Stand-Up Comedy Competition

(Online and Offline Mode)

1. Introduction:

Stand-Up Comedy is a vibrant and impactful performance art that blends humour, storytelling, social commentary, and personal narrative. As part of the Modern Pythian Games, Stand-Up Comedy Competitions aim to promote global cultural dialogue, inclusion, and freedom of creative expression across all communities, including persons with disabilities.

2. International Naming Variations:

Stand-up comedy is recognized worldwide under various terms:

• United States / UK / Canada – Stand-Up Comedy

• India – Haasya Kala / Hasya Vyangya

• France – Humour sur scène

• Spain / Latin America – Comedia en Vivo

• Germany – Stand-up Kabarett

• Japan – Owarai

• Middle East – Fann Al-Tarfeeh

• Africa (Anglophone regions) – Live Comedy

• Russia – Stendap

3. Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Categories:

  • Juniors: 14 to 17 years

  • Youth: 18 to 25 years

  • Adults: 26 to 45 years

  • Seniors: 46 years and above

• Open for All Genders and Backgrounds.

• Special Category for Differently-Abled/Para Artists
  Visual, hearing, mobility impaired, neurodivergent comedians can perform in their preferred medium (spoken word, sign comedy, audio visuals, or aided speech).

• Languages:
  Participants can perform in their national/regional language. English subtitles may be provided where possible for international audiences.

• Entry Requirements:
  Submit audition video (online) or register on-site (offline).
  Duration: 3 to 5 minutes for auditions; 5 to 10 minutes for final performances.

4. Competition Types:

• Solo Performance (Main Category)
• Duo / Group Comedy Acts
• Themed Comedy (Social Topics, Satire, Observational, etc.)
• Improvised Comedy (Live suggestions / audience interaction)
• Digital Comedy (for Online participants including meme acts or virtual sketches)

5. Judging & Jury Panel:

• Jury Composition:

  3 to 5 members comprising:

  • Professional Comedians
  • Theatre/Performing Arts Experts
  • Public Representative or Cultural Ambassador
  • (For Para category) Disability Inclusion Expert
  • Format: Individual only
• Public Opinion Mechanism:

  For final rounds, jury can include public opinion through:

  • In-person audience hand-raising vote
  • SMS Voting via registered mobile number
  • Online Voting on official Pythian Games website or Mobile App

Public votes will hold up to 20% weight in the final score, only in designated rounds.

6. Marking Criteria (Total: 100 Marks):

• Originality & Content – 25 Marks
  Unique themes, creativity, script quality
• Delivery & Timing – 20 Marks
  Clarity, pacing, pauses, comedic rhythm
• Audience Engagement – 15 Marks
  Interaction, responsiveness, body language
• Humour Quotient – 20 Marks
  Laughter response, wit, punchlines
• Language & Presentation – 10 Marks
  Effective use of language, expressions, gestures
• Inclusivity & Creativity – 10 Marks
  Respect for diversity, use of innovative style or medium

7. Competition Format:

• Preliminary Auditions: Online video submissions or offline city-based auditions
• Zonal/National Level (Offline/Hybrid): Shortlisted candidates perform live
• International Level: Top finalists compete at Global Pythian Venue or via global broadcast

8. Awards & Recognition:

• Gold, Silver, and Bronze Pythian Medals in each category
• Best Emerging Comic Artist Award
• Para Talent Excellence Award for comedians with disabilities
• People’s Choice Award – Based on public votes
• Cultural Harmony Award – For theme promoting unity, diversity, or peace
• Certificates & Digital Badges for all participants
• Opportunities for Global Tours, Shows & Cultural Exchange

9. Ethical and Creative Freedom Rules:

• No content inciting hate, violence, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability.
• Satire and humour must adhere to decency and respect principles.
• Offensive acts will lead to disqualification.

10. Accessibility & Support (for Para Artists):

• Sign language interpreters (where needed)
• Ramps and assistive equipment at venues
• Subtitling and screen magnification for online rounds
• Option to pre-record or use assistive tech during live shows