4th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival Now Accepting Applications

The vibrant comedy hub of Chicago, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, is proud to announce that applications are now open to participate in the 4th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival, taking place August 11 through August 14. Featuring an eclectic lineup of shows and events, NerdFest invites all to pay homage to and worship their favorite genre of nerd-ness for one glorious weekend of laughter. Now in its fourth year, the festival is bigger and better than ever, featuring an expanded schedule to accommodate more acts, a day of panels and workshops to help grow and educate performers, and exciting after-parties to cultivate the community and connect audiences with those who love all that is Chicago nerd central. To further foster this mission, NerdFest will host free monthly performances through August, making the festival as accessible as possible. To apply, now through June 1, or to participate in the free monthly events, visit http://stage773.com/CNCFShows.

"This year, we're looking for performers that are unapologetic about what they love," says 2016 Festival Producer Aaron Amendola. "We're looking for people that geek out about whatever they are passionate about and bring that to the stage. That special sauce is passion, and we want groups that love to have fun!"

From Vinyl and Star Wars fanatics, to automotive and even fantastic football nerds, artists of all genres are invited to showcase their talent at the 4th Annual Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival. Highlights from previous festivals include The Best of Hey, I'm A Big Fan: A Night of Fan Fiction Readings, paying homage to the monthly nights of passionate fan fiction readings and nerdy libations that grew into what is now this festival; Chicago favorites Improvised Star Trek, a fully improvised episode of Star Trek set aboard the USS Sisyphus; Jack and The Nerds: A Nerdy Cabaret, performing non-hit songs from beloved TV shows and films such as Battlestar Galactica, Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog, and Lord Of The Rings; Chi Nerd Fest Stand Up Showcase!; and Geek Show, Chicago's premier late night style variety show for geek topics featuring guests, games, themes and videos.

"Stage 773 loves producing festivals, and we are consistently doing it successfully," states Brian Posen, Founder and Executive Producer of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. "This is our theatre's heritage, and we couldn't be more excited to strengthen our festival repertoire with NerdFest."

The 2016 Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival board includes Cody Melcher, John Craig, and Chloe Gingold. Tickets may be purchased at www.stage773.com or by calling 773.327.5252. Individual tickets are $13 for each show; All-Festival passes are $100 ($80 Early Bird Special until 7/15); day passes are $40 on Thursday, $50 on Friday and $60 on Saturday. Those who attend in costume will receive a "cos-play" discount of $5 off any ticket.

Performance dates and times are Thursday, August 11 on the hour from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. (plus after party), Friday, August 12 on the hour from 7 p.m. until Midnight (plus after party), Saturday, August 13 on the hour from 4 p.m. until Midnight (plus after party). Sunday, August 14 will feature workshops, panels and other programming.

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