For the fifth year, the Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (VACT) is presenting Etch-Your-SketchOff, a sketch comedy competition with a cultural twist. Participating teams will pull all their funny wits together and come up with eight to 10 minutes sketches that incorporate two random factors selected by the organizers and showcase their talents in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges. So do you think you have the chops to compete for the Rice Bowl and the People’s Choy Award?
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to test out my funny muscles in the very same event. The Asian comedy community is a tight nit, yet embracing group. Sure, it might have been called a competition with a $500 cash prize and every team wanted to win. But the main purpose amongst the actors, writers and production team was to work together and put on a hilarious show. There is camaraderie in comedy, despite the competitiveness.
VACT has been the nurturing ground for many young performers and artists in Vancouver. Annual events such as Etch-Your-Sketchoff have been the springboard for many talented prospects. But with art funding in a decline, the world of live entertainment is compromised. So take this opportunity and support the comedy and theatre scene.
Join the competition for a wonderful experience or come on out to the show and enjoy some of the funniest comedy in the city. The deadline for the early bird registration is Friday, March 15, 2013 for $35. Late registration fee is $50.
ELIGIBILITY
1. Each Team may designate up to a maximum of 7 members comprising Writer(s), Director(s), Producer(s) and/or Performer(s), excluding a Stage Manager.
2.Of the writers, directors, producers and performers, 50% of the Team must be of Asian* heritage.
3. At least one principal performer must be of Asian* heritage
4. The writers, directors, producers, and performers can participate as a member on only one Team.
5. Teams must provide their own props, costumes and audio (if applicable).
6.Executive members of VACT are ineligible to compete.
*Asian heritage refers to people from the Far East (e.g. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese), Southeast Asia (e.g. Cambodian, Filipino, Indonesian, Laotian, Vietnamese, and Malaysian) and the Indian Subcontinent (e.g. Punjabi, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani).
Please note that Asian heritage is determined by race or colour – not by place of birth or nationality.
Performances will take place on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, 2013 8pm nightly at the Roundhouse Theatre. Tickets are $20 advance purchase and $23 at the door. To register please contact info@vact.ca or visit www.vact.ca