Ten years after the first Clash of the Comics, this local comedian competition is re-imagined as a two-day team battle this week at Tampa Improv. Four teams of three comedians are each led by a captain, some of whom were around during the original Clash. Johnny B, Sloan, Joe Riga and Jennifer Hensleigh head up the groups of local performers, all of whom have considerable stage experience.
On Wednesday, each team's comedians will compete with each other to determine one representative to move on to Thursday night. The final evening will be a mixture of performances, including regular material, a short set based on a specific topic and even a roast segment where the comedians will make fun of each other. In addition to the 2014 title, the winner's team will all get to perform at a future Improv show.
Comedy isn't usually a contact sport, but the audience will enjoy putting the locals through their paces and the comedians want to win the 10th anniversary event. But while it's a competition, but it's also really a showcase. Comedians are performers first and foremost, so win or lose they want to hear the audience laughing at their jokes. So expect strong sets from locals dishing out their best material this week. Showtimes are Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday at 8 p.m. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Info: improvtampa.com or 813-864-4000.