The State Theatre Presents
American Laughiti: Modesto’s Annual Comedy Competition
Hosted by Burn & Rave
Submission Guidelines and Contest Rules
$5000 Grand Prize / $1500 Audience-Choice Award
Once you have read and understood the rules, please click “REGISTER” at the bottom of this page to enter.
BACKGROUND:
The State Theatre is a magnificent, 88-year old, 550-seat venue in the heart of downtown Modesto, located on J Street where George Lucas cruised as a teen, inspiring his film American Graffiti. In that iconic film, they were searching for the fastest thing in the valley. Fast forward 50 years, we are looking for the funniest thing in the valley! And it could be you!
HOW THIS WILL WORK:
● Each comedian will submit a video of themselves performing a set of no longer than 10-12 minutes on or before May 26, 2023.
● Online voting will take place during the month of June.
● The Top Eight (8) comedians will be invited to compete live at the State Theatre on Saturday, July 22, 2023, 7pm.
- Four (4) spots will be determined by the most online likes / votes.
- Four (4) spots will be determined offline by a panel of judges.
● $5000 Grand Prize will be awarded based on a panel of judges at the live show on July 22, 2023.
● $1500 Audience-Choice Award will be awarded based on in-person voting at the live show on July 22, 2023.
WHO CAN ENTER?
1. Any comedian regardless of age, experience, or residence.
HOW TO REGISTER: (Subject to change)
1. Entries should be submitted via thestate.org
2. Each entrant will be responsible for sending a video of their stand-up set in the form of a link uploaded to YouTube.
3. Additional required information includes
- Name of Comedian
- Email Address
- Phone
- Link to YT Video
4. All entries must be submitted on or before May 26, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
5. Entry Fee: $10 Non Refundable. (Proceeds will be distributed among the top 6 comedians who reach the live show but do not win the Grand Prize or Audience Choice Award)
ONLINE VOTING:
1. Voting will be done online at www.thestate.org
2. Users will be allowed to cast up to five votes for one comedian or they may choose to spread their five votes around.
3. Online voting will begin on June 1, 2023 and end on June 30, 2023 at 5pm.
4. Sharing the voting link on social media is strongly encouraged.
5. Eight (8) comedians will be selected to perform.
- Four (4) spots will be determined by the most online likes / votes
- Four (4) spots will be determined offline by a panel of judges.
6. Any digital tampering or actions deemed as “voter fraud” by a performer, relative, friend, or acquaintance of any competing comedian will result in disqualification.
PRODUCTION NIGHT: AMERICAN LAUGHITI – TOP 8 COMEDIANS
1. The top 8 comedians selected to appear at the American Laughiti Live Show on July 22, 2023 will perform a stand-up set between 10-12 minutes.
2. Order of comedian performances will be determined backstage by a random drawing on the evening of the show. Any comic not present by 6:30pm will not participate in the draw and will be scheduled to perform first.
3. Any comic that misses the draw and has not arrived at the State Theatre by 7pm will be disqualified from the competition.
4. You can bring one (1) guest. Additional attendees may purchase a ticket and sit inside the theatre.
5. Other than performing comedians, NO ONE is permitted in the backstage green room area.
6. Additionally, hospitality (food and drink backstage) is strictly for performing comics.
MARKETING & PROMOTION:
1. Comedians are encouraged to promote the event via all social media channels.
2. Flyers promoting the event will be printed and distributed around town and online.
3. All comics agree to have their name, voice and/or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material in an effort to promote the American Laughiti event.
PRIZES:
● $5000 Grand Prize will be awarded based on a panel of judges at the live show on July 22, 2023.
● $1500 Audience Choice Award will be awarded based on in-person voting at the live show on July 22, 2023.
CONTACTS:
● Any questions or concerns should be addressed to [email protected]
● Good luck to all the comedians!!
*Organizers reserve the right to adjust, modify and/or clarify the rules of the event at any time for any reason.