by StandUp NBC, the annual nationwide search for comedic talent from more diverse backgrounds than purely white and male, has announced its finalists for the 2017 contest.
After regional searches in Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco and Chicago, the following nine comedians will perform at the finals this coming Nov. 29 at the Hollywood Improv:
- TuRae Gordon, Philadelphia
- Tom Thakkar, Brooklyn
- T. Murph, Chicago
- Kiry Shabazz, Sacramento
- Kabir Singh, Fremont, Calif.
- Jourdain Fisher, New York City
- Jess Saloman, New York City (via Canada)
- Dewayne Perkins, Chicago
- Abby Rosenquist, New York City
These finalists will be flown to Los Angeles to perform in front of a live audience of agents, casting directors, and television executives. Winner(s) will be offered a Talent Holding Deal with NBCUniversal.
Past winners include Dulce Sloan (now a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah), JR De Guzman, Nick Guerra, Gina Brillon, Jon Laster, and Tone Bell.
