Looking for funniest diverse comics.

“In response to NBC Universal’s tremendous success in 2006 with the “Stand-Up for Diversity” open calls and showcases, this year’s nationwide search for the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds will expand to target five major U.S. cities beginning in Orlando June 10, 2007,” announced Marc Hirschfeld, Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment.

“Last year was a true testament to NBC Universal’s commitment to showcasing and exposing fresh diverse talent to entertainment industry in Hollywood. Our grass roots efforts have proven to be successful which is why we are adding more cities to the tour, confirming our priority of exposing key industry players to some of America’s funniest diverse comics,” stated Hirschfeld.

Bill Bellamy has agreed to be the celebrity spokesperson for the tour. “I’m honored to be a part of ‘Stand-Up for Diversity.’ I’m excited that NBC Universal is making an effort to further their diversity efforts, ” stated Bellamy.

OPEN CALL – The “Stand-Up for Diversity” tour will begin on Sunday, June 10 at Bonkerz Comedy Club in Universal Studios Orlando’s famous CityWalk. Auditions will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. Bonkerz, known throughout the week as CityJazz, is located at 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819. The first 100 comedians will have the opportunity to perform a one-minute stand-up set (early arrival is strongly recommended). A small group of semi-finalists will be asked to return later in the day to perform a longer set for callbacks and the finalists will perform their original material at the NBC Universal sponsored showcase that same evening.

LIVE SHOWCASE- A live showcase will be held at Bonkerz on Sunday, June 10 at 8:00 p.m. (free and open to the public). Florida natives are encouraged to come out and support their local comics as audience response will be a factor in determining which comic(s) will be selected for the ‘Best of “Stand-Up for Diversity”‘ showcase to be held in Los Angeles this fall.

Many of the comics from last year’s ‘Best of “Stand-Up for Diversity”‘ showcase in New York City signed with top Hollywood agents and met with the entertainment industry’s leading casting directors and executives. Three of the performers were among the 20 comics selected to participate in the prestigious “Aspen U.S. Comedy Arts Festival.”

Additionally, two of the three comics were sent by NBC to the NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) where one booked a record 33 college appearances for the coming year.

Top prize went to comedian Na’im Lynn who was signed to a one-year holding deal with the network. His showcase performance also caught the eye of agents at APA and managers at 3 Arts Entertainment who have both signed him as a client.

Over the course of the next several months, “Stand-Up for Diversity” open calls and showcases will be held at The Comedy Underground in Seattle (WA) on July 13 and 14, The Punchline Comedy Club in San Francisco (CA) on August 12, Cap City Comedy Club in Austin (TX) on October 14, and Caroline’s Comedy Club in New York City (NY) on November 7. The New York City showcase will serve as the kick-off event of the New York Comedy Fest. The finalist showcase will take place in Los Angeles in early December at which another talent holding deal with NBC Universal will be awarded, a new partnership with NACA will be unveiled and other exciting prizes will be presented.