We host Stand Up Showdown, a Midwest/Iowa-Centric Comedy Contest at House of Bricks. This year (2011), the events finals are going to be on July 22 with preliminaries on July 5, 12 and 19.

Below are contest rules and how to contact us.

Prizes are $750 for first, and $250 for second. First through fifth place recieves a CASE of beer from Millstream Brewing and Third and Fourth will get an additional case from the fine brewers at Olde Main in Ames, Iowa!
Because of overwhelming interest last year, this year we will be splitting the contest among a few dates that are usually open mics at House of Bricks or AK O’Connors in Beaverdale. Each round will consist of 15 comics per night, with 4 advancing from their week to the final round. The finals will have 12 comics with one Wild Card, the next highest total score from all three rounds that did not advance. Out of these 13 comics, there will be cash prizes for first and second place, and other prizes for third fourth and fifth. Last year the place prizes included free CD’s, free Sushi Dinners, and the finest Teas money could buy. This year, let me say the prizes will be even greater, but not yet finalized. $750 goes to first place. $250 goes to second. Additionally, the group (5 place finishers) will be featured in the next comedy showcase at House of Bricks.
The stakes are high indeed, friends. This will be the largest overall prize package of any comedy contest in the state.

RULES:
Entry Fee: There is an entry fee of $10 to compete. This goes entirely to the cash prizes offered. After registration, the entry fee must be received before the preliminary round you are in in order for you to perform

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS: They will take place July 5, 12, 19 at the House of Bricks at 8 PM. These first three rounds will be judged by audience vote. Each audience member will have to vote for their top 4 comics. All comics must be registered by 6PM that evening so the ballots can be made. If someone has dropped out, I will do my utmost before then to find a replacement. I want each comic on the ballot. IF they are not on the ballot, but good, and people have to way to vote for them, this is unfair. If you do not make it on a given week, a contestant has the option of reregistering for another week. Contestants on a given week will not be disclosed to other contestants. Entry for non-contestants will be $3. This money goes to the cash prizes offered. Each Comic gets 5 Minutes. Going over time by more than 10 seconds will result in disqualification. There will be no post-contest involving rap, your-mama jokes, dozens, or Latin conjugation.

Only melee weapons will be approved for Stand Up Showdown. Ranged Weapons must be limited to throwing stars/needles only. Contestants using Kusarigama or sickles will be disqualified and forced to commit seppuku.

FINALS: Will be judged by a panel of 3 judges and the audience. The total points available from the judges will be 30. 10 for Originality of material 10 for stage presence and delivery and 10 for Audience response. The total audience vote will be weighted by a factor of 30 for a total of 60 points between the two. The highest score wins. Entry for non-contestants will be $7. Each Comic gets 7 minutes. Going over by more than 10 seconds will be disqualification.

While contestants are allowed to make use of supernatural creatures/ spirit beasts/ guardian forces/ junctioning system/ materia, rapping skeletons are strictly forbidden on principal and will be exorcised promptly.

ELIGIBILITY: The contest is open to any persons, who are current or former residents of the state of Iowa or who live in a directly bordering state. Because of the dramatic change in the prize package, last years winners are also eligible to compete in any capacity. Any age will be welcome, except babies because that is ridiculous and you’re silly for suggesting it. Persons under 21+ must, because of state laws regarding the presence of minors in bars, perform before 9 PM.

TO ENTER: Message on Facebook to Dan Umthun or email daniel.t.umthun@hotmail.com Please include name and number and the week you want to perform, and the alternate week, if the first is not available, you would like to perform. As of the time you read this, signup is officially open.

SPONSORS

The fine people at Millstream Brewing out of Amana, and the fine people at Olde Main Brewing and Restaurant in Ames have graciously donated some of their fine, Iowa original craft brews to our winners. Clearly, comics are funnier with beer, doubly so if they just won a comedy contest, and no beers are better than fine Iowa craft beers! We can’t thank them enough for how gracious they are, or for the amazing public service, nay, holy calling that they have answered in producing excellent brew!