CBC on the hunt for amateur comics with new cross-country contest

TORONTO – CBC is on the hunt for undiscovered comedic talent.

The public broadcaster says the winner of its new contest — CBC Comedy’s Next Up — gets a performance slot at the Halifax ComedyFest in April.

To be eligible, entrants must not have previously worked professionally as a comedian, headlined a major festival, appeared on television or radio performing comedy, or have professional representation.

Interested applicants are asked to upload short video at cbc.ca/nextup before Feb. 21. The CBC Comedy team will announce a long list March 1, and will then invite the public to vote on favourite entries through CBC social media platforms.

A short list will be revealed March 20, with the final 10 entries to be judged by a panel including comics Debra DiGiovanni and “Kim’s Convenience” actor Andrew Phung.

The winner will be announced March 29.