The time of year has come for Austin's best comedians to compete for the Funniest Person in Austin Contest. Since April 1, more than 200 veterans — and newcomers — of stand-up comedy have battled it out on the stage of Cap City, but now only 13 people remain in competition in the finals.
The names of finalists performing Monday, May 19 at Cap City Comedy Club for the 29th annual Funniest Person in Austin include:
Kath Barbadoro
Duncan Carson
Joe Tullar
Raul Sanchez
Annie Lieber
Maggie Maye
Ralph Hardesty
Cody Hustak
Derek Phelps
Ryan Cownie
Lashonda Lester
Caroline Bassett
Nate Sinclair
The finals will be hosted Mac Blake, winner of the 2013 Funniest Person in Austin Contest, who will pass on the crown to this year's funniest person living within the Austin city limits.
But the winner gets more than just a fancy crown and cape. At stake is a prize of $2,500, along with a special chance to perform a live showcase in front of talent scouts for Comedy Central, 3 Arts Entertainment and Mosaic Entertainment.
That’s an opportunity that Margie Coyle, general manager of Cap City, believes makes the competition an important institution in Austin’s comedy scene.
“Comics in Los Angeles and New York can perform for years and go completely unnoticed by the likes of Comedy Central and the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival [in Montreal],” Coyle tells CultureMap. “The Austin comedy scene has proven itself worthy enough for talent executives from these entities and more, to come see what Austin has to offer in the world of stand-up comedy. The FPIA final night is one of the best nights of our year!”
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The FPIA Finals take place Monday, May 19 at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale for $15-$19.
Who will walk through these doors as the 2014 Funniest Person in Austin? Find out on Monday, May 19.
Euro Igloos are decked out and cozy, providing a refuge for up to 10 guests.
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