all along the U Street corridor. Some of the proceeds went to Walter Reed Medical Center. Bentzen Ball web site

DC Comedy Festival

The 4th annual festival was held in August 2008, we're not sure if it's the last one or not. In the past the festival has been spread over three days and several venues around the DC area; it includes stand-up, improv and sketch comedy and in addition to the performances for the public it has included comedy classes during the day. The web site is now gone.

Baltimore Comedy Fest

Organizers working to promote autism awareness have put together a few weekends of shows over the years -- mostly featuring local comics at alternative venues. The last one that we know of was held in April 2008. Here's their old MySpace Page.

Comedy Contests

Audiences be damned! The best way to determine the funniest people is through CONTESTS! Here's a rundown on some of the comedy competitions you can find in the DC/Baltimore area, as well as links to any festivals.

Funniest Fed (Fall 2009)

Fall 2009. Organized by Naomi Johnson and staged at the Arlington Drafthouse, this contest ran for six weeks in 2007 and returned in 2009. You gotta have a sense of humor to work for the government ... find out more at funniestfed.com.

2009 champs: John Quirk (top novice), Jeff Maurer (top experienced comic)
2007 champ: Freddi Vernell

D.C.'s Funniest College

Sponsored and run by the D.C. Improv. After a series of preliminaries on the area's campuses, one or two representatives from each participating school goes on to compete in the final showcase (usually in April). One winner takes the trophy home for their school and earns a few other performance opportunities. For more information e-mail allyson@dcimprov.com.

2009: American University (represented by Molly Martinez)
2008: Johns Hopkins University (represented by Nathan Min)
2007: George Mason University (represented by Taylor Edgar)
2006: Howard University
2005: Georgetown University
2004: Georgetown University

Baltimore's Next Superstar

Formerly "The Funniest Person in Baltimore." This contest returned in fall 2009 after a year off. The venue is the Comedy Factory (baltimorecomedy.com). "The emphasis is not just on the talent on-stage, but what they do to promote, and make themselves into a draw." (i.e. bring your friends). For more info e-mail baltimorespopularcomic@gmail.com.

2009: Dorian Gray
2007: Larry Poon
2006: Erin Jackson
2005: Lonnie Davis
2004: Larry Lancaster
2003: Erik Myers
2002: Mark Voyce

EJ's Landing

Fourth Saturday of every month. "So you think you are funny" comedy contest -- comics get 6 minutes, winner determined by audience vote. Cash prize for first place, possible runner up prizes. $5 door charge. Show to be recorded for broadcast on Local point tv (at least on 1/26). To get more information, e-mail Kaleidoscopecomedy (at) yahoo.com or call 301-518-9145. Address: 8601 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740 (in the College Park Inn)

DC Showcase (defunct)

For a few years, the DC Improv had monthly showcases with seven or eight comedians competing in a showcase in the main showroom. Judges picked one winner, and after eight or so winners have been gathered, they would all come back for a "finals" showcase with fabulous prizes for the big winner. (In past years, performance opportunities.) If this resumes we'll let you know.

2008 champ: Hampton
2007 champ: Mike Way
2006 champ: Jon Mumma
2005 champ: Jeremy Schacter
2004 champ: Randolph T
2003 champ: Dave George

Drafthouse Challenge (defunct?)

This event ran in May and June of 2008 at the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, and it featured 24 comedians competing for a $1,500 cash prize. Six comedians compete each Wednesday in May, with two advancing each week; then the semifinals and finals are in June (the grand finale is Friday, June 20). You can get more info over at the Drafthouse site.

2008: Jeff Maurer