Las Vegas Comedy Festival, trade show begins Wednesday

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002 | 8:30 a.m.

Organizers are preparing for the first "Las Vegas Comedy Festival," to be held at the Stardust Wednesday through Sunday.

Spokesman Stephen Flynn says the four-day event will be a mix of comedy festival, convention and tradeshow.

It will provide educational seminars such as how to hone your skills as a late-night talk show host.

Other topics to be covered include how to hire an agent, marketing and stand-up comedy tips.

There will also be keynote speakers, panel discussions and an awards dinner.

The festival is open to the public. Admission prices to the various events in the festival include $40 for keynote luncheons, $20 for comedy showcases, $20 for comedy-after parties and $10 for the trade show.

Comedians Mark Allen and Steve Caito created the festival, in part to seek out the best comedians in the country and to bring them to Las Vegas to perform during the event.

The search began June 6 in Los Angeles, when the first of 30 elimination contests was held. Competitions were held in 11 cities.

Entrants performed in seven categories, including seniors (open to contestants ages 65 years and older); mainstream stand-up (18 through 65); teen (13 through 17); youth (6 through 12); college (18 through 64); original parody or comedy song (18 through 64) and props (ventriloquists, magicians, jugglers, 18 through 64).

During the festival, winners in the various categories will perform on stages at the Fremont Street Experience and at the Stardust.

Final winners of the competition will be announced at a banquet during the festival.

For more information about events and prices, call 736-6595 or go to the event's website at lasvegascomedyfestival.com.