The San Francisco Comedy Competition is one of the most prestigious comedy events in North America, launching the careers of people like Patton Oswalt and Ellen DeGeneres. It’s an outrageously funny evening, where you will see the comedy stars of tomorrow competing for their chance at fame and fortune. Hundreds of comedians audition each year to compete. Only 30 are chosen.

Many talented comedians have since emerged from this annual event to become major stars. The Comedy Competition develops its contestants by forcing them to adjust to a variety of audiences—comedy clubs, colleges, casinos and theaters—while enduring the strain of an extended road trip.

1977 Comedy Competition Champ Dana Carvey went on to “Saturday Night Live.” 1979 Champ Marsha Warfield went on to “Night Court” to star as Roz the bailiff. 1982 finalist Kevin Pollak has achieved a major film career, as has 1987 finalist Rob Schneider. Two first runners up, Ellen DeGeneres in 1985 and Mark Curry in 1989, landed their own TV series.

With this history, the San Francisco Comedy Competition has earned its reputation as an important showcase of young entertainers who will make it.