Aspiring comedians will have the chance to be treated like professionals for one night.

Inside Joke Productions will host the Best in the Midwest Amateur Comedy Competition at Grumpy Dave’s Pub on Friday, April 23. The first of 15 performers are scheduled to hit the stage at 9 p.m.

The contest is open to any amateur including University students, said Tim Hoyt, operation and acquisition manager of Inside Joke Productions.

The winner will receive $100 in cash. Second and third places will receive $40 and $20 gift certificates to Grumpy Dave’s Pub located above Easy Street Café at 104 S. Main St.

A fee of $5 is required for all entrants.

Steve Sabo, owner of Inside Joke Productions, said the competition will give nonprofessional comedians the prospect to test their comical skills in front of a live audience.

“It’s an opportunity for somebody that hasn’t done comedy before, [or] has only done comedy a couple of times, to actually get some stage time,” Sabo said.

The winner will be decided by a panel of three judges, one of which will be a random audience member. Grumpy Dave will be the tie-breaking vote if necessary.

Sabo said the winner will not be guaranteed a comedy deal or future shows. Yet, that night’s comedy champ will be awarded professional advice, such as writing and presenting advice, in hopes to get show time in the future.

For more details contact Inside Joke Productions at 419-866-1642 or e-mail [email protected].