The Andy Kaufman Memorial Trust, in partnership with famed New York comedy club, Caroline's, has announced it will now be accepting entries for "The Fifth Annual Andy Kaufman Award Show" set for November 3 at Caroline's on Broadway in New York City. The talent competition is historically more than just a showcase for up and coming comedians. It is also a celebration of the life and work of legendary performer, Andy Kaufman. This year's show will be especially poignant as 2009 is the 25th anniversary of the comic's passing.
Interested contestants must submit a DVD recording of their performance of original material. The performance must not exceed six minutes. The deadline for entries is October 2, 2009. Entries will be qualified and evaluated by a panel of industry professionals. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, spirit, and execution. The use of vulgarity or scatological language will not enhance a contestant's chance of winning because, according to the producers, neither is considered inherently original nor creative. From the submissions, a group of semi-finalists will be chosen to perform in New York on Monday, November 2. The six most promising performers will then be chosen to perform before a live audience and panel of industry judges at "The Fifth Annual
Andy Kaufman Award Show" on Tuesday, November 3 at Caroline's. A single winner will be selected during the show, which will feature a celebrity host. The winner of The
Andy Kaufman Award will receive a cash prize of $2500, an artistic, personalized trophy, post-event publicity and stage time at Caroline's.
Contestants must submit an entry form, which can be found on the official website,
www.theandykaufmanaward.com.
Kaufman's brother, Michael, explains the type of contestant he's looking for. "We're looking for trailblazers, creative thinkers, those performers who are willing to go out on the skinny branches and take risks with an audience."
Louis Faranda, the general manager and entertainment director for Caroline's adds, "The
Andy Kaufman Award not only serves to pay tribute and to honor Andy's creative spirit and his genius, it also provides new and emerging talent with an excellent platform from which to showcase their talents and to gain valuable exposure in front of key industry representatives, including talent agents, managers and club bookers."
Suzanne Whang received the first
Andy Kaufman Award in 2004, and was previously recognized as "Best Up and Coming Comedian" in Las Vegas. She is now host of HGTV's, "House Hunters." Whang has also appeared in numerous television series.
A finalist during the first year, Kristin Schaal, received The Award in 2005. Schaal credits the award as the major catalyst for what is now a successful career. She can now be seen on HBO's acclaimed series, "Flight of the Conchords" and was also featured on "Mad Men." She was named "One of the Top 10 Funniest New Yorkers You Never Heard Of," by
New York Magazine, and she has also won HBO's "Best Alternative Comedian."
Comedian-musician, Reggie Watts won The Award in 2006. An international touring comedian, Watts recently sold out all ten shows at The Sydney Festival 2009.
Brent Weinbach received The Award in 2007. He is the creator and star of the SuperDeluxe.com web series, "Weinbach in Wonderland."
The previous winners of The
Andy Kaufman Award are featured in a "Winners Hall of Fame" on the website www.theandykaufmanaward.com. Their bios, photos and links to performances can be viewed on the site. The website also features the video submissions of the 2009 contestants, links to video performances of
Andy Kaufman and a virtual "Press Room."
"The Award has been a launching pad for past winners, all of whom have credited The Award as a key to achieving success and moving their careers to the next level," says Faranda. "The Award recognizes someone who doesn't try to fit into a box, just as Andy never attempted to match any existing concept of comedy," states Kaufman. "
Andy Kaufman's work provoked a variety of responses in addition to laughter. He would often move an audience to confusion, anger, bewilderment or disbelief - as well as laughter - all within a single act. Contestants should keep in mind that it's not just about an easy joke."
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