RAW is an open mic competition open to comedians from all over Australia. Heats of the competition are held in each state every year and the grand Final takes place on April 14th during the 2013 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. All heats are judged by famous comedians and top people in the industry with the first qualifying heat starting in Melbourne in early January.
Taking part in RAW is pretty much seen as a right of passage in the comedy world in Australia. Most comedians have their RAW stories and agree that even if they don’t win, the learning experience is invaluable and can lead to successful careers. There are even working comedians who’s very first stage experience was at a RAW heat.
Applications for RAW have now opened and forms can be found on their website. The RAW heats will be held in 10 locations between January and March 2013.
Some basic rules include that you must be at least 17 years old at your first heat, must have earned less than $500 from comedy and that your 5 minute spot must be totally original. The full guidelines are on the website.
Last year’s winners were Lessons with Luis who not only won Best Newcomers at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival but have also been granted a Moosehead Award for their 2013 show.
Previous winners include Josh Thomas (2005), Hannah Gadsby (2006), Neil Sinclair (2008) and Michael Workman (2009).
Previous contestants who did not win the grand final include Tim Minchin, Chris Lilley, Peter Helliar, Tom Ballard, Claire Hooper, Mike McLeish, and Ronny Chieng.
A full list of winners can be found on our Awards page.
Details about RAW Applications can be found at the Raw Website