Win a chance to perform stand-up comedy at the Improv at Harrah's Las Vegas

On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, in conjunction with the Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD release of Universal Studios' critically-acclaimed movie Funny People, Budd Friedman and Mark Lonow's Improv at Harrah's Las Vegas will begin its hunt to find the next funniest person in the country. This contest will offer one aspiring comic the opportunity of a lifetime as he or she will perform on stage at the Improv at Harrah's Las Vegas over a six-night run sometime in 2010.

"My monocle has spotted some of the brightest stars the comedy world has to offer, names like Jay Leno, Sarah Silverman and Adam Sandler," said Improv founding partner, Budd Friedman. "This contest will allow someone a chance to prove to me and the rest of the comedy world that they have what it takes to perform under the lights at the Improv - the best place in the world to see stand-up comedy."

In order to enter, contestants need to record at least one-minute of their funniest original material and upload that video to the dedicated area at ijoke.com (to ensure the video gets placed into the right location, be certain to select "Funny People" in the drop-down category selector). All video entries need to be uploaded by Tuesday, December 8, 2009, before midnight (Pacific Time). A panel of professional comics and otherwise hilarious people will select the top five videos that were received during the two-week period. These five videos will then be posted to ijoke.com no later than December 14, 2009, where the public will determine the winner. Visitors to the site will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite video only one time, per computer, so friends and family are encouraged to spread the word. The voting period will end on December 20, 2009 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Once the votes have been tallied, the three finalists will be notified and flown to Las Vegas where they will perform their material on stage at the Improv at Harrah's in front of a live audience - and a panel of judges - who will determine the winner. The top prize is the opportunity to perform over a six-night run on state at The Improv at Harrah's Las Vegas at some point in 2010. Visit ijoke.com for official rules.

About the Improv at Harrah's Las Vegas
Celebrating nearly 15 years at Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Budd Friedman and Mark Lonow's Improv remains the funniest room in Sin City. Guests enjoy the fresh comedy of an ever-changing rotation featuring at least three of the industry's top comics each week. In 2009, The Improv at Harrah's Las Vegas was named again as the "Best Comedy Club" in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's coveted "Best of Las Vegas" poll and received the same honor from Casino Player magazine. Renowned performers such as Jay Leno, Bette Midler, Robin Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Wayne Brady, George Lopez, Drew Carey, Billy Crystal, Rosie O'Donnell, Tim Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, Liza Minnelli, Ellen DeGeneres, Adam Sandler, Blake Clark, Sarah Silverman and Jim Carey have graced one of The Improv stage's as a launching pad for their celebrated careers. Performances at the Improv are 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $29.05 plus tax or $44.95 plus tax for a VIP ticket (includes prime seating, meet and greet, and t-shirt) and are available online or at Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino box office. For more information and reservations call (702) 369-5223 or visit the website. For reservations for groups of 15 or more call (702) 349-6315. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About iJoke.com
iJoke.com is the creation of Budd Friedman, the man who literally invented the stand-up comedy club when he opened the original Improv in 1963. iJoke is a video upload and Internet destination for those in the comedy community. By using the latest in up-loadable Internet technology, iJoke.com brings the ancient art of joke telling into more modern times. iJoke.com boasts a rich, exciting and entertaining suite of user friendly, interactive sections. Members have the ability to post their own photo galleries, write their own blogs, instant message iJoke.com members and create their own web page and profile to share with their friends. Remember, at iJoke.com there's no cover at the door, and the only thing you need at a minimum is a sense of humor.

Funny People Home Entertainment release
Critically-acclaimed writer, director and producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) takes audiences on a hilarious and revealing look at the world of stand-up comedy with the story of George Simmons, a famous comedian who is given a second chance at life in Funny People, coming to two-disc Blu-Ray^TM Hi-Def, two-disc Collector's Edition DVD, single-disc DVD and digital download on November 24, 2009 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. All versions deliver even more heartfelt laughs with both the original theatrical movie and a never-before-seen unrated film. The two-disc Blu-ray and DVD versions are also packed with bonus features created especially for home entertainment audiences by Judd Apatow and his entire production team, including actual footage of Adam Sandler's and Apatow's personal prank phone calls, additional stand-up comedy performances by the cast, and in-depth video diaries chronicling the filmmaking process. With two versions of the movie, and an incredible array of hilarious bonus features crafted just for fans, Funny People on DVD and Blu-rayTM promises to be the ultimate comedy experience and a must-have gift this holiday season.

About Harrah's Las Vegas
Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (a Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. property) is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip on 17.3 acres of land. Its 2,530 guest rooms feature amenities including high-speed Internet access, entire floors for non-smoking guests and 24-hour room service. The gaming space of more than 87,000 square feet is a playground that accommodates novices and beginners alike. Sports fans can enjoy the sports pit downstairs and hearty favorites Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill. Fine diners have the option of enjoying an elegant dinner and extensive wine selection at The Range Steakhouse. Entertaining shows are offered throughout the day into the early morning hours. For more information visit www.harrahs.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.