TORONTO – CBC has a kicked off a cross-country search for the next generation of Canadian comedic talent.
CBC Comedy’s Next Up is calling on amateur comics to submit a 60-to-90-second video of their best material for the chance to win a performance slot at the 2019 Ha!ifax ComedyFest in April. Online submissions are open now through February 21, 2019.
The CBC Comedy team will review all submissions and unveil the longlist of comedians on March 1, before inviting fans to watch and vote on their favourite entries through CBC Comedy social media platforms. The shortlist will be revealed on March 20, with the final 10 entries judged by a panel of respected Canadian comedy industry members, including Daly, Juno-nominated comedian Debra DiGiovanni, and Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience). The winner will be announced on March 29.
To be eligible, entrants must not have previously worked professionally as a comedian, headlined a major festival, appeared on television or radio performing comedy, or have professional representation.
“CBC is known for its acclaimed original comedies, with hits that are winning over audiences at home and around the world including Baroness von Sketch Show, Kim’s Convenience, Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms – and we hope to continue building on this legacy with CBC Comedy’s Next Up,” said CBC Comedy senior director Michelle Daly, in the news release. “With this initiative, we are furthering our commitment to nurture Canadian talent by discovering the best new comedic voices from across the country, and offering them a platform to grow and share their talent with Canada and the world.”
