2008 Woodie Awards
Laughs send top comedy act to Improv
Jessica Saggio
Issue date: 4/9/07 Section: News
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Raucous laughter was craved, panic-inducing silence was deadly and generous applause was a bonus as UCF's aspiring comedians took the stage at Wackadoo's Tuesday night for the Campus Activities Board's Amateur Comedy Night.
As students filed in and Asian doughnuts were strewn across tabletops, a group of young comics lined the back wall of the restaurant and awaited their time to shine. The comics knew that even though they were handpicked for this event, the crowd would be a challenge. Each one would bring a different style to the stage, but they all sought the same reward - laughter.
"Above all, laughter is what's best," participant Narada Owens said. "It's like money. Roaring laughter is payday, and small laughter is like holding out a mug for spare change."
With the prize of opening for a tour at the Orlando Improv, young comedians responded to fliers posted all around campus in hopes that they might have a chance to strut their stuff at the annual amateur-comedy night. In order to make the cut, the comedians had to be chosen by CAB's Comedy and Variety committee.
"When we picked comedians, we looked for comics who were young, up-and-coming, and had good material that could relate to college kids," Michael Newman, CAB's Comedy and Variety director, said.
As the night progressed, the amount of laughter proved CAB had picked the right candidates. Although nerves got the best of some performers, others brought down the house. Jokes about grocery stores, race, religion and beard trimmers brought smiles to almost every face packed into the restaurant.
"The crowd was really great," Toby Striker, another participant, relieved from finishing his set, said. "They were very receptive and open to all of our different styles."
As the night concluded, the contestants were judged on the scores from the judges and by overall applause. Nat Baimel, whose set elicited screaming applause, won the slot to open for a comedy tour at the Orlando Improv. The other contestants received a Jerry Seinfeld DVD and the opportunity to see a free show at the Improv.
As students filed in and Asian doughnuts were strewn across tabletops, a group of young comics lined the back wall of the restaurant and awaited their time to shine. The comics knew that even though they were handpicked for this event, the crowd would be a challenge. Each one would bring a different style to the stage, but they all sought the same reward - laughter.
"Above all, laughter is what's best," participant Narada Owens said. "It's like money. Roaring laughter is payday, and small laughter is like holding out a mug for spare change."
With the prize of opening for a tour at the Orlando Improv, young comedians responded to fliers posted all around campus in hopes that they might have a chance to strut their stuff at the annual amateur-comedy night. In order to make the cut, the comedians had to be chosen by CAB's Comedy and Variety committee.
"When we picked comedians, we looked for comics who were young, up-and-coming, and had good material that could relate to college kids," Michael Newman, CAB's Comedy and Variety director, said.
As the night progressed, the amount of laughter proved CAB had picked the right candidates. Although nerves got the best of some performers, others brought down the house. Jokes about grocery stores, race, religion and beard trimmers brought smiles to almost every face packed into the restaurant.
"The crowd was really great," Toby Striker, another participant, relieved from finishing his set, said. "They were very receptive and open to all of our different styles."
As the night concluded, the contestants were judged on the scores from the judges and by overall applause. Nat Baimel, whose set elicited screaming applause, won the slot to open for a comedy tour at the Orlando Improv. The other contestants received a Jerry Seinfeld DVD and the opportunity to see a free show at the Improv.