SO, WHAT’S THE DEAL?
The Tightest Five contest is open to any stand-up comedian (age 18+) who would like to perform their best five minutes of original material in a single-elimination contest setting.

WHAT DOES THE WINNER RECEIVE?
The winner will receive a televised stand-up set on The Nite Show with Danny Cashman, a weekly half-hour late-night talk show that airs Saturday nights throughout Maine. The show is based on the formats made famous by Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Conan O’ Brien.

HOW DO I ENTER?
Submissions for the 2023 Tightest Five are closed.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ENTER?
It costs nothing to enter.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THIS HAPPENING?

THURSDAY, NOV 9 – PRELIMINARY ROUND (12 Comics, 6 advance)
FRIDAY, NOV 10 – SEMIFINAL (6 Comics, 3 advance)
SATURDAY, NOV 11 – FINAL (3 Comics, 1 winner)

All Tightest Five rounds will take place during the Bricks & Bridges Comedy Fest in the Franco Center’s beautiful Heritage Hall in Lewiston, Maine.

HOW MANY CONTESTANTS?
12 comedians will enter the contest. If an entrant cannot attend their preliminary date, a replacement will be chosen. Should a comedian not be able to participate, the Tightest Five reserves the right to promote a deserving preliminary-round comedian to the semifinals, or a deserving semifinal comedian to the finals.

HOW ARE WE JUDGED?
Three judges will determine who advances to the next round. You will be judged on originality, joke quality, and performance. Your goal should be to prepare and perform your absolute best five minutes of original material. There will be different judges for each round.

THIS IS GONNA BE FUN, RIGHT?
That’s what this contest is all about. Let’s have some fun, make some new connections, and share our passion for stand-up comedy. All we ask is that you respect the process, the venue, the judges, and your fellow comedians. Oh yeah, and deliver the best damn five-minute set of your life!

ARRIVAL
Please arrive by 6:30. If you are running late or can’t make it for any reason, please let us know via email or Facebook Messenger.

THE LINEUP
There isn’t one. Once the contest begins, be ready to go and listen for your name.

THE AFTERMATH
If you advanced, congratulations and we’ll see you in the semifinals! If you didn’t advance, don’t sweat it. We hope you had a great time, made some new connections, and will consider submitting for the next Tightest Five. Also, don’t give up yet, your score may earn you a spot as an alternate.

I SUBMITTED. HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M IN THE CONTEST?
Confirmations will be sent via email by Aug. 15, 2023. The contestants will also be posted on the website.