FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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San Francisco Comedy College Grabs First Place at “Battle of the Bay” Comedy Competition
Audience determines Maggie Newcomb to be 2004 winner

San Francisco (December 20, 2004) Led by the first place finish of active student, Maggie Newcomb, and in third place, Dave Van Avermate, of the San Francisco Comedy College (SFCC) dominated the “Battle of The Bay” Comedy Competition finals held December 7 at the San Jose Improv Comedy Palace. From an original pool of over 120 contestants, the majority of finalists (5 of 8) received training through the SFCC. Judging for the preliminary rounds was determined purely by audience ballot. General Manager Andy Kulakowski and Manager Jim Smith of the San Jose Improv combined their votes with the audience to select the final winners.

Maggie Newcomb, a relative newcomer to the stand-up scene, received an overwhelming number of votes. “I was thrilled with Maggie’s performance, she has a natural likeability and her delivery style is truly original and superior to that of most comedians found in the Bay Area,” said Kurtis Matthews founder of the SF Comedy College. “Maggie really has a bright future and everyone in the SF Comedy College is tremendously proud of her achievement.”  Upon winning, Newcomb received $500 and a week’s worth of paid bookings at the San Jose Improv.

“This has been such a great experience for me”, said Newcomb. "I feel extremely honored and lucky to have won this year’s Battle of the Bay”. It's a great contest with very talented comedians. I know that I could not have done it without the training and support of the SFCC.”

Other comedians performing in the Battle of the Bay included David Reinitz, Ken Townsend, Jennifer Hahamian, Gail Jones, Max Hartmann and Tim “Slappy” Babbs. Townsend, Hahamian and Jones are all graduates of the SFCC.

Newcomb performs locally at high-profile venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also a member of a newly announced SFCC stand-up comedy troupe, “The Blond Shells.”  For booking information and a current schedule of shows, please visit www.sfcomedycollege.com
 

About The San Francisco Comedy College (SFCC)
Comedian, Kurtis Matthews founded the SFCC after years working in clubs throughout the country, and making numerous TV and radio appearances. He has shared the stage with Adam Sandler, Sam Kinison, Judd Apatow, Drew Carrey, Bob Zany, Tim Allen, Bob Goldthwaite, Rodney Dangerfield, Janeane Garofalo and other top talents. The San Francisco Comedy College offers classes at locations in San Francisco, Santa Cruz and San Jose. The SFCC has been turning out comedians since 1999. Basic comedy writing skills, along with performing techniques including improv, are taught during the five-week and six-week class series. Classes for beginners, advanced students and working professional comedians are offered.

 

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For More Information Contact:

San Francisco Comedy College
414 Mason, #705
Tel: 1 877 SF LAUGH (735 2844)

E mail: standupsf@aol.com