Entry open for NATYS 2014 comedy showcase

Entry is now open for the NATYS, aka 'New Acts of The Year Showcase 2014'.

The NATYS, previously known as the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year, is organised by New Variety Lives (pictured). It is a comedy springboard for emerging stand-up, sketch and other comedians who are serious about their craft and have the ambition to breakthrough onto the live entertainment scene.

Established in 1983, the showcase has previously featured the likes of Linda Smith, Harry Hill, Stewart Lee, Ardal O'Hanlon, Catherine Tate, Andi Osho, Jack Whitehall, Lee Mack, Simon Day, Simon Pegg, Andrew Maxwell, Alan Davies, Ed Byrne and Russell Brand, to name but a few.

Auditions will take place in London from later in October until December, with 12 acts then invited to play the New Act of The Year 2014 Comedy Showcase and Awards Final, which will be held at the Bloomsbury Theatre on Sunday 26th January 2014.

The auditions, which are presented to the public (entry is free), will start at 7pm at Rich Mix Arts Centre in Bethnal Green on Monday 21st October, Monday 4th November, Tuesday 12th November, Monday 18th November, Tuesday 26th November and Monday 2nd December 2013.

Are you eligible to enter?

To enter you must meet the definition of a 'New Act'. That is an act that is seeking to become established on the live comedy circuit, but is not as yet a full time paid professional.

You must have been performing stand-up, comedy sketches (or any other form of comic entertainment) for a live audience for a minimum of one year.

You must have a tight 5 minute routine.

You must have recommendations or references from two professional comedy managements (agent, promoter, venue).

You must not have performed at a previous NATYS final (unless the act you're going to perform this time is entirely new).

You must be able to make an audition in London (see dates above), and be free for the final on Sunday 26th January 2014.

How to register your interest

You should register your interest by sending an email to talent coordinator Tony Goodrick at the email address at the bottom of this page. Copy and paste the following format into your email and use the subject line 'NATYS 14 APPLICATION'. There are no registration or entry fees.

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Your Details

Your Act Name:

Full Name of Main Contact:

Full Postal Address:

Daytime Landline Number:

Mobile Number:

Email Address:

Website:

Brief Description / Type of Act:

YouTube Link:

Any Other Links:

Recommendations (Two professional comedy managements, i.e. agent, promoter, venue).

Name:
Company:
Phone:
Email:

Name:
Company:
Phone:
Email:

Availibility

State any audition dates you know you cannot attend: Monday 21 October, Monday 4 November, Tuesday 12 November, Monday 18 November, Tuesday 26 November, Monday 2 December.

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Email the above information (in the above format) to newactoftheyear@gmail.com with 'NATYS 14 APPLICATION' in the subject line. Good luck!