What is the Jive Funny Championship?
The Jive Funny Championship is a competition looking for South Africa’s next hilarious comedian. For years the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival has brought acts from all over world to perform on its stage, but it has also shown us a range of amazing local comedic talents.
One of the objectives of this festival is to discover young up-and-coming comedians from Cape Town and give them a chance to show off their funny alongside the star-studded cast.
This competition will be open to everyone to enter – from the people who keep their friends laughing, those who create funny videos online, to the undiscovered comedians playing the stand-up underground circuit. The Jive Funny Championship competition will run from 7 May – 4 June 2022. The prize is R5000 and a chance to perform at the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival 2022 (starting 6 June 2022). So, do you think you’re funny?
Who can enter JFC?
Anyone. All you have to be is a permanent resident of South Africa and you must be at least 18 years or older.
Am I funny enough?
The answer is generally YES! You will never know until you give it a go. The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival audiences are incredibly supportive and warm. What’s the worst that can happen? People laugh? That’s the point!
I’ve participated in the competition before, can I enter again?
If you’ve been in a Stand-Up comedy competition before or when participated under any of the other previous names, you can enter again.
Do I need any stage experience before entering?
Absolutely not! Many successful Stand Up Comedy competition contestants had their first bit of stage time at the competition. In saying that, practice can help. So, if you want to practise in front of an audience, please try these open mic gigs
Does it cost to enter?
No. The Jive Funny Championship is free to enter.
I’ve submitted my registration, what now?
After you’ve submitted your registration form, you will receive a confirmation email stating if you’ve been selected or not.
What should I do to prepare?
Make sure you have your 3 minutes (or less) of original material prepared and know what you’re going to say before you head out on stage. Writing your set-list down is a good idea. Practice your lines, even if that means reciting in front of the mirror. Performing live is different to what you see online, it’s highly recommended to head along to some live gigs.
What do I do on the day?
Arrive at the venue at the time requested, generally an hour prior to your event starting, and do your best to keep nerves down during the day. Give yourself every chance to do your best!
What are the judges looking for?
There is no formal, structured way of “marking” or “scoring”. Judges are instructed to identify performers with potential for creative achievement. Who looks like they could have a career in comedy? Who could be a possible star of the future?
Some of the things they look out for are quality and originality of material, performance skills and audience response. For more information head to the judges’ policy page.
Can my friend record my set at the heat?
Your friend can’t record your set on their phone.
If I make it to the finals, do I have to prepare a new 3 minutes of material?
No! You don’t need to prepare a new set when heading through to the finals. In saying that, if you wish to change certain jokes or structure, you’re more than welcome to do so. Though it’s best to keep in mind that the judges put you through for a reason, it’s probably best to stay close to your original set.
Who can I talk to for more info?
Email jivefunnychampionship@gmail.com or whatsapp 078 630 3749 if you have any other queries.