For the last four years the Savanna CCA’s has offered every professional comedian in the country the opportunity to vote for his or her favourite registered comedian in each of the award show’s various categories – and for the winners to be announced and celebrated at the annual awards bash. It has also been a chance for the comedy-loving public to get in on the glitz and guffaws with media, celebrities and the South African comedy industry all in attendance.
Themed around a big '5th Birthday Bash', the Savanna CCA’s is marking this incredible milestone as the country’s longest-running comedy awards show by throwing the funniest birthday party this year, with a few extras thrown in for the occasion.
Biggest of these is the addition of two new permanent award categories to the existing six: The Flying Solo Comic will be given for the best one-man show of the year; and with the abundance of extraordinary vernacular talent, 2015 sees the introduction of the Non-English Comic for those who perform 80% non-English comedy.
As a special birthday present from the industry, this year the Savanna CCA’s will honour the Best Friend of Comedy – that person, brand or organisation that has really helped promote South African comedy. This category is open to comedians and non-comedians (including DJs, comedy clubs and promoters) but will be voted for by the industry.
The original six categories are:
- The Savanna Newcomer Comic;
- The Intermediate Comic (previously known as Breakthrough Act);
- The Comics’ Pen Award;
- The Comic Of The Year;
- The Lifetime Achiever; and
- The Savanna Audience Choice Comic (the only category in which the public is able to vote).
Another change to this year’s show is that everyone who attends the Savanna CCA’s (both comedy industry and the public) are invited to after-party. A highlight of the awards show, the after-party is where the heels come off, the music gets loud and the dancing gets down and dirty.
Waldo – the statue awarded to the winning comedians – is getting a little nip and tuck too. It is his birthday after all.
The awards will again take the format of a hilarious variety show made up of sketches, stand-up, impressionists, celebrity performances, choreography and witty one liners delivered by SA’s top comedians. Key design changes will be introduced to amplify the 5th Birthday theme, and special technical elements are being developed to ensure this year is the show’s biggest and best yet. This year’s dress code is 'colourful glam', so come dressed to impress.
The Savanna CCA’s also celebrates the third year that Savanna has supported the awards show as title sponsor. Savanna remains committed to South African comedy and through its sponsorship of the Savanna CCA’s continues to promote upcoming comedy talent.
It all kicks off on Wednesday, 20 May, when voting opens for both comedians and the public. With seats for the best comedy event of the year being limited, the fun-loving public are urged to get their tickets soon. Tickets on sale at Computicket now.
For more information and to vote, visit the Comics’ Choice Awards® website or email [email protected].
Alternatively, visit their page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Use the #SavannaCCA and #WaldoTurns5 hashtags to join the conversation.