Leicester's Circuit Breakers 2022 scheme opens for applications
- Leicester Comedy Festival's Union JACK Radio Circuit Breakers programme is open for applications
- The scheme aims to support up-and-coming comedians with paid showcase gigs, a professional photoshoot, and mentoring
- The deadline to apply is Wednesday 8th December 2021
Applications for Leicester Comedy Festival's Union JACK Radio Circuit Breakers development programme is now open.
New and emerging comedians from across the UK are encouraged to enter for the opportunity to gain support and a guaranteed spot to perform at the 2022 Leicester Comedy Festival.
The scheme, which has been running since 2018, is designed to help comedians develop their careers. Each February, eight comedians from across the UK are selected to benefit from the programme.
The comedians selected last year were Martin Durchov, Charlie George, Charlie Hopkinson, Elie Kraft, Dannie Grufferty, Wilson, Sharlin Jahan and Ash Preston.
This year's selected comedians will perform at showcases on 11th and 12th February 2022.
The performers In Circuit Breakers shows are paid for their performances, and Leicester Comedy Festival will arrange transport and accommodation. In addition to the chance to perform for the festival audience, the comedians will have their photos taken by acclaimed photographer Andy Hollingworth to use in future promotion.
Geoff Rowe, the director of the festival, says: "I'm really proud that over the years the festival has become a really supportive place for comedians to learn and develop what they do. Feedback from our audience has shown that a significant number also value this part of the festival and we are responding to this by launching our Circuit Breakers 2022 programme. It's really important that we continue to support new talent, perhaps more so now than ever before."
Dick Stone, head of programming for Union JACK Radio, comments: "Comedy is a core part of Union JACK Radio, where we play the Best of British music and comedy, and we are eager to support and encourage new talent. We are therefore delighted to support Circuit Breakers again at the Leicester Comedy Festival, which sets out to shine a light on the comedy talent of tomorrow."
To apply, you should fill in the application form by Wednesday 8th December 2021.
To be eligible you must not have an agent or a manager; must not already be regularly doing paid spots across the UK comedy circuit; don't have a full solo show; and you must be available to perform on 11th and 12th February 2022 at the shows in Leicester.
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