Think you're funny? Well prove it in the Charleston Comedy Festival's Stand-Up Competition.

The annual throwdown has become wildly popular, attracting topnotch talent, selling out every show, and pulling a huge, rowdy crowd for the finals. Last year, Timmy Sherrill from Wilmington, N.C. won with a raunchy but hilarious set.

Anyone can perform, and registration will close once all five preliminary rounds are full. And they will fill up.

Twelve comedians performing in each round will be limited to a five-minute set (lights out after time allotted). The audience will vote for their favorite two comedians and the top four performers will move on to the semifinals.

In addition to being able to crow victory, the winner will take home $1,000 cash money.

Up to the challenge?

Registration costs $20 (nonrefundable)  and must be paid via Paypal (no checks, cash, or rolled coins dropped off in person, please).

The prelims are set to take place at Theatre 99 (280 Meeting St. above The Bicycle Shoppe) at 10 p.m. on Sept. 17, Oct. 8, Oct. 29, Nov. 19, and Dec. 4. The Paypal page will require you to sign up for a specific date. Please make sure it's a date you'll be available to perform. Show up by 9:30 p.m. on the night of your prelim, or else you'll be disqualified.

The semi-final rounds will be held Fri. Jan. 7 and Sat. Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. and the finals will be Tues. Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. The winner will be chosen by the audience, who will be asked to vote for their top two comedians. The one with the most votes wins.

Last year's preliminaries filled up faster than Louie Anderson at a Vegas buffet, so if you want to compete, don't delay by watching that Tosh.0 rerun again (sorry, you're not as funny as him). Once the spots are filled, you're SOL.

Performers can sign up for one prelim at a time. If you don't win and there are still slots in the next round, you can sign up again (shoot, we got no problem taking another $20 from you).

Questions, concerns, bribes? Call comedian wranglers Brandy Sullivan or Greg Tavares (843) 853-6687 or email them info@theatre99.com

Preliminary Round Registration

October 8

October 29

November 19

December 4