The Funniest Semi-Finalists in Austin: FPIA Round One Recaps

Kath Barbadoro

Was this your first year competing in FPIA?

This was my first year competing.

What was your preliminary round like?

My preliminary night was really fun. I'm pretty new to comedy, so this was my first opportunity to perform for such a large audience (I think about 300+ people) and it was pretty exhilarating. My night had a lot of really strong people on it, so I tried not to worry about whether I'd advance and just focused on giving the best possible performance and having as much fun as possible. Aside from the seasoned comics, there were a good amount of people trying out comedy for the first time, which is always compelling if not actually "funny" to watch. It's not their fault, everyone is pretty terrible when they start. I can't imagine starting in front of that many people. My first open mic was at a coffee shop with five bored comics as an audience and, in retrospect, I am very grateful for that.

Any predictions for the Finals?

Finals seem pretty up in the air to me. I don't think there's someone who is clearly head and shoulders above everybody else. There is probably a top tier of 5 or so people who are consistently awesome and who have a legitimate shot in taking it this year. After watching a lot of the preliminary nights, it seems to really depend on what the judges are looking for. I've been wrong about predicting who will advance nearly every night, even after watching the performances, so I don't want to give names and jinx those people. Because it's a bit up in the air and because there are a bunch of people who are equally strong, finals are going to be pretty awesome to watch. I'm definitely going even if I don't make it. If you want to know what the Austin stand up scene is like, don't miss it.

What do you imagine holding the title of FPIA is like?

I imagine winning the title is probably kind of like being a pageant winner or holding some local elected office, in a way. I think you're expected to be a bit of a figurehead, and represent and support the Austin comedy scene for the next year. I've also heard that the royal cape you receive upon winning has never been washed and is caked in the bodily fluids of comics who've come before. So that's something, I guess.

Kath performs in the semifinals Monday, May 9 at 8 pm.

Dan Treadway

Was this your first year competing in FPIA?

Yes. I started doing stand up in early December.

What was your preliminary round like?

It was a lot of fun. I'd never performed in front of more than 20 or so people, but doing comedy in front of a packed room at Cap City was a completely different experience. I was beyond thrilled that I didn't suck.

Any predictions for the Finals?

Looking over the semi-finalists, it's really difficult shaping up what the finals will look like because there are so many hilarious comedians. And I'm not trying to say that as a cop out, I really think more or less anyone could go through if they have their best set. As long as 2010 FPIA finalist David McQuary doesn't make it to the finals this year I'll be happy, because we worked together at the Texas Travesty and I've been poorly trying to conceal the fact that he's much funnier than me from the rest of the staff all year.

What do you imagine holding the title of FPIA is like?

Honestly, I don't even know what the winner gets. Is it a bike? I hope it's a bike.

Dan performs in the semifinals Monday, May 9 at 8 pm.

Andrew Tompkins

Was this your first year competing in FPIA?

Yes.

What was your preliminary round like?

Nervewracking. I couldn't watch any of the other comics and spent most of my time pacing in the office park behind the club or in the bar pretending there was no contest and I wasn't waiting to be judged.

Any predictions for the Finals?

The field is pretty wide open. I feel like it's anybody's game right now.

What do you imagine holding the title of FPIA is like?

I'm sure it's equal parts validating and disappointing. It's good to have a solid credit like that to get work, but I don't think anybody's built a career off of an FPIA win alone. Holding the title is kind of hazing itself. The crown and cape have never been washed to my knowledge and are coated in a crackling sheen of spent genetic material.

Andrew performs in the semifinals Sunday, May 8 at 8 pm.