Arts & Entertainment

Diverse talent called to audition for StandUp NBC

Published

5 years ago

March 11, 2020

Calling all queer comics: NBC wants you!

The network is reaching out to spread the word to diverse comedians across the nation about its 2020 StandUp auditions, to be held in Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas.

Now in its 17^thyear, StandUp NBC is the network’s annual nationwide search for stand-up talent from diverse backgrounds. Among its famous alumbi are Tone Bell (“Little”), Michelle Buteau (“First Wives Club”), W. Kamau Bell (CNN’s “United Shades of America”), Deon Cole (“Grown-ish”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Hasan Minhaj (“Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”), Amanda Seales (“Insecure”) and Dulcé Sloan (“The Daily Show”).

Each of the host cities (except Chicago) will be the location of a first round open call, followed by call backs, and culminating in a semi-final event, headlined by last year’s winners, Rene Vaca and out bisexual comedian Franqi French. All five cities will also offer online video submissions, allowing aspiring comics to submit a recent two-minute performance instead of making the trip for the first round in person.

The prize for winning StandUp NBC is a talent holding deal with NBCUniversal and a headlining spot at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) annual convention, an event that brings together talent bookers from across the country.

Dates and submission windows are as follows:

Chicago
Semi-finalist Showcase: June 14
Online Submission Window: March 27 – April 19 (Only accepting online submissions in Chicago)

Los Angeles (Oxnard)
Online Submission Window: April 10 – May 3
First Round Open Call: June 30
Semi-finalist Showcase: July 1

Atlanta
Online Submission Window: April 24 – May 17
First Round Open Call: July 18
Semi-finalist Showcase: July 19

New York City
Online Submission Window: May 23 – June 14
First Round Open Call: August 15
Semi-finalist Showcase: August 17

Dallas
Online Submission Window: June 6 – July 12
First Round Open Call: September 12
Semi-finalist Showcase: September 13

For more information about StandUp NBC, visit NBCUniTIPS.com.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

Published

2 days ago

May 25, 2025

Michael Key

Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)