JCDC Calls Stand-Up Comedians

Are you good at telling jokes? Then the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is inviting you to enter its 2018 stand-up comedy competition.

“We know that Jamaicans love a good bellyful of laugh, so if you have the skill, you can build on it through this competition,” said Eastern Regional Manager of the JCDC, David Reid.

Stand-up comedy was added to the Speech category of the JCDC’s Festival of the Performing Arts in 2016.

Mr. Reid told JIS News that there has been growing interest in the competition. He said the JCDC recognises that comedy can be a big money earner for many Jamaicans.

“We want to maximise participation and, therefore, we have undertaken an extensive publicity campaign across the island, which includes the use of social media and workshops,” he pointed out.

The workshops, which are facilitated by one of Jamaica’s leading comedians, Owen ‘Blakka’ Ellis, are aimed at honing the skills of individuals who aspire to become professional stand-up comedians.

Mr. Reid noted that participants are not limited to any specific topic. “We want to leave it to the creativity of the individuals; they may speak on any topic (storyline). It is not our intention to limit the participants’ creativity,” he said.

Auditions are scheduled for January 15, 2018. For additional information on the competition, persons can contact the JCDC Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Office located at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre or call 960-7725.