SA Comic's Choice Awards 2011
On 22 January, 2011, the first annual SA Comic's Choice Awards will be held, at which local comedians will be awarded by their peers. Montecasino's Teatro will play host to the all-star show, at which the awards will be presented.
The show will include a line-up of South Africa's most loved comedians in a night out with music, sketch, stand-up comedy from the winners and madness in the wings, with Mark Banks, Tumi Morake, Kate Normington, Shimmy Isaacs, Robert Whitehead and others supplying the laughs.
"The South African Comedy Industry has seen unprecedented growth in stature in recent years. Stand-up comedy arena tours by local artists have out-grossed visiting international artists, and television and radio are becoming increasingly populated by these outspoken performers." We are delighted to have received over 90 registrations from comics all around the country and this is a brilliant representation, from newcomers to lifetime achievers (over 25 years experience)," said organiser, Taffia Keight.
An upmarket awards evening
"Our thinking on the Comic's Choice was to create an upmarket awards evening, but not the usual three hour, black tie, podium and endless formalities - we believe that letting the comedians choose the winners, and staging a fantastic show over which we give out five awards, would be a great way to recognise excellence in this industry."
The voting period is from 6 December, 2010, to 10 January, 2011. The South African Comic's Choice Awards allow comedians to nominate their peers, while the public will decide who takes home the first ever Audience Choice Award.
Local comedians will register and vote
Via the sophisticated and secure online system, local comedians will register and vote in the four "closed" categories, namely: Newcomer; Breakthrough Act; Comics Choice - Comic of the Year; Lifetime Achiever.
The public will then be invited from 6 December to vote for their favourite act (Audience choice) via SMS. (Check The Times newspaper, listen to KayaFM 95.9, watch MTV base or go online at www.comicschoice.co.za for more information on how to vote).
Once the votes have been counted by the system, honorary life members with 25 or more years of experience in performing comedy, "The Elders", will announce the top four nominees in each category at the press lunch to be held on 13 January, 2011, at Parkers Comedy & Jive, Montecasino.
Tickets are limited, and available at Computicket from R235.
