frogman - O.Henry Pun-Off

[mikehardware]

Thought I'd throw out a post where you would be able to provide some information.

I saw in your call for PAFs that you had competed, and that got me hooked. Since I can't go to New York next year, I thought I might give the Pun-Off a try. I've come up with the worst thing ever written for the "Punniest of Show", and I'm looking for any tips and advice. Anything from parking, restaurants, to pointers for the presentation. Thanks!

[frogman042]

Thought I'd throw out a post where you would be able to provide some information.

I saw in your call for PAFs that you had competed, and that got me hooked. Since I can't go to New York next year, I thought I might give the Pun-Off a try. I've come up with the worst thing ever written for the "Punniest of Show", and I'm looking for any tips and advice. Anything from parking, restaurants, to pointers for the presentation. Thanks!

Great, again it is a fun day and be prepared for some of the worst puns you will ever hear - both the 'good' bad puns, but more often then not the 'bad' bad puns (good bad puns make you groan, bad bad puns are just painful). I hope to be able to compete this coming May so if you do go through with it I would love to meet with you.

As far as parking goes, if you don't mind walking a few blocks there is usually on the street free parking that can be found within a 4-5 block radius of the O. Henry museum, typically the blocks north of sixth street (7th to 12th streets). IIRC the park where the compitition is, is on 4th.

There are a ton of restaurants in the area, in all price ranges and food styles. If you let me know what you like and what you are willing to spend I can give you some guidance and I'm sure that TheConfessor could offer suggestions as well.

As far as your presentation goes there are 2 things that seem to go over big - either long shaggy dog type stories with a big payoff and fast paced routines that have an unheard of number of puns packed into it - the faster spoken the better and if it is memorized, better still - props also seem to be popular.

Good luck and let us know when you are in Austin!

---Jay

[mikehardware]

[quote="frogman042]routines that have an unheard of number of puns packed into it[/quote]

Thanks! That sounds like mine, and I hope if falls into the 'good' bad pun category.

It looks like the contest is held the second or third week of May. About when does the registration open up? OK, memorization is the way to go. I take it a more natural tone is preferred, rather than trying to stress the puns as you go. What kind of props are allowed? Like is there a way to project words/pictures (screen/projector for a computer)?

I'll look forward to meeting you.

[TheConfessor]

(deleted duplicate post)

[TheConfessor]

routines that have an unheard of number of puns packed into it

Thanks! That sounds like mine, and I hope if falls into the 'good' bad pun category.

It looks like the contest is held the second or third week of May. About when does the registration open up? OK, memorization is the way to go. I take it a more natural tone is preferred, rather than trying to stress the puns as you go. What kind of props are allowed? Like is there a way to project words/pictures (screen/projector for a computer)?

I'll look forward to meeting you.

No, STRESS the puns! There is absolutely nothing subtle about this event. You must beat them over the head with your cleverness. Keep the puns coming fast and furious. There are no projection screens. This is an outdoor event, in the middle of the afternoon. Some props would be okay if they are needed to get your points across, but if you really need them, maybe your puns aren't that good to begin with. I'm pretty sure there are at least a few clips on YouTube. I haven't checked to see if they are representative of the ones that are most likely to win. There is no shortage of very lame contestants. I don't think there's any great urgency to register. Many people do so at the event itself, but of course, if you're planning to travel a long distance, you'll want to contact them in advance and make sure they save you a spot. I don't think that will be a problem.

I did this only once, at least 20 years ago, but I've attended several.

[mikehardware]

Thanks! I can already tell I'm going to require lots of rehearsal time before I can get it all memorized. I'll have to work on the proper delivery.

One other thing, do the judges get to see a copy of the material, or are the scores just on what they hear? I've got a whole bunch of stuff that's going to go by fairly quickly, and some subtleties are likely to be missed.

[TheConfessor]

Thanks! I can already tell I'm going to require lots of rehearsal time before I can get it all memorized. I'll have to work on the proper delivery.

One other thing, do the judges get to see a copy of the material, or are the scores just on what they hear? I've got a whole bunch of stuff that's going to go by fairly quickly, and some subtleties are likely to be missed.

It's just based on what they see and hear on stage. It's very informal and I'm sure the judges try to be fair, but it's not a scientific process. In truth, it probably matters whether you go on stage early or late. I suspect that they typically won't give the maximum possible scores to the first few contestants they see, just so they have room to give a higher score if they think a later contestant is better. And they probably get caught up in the spirit of the moment, based on the group dynamics and the response from the crowd.

[frogman042]

Thanks! I can already tell I'm going to require lots of rehearsal time before I can get it all memorized. I'll have to work on the proper delivery.

One other thing, do the judges get to see a copy of the material, or are the scores just on what they hear? I've got a whole bunch of stuff that's going to go by fairly quickly, and some subtleties are likely to be missed.

TheConfessor is right - you can't be too over the top and being subtle is not the way to go. As far as a copy of the material - it is up to you to give it to them, they like to have it for posterity (or at least for the website) - but you give to them only after you have performed. You are scored immediately after performing with each judge holding up a number from 1 to 10 and you accumlated score being recorded on a big whiteboard. The judges wont see your written version until after you score has been recorded and probably wouldn't have time to read it since the next contestant would most likely be on the stage - so don't rely on puns that show up when you read it - it is all about presentation.

As far a props go, TheConfessor has it right again. Some people use them but really only to set the mood if you have a 'themed' piece - for example if your piece is all presidential puns you might put on a Uncle Sam hat just when you start- or maybe one or two props if the piece really calls for it. You don't see a Rip Taylor/Carrottop use of combining props and puns, though.

You shouldn't have any trouble registering - but some years it does fill up before the big day - so if you are planning a trip to do this, make sure you secure your slot. Because I've competed in the past I usually get an email telling me that registration is open and when I do I will let you know. Also go to www.punpunpun.com and check - but registeration usually doesn't open up to a few months (at best) before the contest.

---Jay