With the recent popularity of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and other stand-up comedy shows, many ordinary people have attempted to become the next stand-up standout. During Veishea, there will be a chance for all wannabe comedians to test their material and try to make people laugh.

VEISHEA Says I’m Funny will allow each participant five to 10 minutes to get the audience to crack a smile.

Shannon Paseka, Veishea student involvement co-chairwoman and sophomore in political science, said the fairly new competition is still looking for quality talent.

“VEISHEA Says I’m Funny has only happened a few times in the past – so it is fairly new – and we did not have a competition last year. We are hoping to have a large turnout for this year’s contest, though,” Paseka said.

The judges for this year’s event are Hugo Kenemer, co-owner of the tattoo parlor Asylum, Inc., 111 Welch Ave., Richard Reynolds, director of the Memorial Union, and Tom Barton, editor in chief of the Iowa State Daily.

Kenemer has criteria that he will be looking for in a standout comedian.

“Physical comedy is hilarious. Sarcastic humor is always great, too,” he said.

Kenemer will set the bar high by comparing the performers with popular comedians to judge their skills.

“I really enjoy comics like Dave Attell and Bill Murray – back when he had a mullet,” Kenemer said.

Cody Stamm, Veishea entertainment co-chairman and senior in agronomy, said the audience will play a large role in the event.

“Crowd interaction will be a large factor in determining a winner,” he said.

Mary Fuller, Veishea student involvement co-chairwoman and junior in agriculture education, said the criteria the judges will be instructed to look for include the participant’s material, stage presence and general likability.

“Participants need to bring their friends to cheer loudly,” Fuller said. “An audience ‘noise meter’ is in the works to act as another judge.”

The top comedian of the competition will win tickets to comedian Dave Attell’s performance Friday at Hilton Coliseum. Runners-up will also be receive a prize. Participants in the event must be ISU students and admission is free.