Charleston club hosts contest to find Mountain State's funniest person

CHARLESTON -- The Comedy Zone will start its month-long quest to find the funniest person in the Mountain State.

The competition will start today. Amateur comedians from West Virginia and surrounding areas will compete for a chance to win the title.

Each week's two top performers will advance to the final showdown June 11. If a contestant does not win in the first week he/she performs, they can perform again based on the requirements to perform.

"Our state is full of talented and funny individuals who need a chance to perform," said Dennis Harris, Comedy Zone manager in a news release. "We get calls weekly from amateur comedians in the area wanting a stage to perform on. This is our opportunity to fill a need in the area."

The Final Showdown winner will get paid emcee time during future Comedy Zone Charleston shows. The winner also receives a paid gig at one of the famous Comedy Zone locations around the country and will be reviewed by the agents at Heffron Talent.

"This could be a huge break for a talented comedian," stated Melissa Stricker, director of marketing for the Comedy Zone. "Heffron Talent provides comedians to over 75 locations throughout the country, getting to perform in more than one location and to get paid doing it could be a life-changing break for someone in our area."

The five-week competition will be every Wednesday and is open to the public. Admission is $5 per person (18 and older) and a full menu is available. Go to www.comedyzonecharleston.com for more details.