By snoadmin
At the peak of semester stress, a little laugh can do the body good.
Just before the kick-off of fall semester finals, Associated Students Inc. and the University Student Union Program Council held auditions Monday for the first Comedy Night at The Nugget Grill and Pub, which will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The semi-open mic night will feature a variety of comedic types, including musical and stand-up acts. Fernando Dehonor, a junior aerospace engineering major and program consultant for ASI, said the evening is designed for pure entertainment.
“It’s supposed to be for fun,” Dehonor said. “Have a laugh, enjoy it, relax. No one is a professional. We wanted to do [this] for the students.”
The first round of auditions started Monday evening with fresh talent. With inhibitions set aside and a little shake in her hands, sophomore communication studies major Megann Jenkins started her comedy audition with an anecdote about her Thanksgiving weekend. Jenkins was the first to audition.
“I just wanted to come and make someone laugh,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins was originally planning on auditioning in a duo act with a friend, who changed her mind at the last minute. Deciding to go it alone, Jenkins said the inspiration for her material derives from her regular routine.
“Just my life,” Jenkins said. “Things that happen to me on the daily.”
Senior communication studies major Michael Olivier ended the auditions night with classic one-liners.
“This is my first stand-up show ever,” Olivier said. “My biggest inspirations right now are Mitch Hedberg and Louis C.K.”
Both students are scheduled to perform at Wednesday night’s show. Audience members who want to join in on the fun will be allowed to sign up on the night of the event.
“We give enough time for everyone to fit in,” Dehonor said. “Because it’s semi-open mic, we will have people there adding other performers.”
Because only Jenkins and Olivier were able to audition Monday night, Dehonor said the event will accept applicants the night of the event to keep things fair.
“The auditions are to make sure no one crosses the line and offends anyone,” Dehonor said.
Student assistants will be on hand to register new acts and have the comedians sign release forms and waivers. The light-hearted night will be in sheer fun, leaving room for some aspects of the event to be changed for future events, Dehonor said.
“We’re still working out the kinks,” Dehonor said. “We are testing out the waters to see what the students react to.”
The evening will kick off with introductions by Cal State Long Beach alumnus Andy Kneis, an up-and-coming comedian.
Students interested in performing are encouraged to attend the event and may contact Fernando Dehonor at (562) 985-5342 with questions, comments or concerns.
