NBC Diversity Standup Auditions

Being a bit later in life into comedy, I hate the showbiz industry cattle-call auditions that essentially take you through so many hoops that only those with the best luck, talent, and ability to cling to a sliver of hope possibly make it through.

I still found myself in line for the NBC Diversity Standup audition at the San Francisco Punch Line Comedy Club. I had debated with myself over showing up for this audition. Essentially NBC was going to permit the first 100 folks to do a 1 minute audition. This means that people line up early - real early, sometimes 12 hours early so they can be in line for this audition. At the end of the 12 hours you get a 1 minute performance. Assuming you pass this performance, the next gate is a 3-minute competition round that afternoon, followed by a 5-minute competition round that evening which is taped and sent to some faceless executives who can then determine who to invite to Los Angeles that winter.

However daunting this sounds, this is about the fairest showbiz audition I have seen structured. In many cases industry auditions are held and there are no callbacks or any feedback for months. Also for this NBC audition, presumably you can email/call early and avoid the 1st round which is by far the most daunting.

For one thing anyone can show up for the 1 minute round. By Noon which was the call-time for the 1st round, the line at the San Francisco Punch Line looked like it was at the American Consulate in Tijuana. Every possibly minority was represented along with a few Anglo-Saxon Republicans eager to show that they were as diverse as any.

The event was well-organized, eventually about 50 open call folks showed up. The 1-minute auditions were run through well and it seemed the judges were listening. I did not find my name in the final list (bummer!) but then again I had a great 1-minute set and after the show other comics were surprised that I had not made the cut.

I suspect it could be because eventually the entire show (over all the metros after several months) nets out to "1" (yes ONE) comic who gets a scholarship with NBC. I possibly did not fit the mold for that "1" comic in the mind of the judges. It was a beautiful day in San Francisco and after being in line all morning, I did not mind getting the afternoon off. In the evening I got to spend time with my wife watching the latest Harry Potter.

I am glad I still went. In the comedy journey, this was one morning that makes me wiser, and bolder, which is much needed in comedy.