Few alliterations get 25 to 34 year olds off quite like "Comedy Central." The majesty of 24/7 comedy occupies a special place in our hearts and flatscreens unless, of course, you were at the Palm Beach Improv last night, because that's where the channel also came to life. It was basically the same thing as Indian in the Cupboard, but funnier. The West Palm comedy club was selected by Comedy Central to participate in the network's answer to Last Comic Standing, the Up Next Talent Search.
The NCAA-style tournament is wrapping up the first round of the competition which started with over 200 participants throwing their hats into the ring at 26 different clubs around the country. Included in these numbers were ten comics each used to performing at the Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale improvs. Rene Harte, owner of both clubs, sees the value this type of exposure can bring to the South Florida comic scene, "to have Comedy Central come to us to participate is an honor for the club. But really, it's the comedians that I am happy for. This is a huge opportunity for them."
The Improv's audience was treated to ten local comedians giving it their all in perfectly crafted seven minute sets. Judged on originality, delivery, and performance, each comic gave it their best shot. After all, this night in particular came with a little more excitement than your average open mic. It was for Comedy Central, for Christ's sake! The almost unanimous winner was Dan Decotiis whose impeccable delivery and Mitch Hedberg-esque jokes turned seven minutes into pure smiles.
Last week, Nhan Du took home the gold at the Fort Lauderdale round, but the good news is this is just the beginning. Next up, is the Southeastern US Regionals and we're lucky enough to fave them right in our backyard at Hollywood's Fort Lauderdale Improv.
In the end, the winner of the final round will walk away with $2,500, in cash, start planning an appearance on a future Comedy Central stand-up series, and probably a shit-ton of new Twitter followers. It's entirely possible the reigning champ could come from South Florida. With all the 'Flori-duh' embarrassing news bits raining on us, wouldn't it be nice to make the news for something a little more prideful? Let's give the world something to really laugh at. Who's in?
Regionals are on October 23 at 8 p.m., at the Fort Lauderdale Improv, 5700 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Tickets are $12, plus a two-drink minimum. Call 954-981-5653, or visit improvftl.com or cc.com/upnext.
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