Frank hosts the Catch a NEW Rising Star Contest at Twin River in Lincoln.

The contest started again on Wednesday, February 27, 2008. For details on other comedy performances, go to Catch a Rising Star.

THE RULES

1) This contest is open to amateur performers. We’re interested in seeing new talent, but of course, the definition is open to interpretation. If you have questions about your eligibility, ask us. But as a rule of thumb, if you’re working (getting paid more than $50 per show) on a regular basis (25 shows or more in a year), then you’re not an amateur any more.

2) Sign up by contacting Frank O’Donnell (frankocomedy@cox.net or 401.447.7589) or Jim Wright (catchjimw@catcharisingstar.com or 401.265.6164). Frank O’Donnell will confirm your performance night.

3) If you get a confirmation, but find out last minute that you can’t perform, please call Frank or Jim as soon as you know, so we can free up that slot for someone else.

4) Your performance slot in the show is determined by the pulling of numbers prior to the show. If you're signed up but not there to pull your number, we’ll pulled a number for you. If you're not there to perform in that slot but do arrive later – or if you miss your introduction after having checked in – you’ll be able to perform (if you still want to) at the end of the show, but you won’t be eligible for the contest that night. If timing allows, you will be able to reschedule.

5) We’re looking for original material. You should not be using someone else’s material. Our definition of "someone else's material": a chunk of material that noticeably belongs to an established comic. For instance, if your act includes a bit from Dane Cook or Denis Leary, don't do it here. If you happen to have a line that's similar to a known comic's, or similar to another local comic, we won't quibble - we'll chalk it up to spontaneous generation, unless of course it's someone's signature line. Bottom line: it's not fair to anyone if you win on someone else's back.

6) You will have a certain amount of time to perform:

• For the first 10 weeks (qualifying rounds), each comic gets 5 minutes. At the 4½ minute mark, the red light on the light bar in front of the stage will begin to flash. At the 5 minute mark, it will go solid red. That’s your cue. You’ll have a short grace period, long enough to wrap up and say good night. Go too long, and you will be disqualified.
• For weeks 11 & 12 (semi-finals), each comic will be allowed up to 7 minutes, with a minimum of 5 minutes: flashing red light at 6½ minutes; solid red at 7 minutes. Grace period applies. Folks who go under or over will be penalized on the judges’ scorecards.
• For the finals, each comic will be expected to perform a minimum of 6 minutes up to a maximum of 8 minutes: flashing red light at 7½ minutes; solid red at 8 minutes. Grace period applies. Folks who go under or over will be penalized on the judges’ scorecards.
• WHY ALL THE EMPHASIS ON TIME? Two reasons:

a. Professional comedy performances are usually measured in chunks of time. Staying within this time limit helps show potential bookers that you’re able to pay attention to those limits.
b. By holding everyone to the same time limit, the playing field is leveled. No one can take advantage by taking extra time.

7) The Catch A New Rising Star Contest is a judged contest. In the first 10 weeks, the audience will be the judge, and will determine by its applause the week’s two winners. The host of the show and the club’s management will break any ties. Guests from the media and arts worlds will judge the semi-finals and finals – their judging will be based on material, stage presence and audience response.

8) There are certain rules of conduct and vocabulary, more for the sake of decorum than anything else. We hate to even have to mention them, but we are constantly reminded that it’s necessary:

• Keep your clothes on. No stripping on stage, especially if you’re going down to a red elephant thong.
• Don’t use the C-word. If you need to know which C-word, ask.
• Don’t use the N-word. If you need to know which N-word, ask Michael Richards.
• Using the C-word or N-word while quoting the rules on stage is not a good idea.
• The sound equipment is valuable. Please don’t abuse it – that would include banging it on the floor or the wall or a table, or dropping it intentionally, or even putting a condom on it. You break it – you own it.
• While part of the audience, you’re part of the audience. Heckling the other comics is not appreciated in any way, shape or form.
• You can tape any portion of your own performance, but be sure to ask other performers for their permission before taping theirs.
• If you are taping, you must be sure NOT to block any aisles or get in the way of the wait staff or any patrons.

9) For the record, Catch A Rising Star is a comedy club, located in a bar, located inside a casino. The casino and the club are both 18+. No performers or audience members can be under the age of 18.

10) If there is a need to disqualify your performance (going over the time limit or disregarding one of the rules in (8) above) then the disqualification will be done privately between you and the show’s host. We will rely on you to not come to the stage when it’s time for the audience to make its selection. That will save embarrassment for you and will keep from disrupting the show. If you are disqualified and decide to leave before the end of the show, that’s fine, but please be certain to settle your bar tab before you go.

11) Also for the record, we may photograph or videotape your performance and use those images for promotional purposes. By entering this contest, you are agreeing to let us do that.