Amateur comedians wanted in Sonoma

Sonoma Laughfest organizer Brooke Tansley is offering a safe and friendly evening for anyone who’s ever been told they’re funny to give stand-up a try.

The winner will earn two all-show passes and a spot at Sonoma Laughfest 2017, a three-night comedy festival featuring more than 50 comedians from Amy Poehler’s Upright Citizens Brigade – hailing from such cities as Los Angeles, New York and the Bay Area – in three evening binge-watches of stand-up, improv and sketch comedy.

Scheduled to appear in Sonoma, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg this year are comedians who’ve been on such shows as “Parks and Recreation,” “Veep,” “Californication,” “The Mindy Project,” “Modern Family,” “Inside Amy Schumer” and other shows.

Past “best new stand up” winners include Sonoma Valley High School students Tessa Hope Morgan, who recently worked with Transcendence Theatre Company, and Campbell Martin, who’s headed to UCLA this fall. Competitors will have five minutes each to share their flavor of funny and the audience will chose a winner. New Standups Night has featured funny locals of all ages, sharing many life experiences, and continues to be a local celebration of courage in an encouraging environment.

This year’s show will also feature a guest appearance and sneak peek of Sonoma Laughfest returning favorites, and comedy band Erin & MeLissa, who will be performing at Sonoma Laughfest 2017.

Locals wishing to signup for New Stand-ups Night on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Snug at Murphy’s Irish Pub can do so at SonomaLaughfest.com. Anyone can cheer them on for $5 at the door.

The festival, Sonoma Laughfest, runs Oct. 13 at the Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma, Oct. 14 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, and Oct. 15 at the Raven in Healdsburg. Tickets are $27 online or $32 at the door.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased at SonomaLaughfest.com.