DFW's Last Comic Standing
A Premier Comedy Competition Powered by Unmuted Entertainment
DFW’s Last Comic Standing is a multi-round stand-up comedy competition designed to discover, develop, and elevate the next generation of comedic talent in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Produced by Unmuted Entertainment, this highly anticipated series brings together seasoned professionals and emerging voices for a one-of-a-kind performance opportunity.
Competition Format
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Audition Rounds
Auditions Are Closed Until 2026 -
Semifinals
Semi-Finals Date & Time: 49 Finalists are split between 2 days.
• Call Time: 30 Minutes Early. (Arrive 45 Early For Headshots)
• Set Length: 3 Minutes
• Order of Performance: Will be announced the night of the show.
• Semi-Final Structure: 2 rounds will have 25 & 24 Contestants
• Day 1 with 25-contestant round: 10 will advance (2 from audience vote, 8 from judges).
• Day 2 with 24-contestant round: 11 will advance (2 from audience vote, 9 from judges).
Scoring & Audience Votes:
•Ticket Sales Bonus: Every ticket purchased using the contestants personal promo code (best to buy online) will add 1 point to your score, up to 20 points total. (5 points per judge) Audience must check in to qualify for bonus points.
• Audience Voting: The audience will be required to vote for 3 comics during the night.
Advancement:
• 2 comics in each Semi-Final Round will move forward as audience choice the new “Golden Buzzer”
• The remaining spots will be filled by judge selections. (Grading scale remains the same.)
Competition Rules & Expectations:
1. No reuse of material from auditions or any rounds moving forward.
2. Original jokes only- absolutely no plagiarized material.
3. Minimum of 5 guests- this does not affect your score directly, but it increases your chances in audience voting and adds energy to the room.
4. Pick up physical marketing materials from Ashlie Ann prior to your show.
5. Special promo code- you’ll receive a personal code to promote yourself and earn bonus points.
6. Promote, promote, promote! The more people you bring, the more votes, energy, and points you’ll have.
7. Respect the judging process- to save time and avoid awkwardness, please refrain from debating judge feedback. It’s meant to help you sharpen your craft.
8. No videography or photography during performances at any Semi-Final or the Finale.
9. Contestant Bonus Points will only be counted for audience members who CHECK IN and view the show.
10. No one may participate in Live Audience Voting who is NOT present in the audience.
MEDIA OPTIONS:
• We will offer professional photography & videography — full sets, reels, and edited videos.
• Link to purchase photos is already available; video purchase option will be added soon.
• Anyone receiving headshots must arrive by 5:15 PM
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Finale Showcase
A select group of finalists will battle it out in front of a live audience and celebrity guest judges for the title of DFW’s Last Comic Standing.
Awards & Opportunities
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1st Place: $1,000 Cash Prize + Trophy + Paid Headliner at Sambuca 360
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2nd Place: $500 + Trophy + Paid Feature at Sambuca 360
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3rd Place: $250 + Trophy + Paid Opener at Sambuca 360
Judging & Audience Voting
Each round is evaluated by a panel of industry judges, with 20% of each comedian’s score influenced by audience reaction. That means laughter really matters— so bring your fans and bring your best. During the Semi Finals and Finale show Live Audience Voting will determine GOLDEN BUZZER performances.
Do you have what it takes to be DFW’s Last Comic Standing?
Dates
Audition Round 1 - Mon, June 30th, 2025
Audition Round 2 - Mon, July 21st, 2025
Audition Round 3 - Mon, Aug. 11th, 2025
Semi Finals Show DAY 2 - Sun, Aug. 31st, 2025
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Semi Finals Show DAY 2 - Sun, Sept. 7th, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Grand Finale Show - Sun, Sept. 14th, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
2 Item Minimum for Spectators & Contestants
Meet the Judges
Magen King
Stand Up Comedian
Magen King is a Dallas-born, award-winning comedian, radio host, and respected comedy educator with a story as unforgettable as her punchlines. Years ago, during an audition for a film that never made it to screen, Kevin Hart—yes, that Kevin Hart—laughed so hard at her that he told her to pursue stand-up. She listened.
Today, Magen is not only a dynamic comic working stages across the country, but also a headline act, national touring performer, and Director of Stand-Up at Dallas Comedy Club, where she built the core curriculum for Levels 1, 2, and 3. Her classes sell out every term, and her mentorship continues to shape the next generation of comedy talent.
Magen has shared the stage with industry heavyweights including Tim Meadows, Drew Lynch, Andrew Dice Clay, Shawn Wayans, Mark Curry, Mitch Fatel, and Nick Griffin. She’s performed coast to coast at iconic clubs like Hollywood Laugh Factory, Flappers Burbank, Addison Improv, Denver Comedy Works, and more.
A Burbank Comedy Festival "Best in Fest" winner (2021) and a multi-year semi-finalist in the Funniest Comic in Texas, Magen was also a World Series of Comedy finalist. Her sharp, insightful, and self-deprecating humor—often drawn from the chaos of single motherhood and raising three teenagers—is as relatable as it is hilarious.
Candid, grounded, and unforgettable—Magen King brings the kind of comedy that leaves audiences laughing and thinking long after the show ends.
CJ Starr
Stand Up Comedian
CJ Starr grew up all over the Midwest, but his comedy found its home deep in the heart of Texas. With a knack for making people laugh about the rollercoaster that is midlife, CJ takes audiences on a hilarious ride through his journey as a mid-40s man still figuring out what he wants to be when he grows up. From his unconventional upbringing to his bi-racial marriage, parenting struggles, community college misadventures, and even a stint behind bars, CJ’s comedy connects with everyone.
CJ’s versatile humor has earned him fans from every walk of life. Over the years, he’s performed at top-tier events like the Oddball Comedy Festival and Gilda’s Laughfest (three years running). His TV credits include LMAO on Jew Life TV and Laughs on Fox (four episodes now streaming on Hulu). Not just a stand-up, CJ is also a talented writer, contributing to projects on Apple TV and YouTube web series.Recently, CJ was a finalist in Kenan Thompson’s Ultimate Comedy Experience and was crowned the Funniest Comic in Texas. Beyond the stage, he teaches comedy classes and hosts the hit podcast Hidden Humor, where he interviews fascinating people who share unforgettable—and laugh-out-loud—stories.
CJ Starr’s comedy isn’t just funny—it’s real, relatable, and absolutely unforgettable.
Sheridi Lester
Stand Up Comedian
Sheridi Lester is a Dallas-based stand-up comedian with a razor-sharp wit, an unmistakable voice, and the kind of sarcasm that cuts—in the best possible way. Whether she’s delivering biting one-liners or brutally honest observations, Sheridi brings a refreshing and fearless presence to the stage that consistently makes her a crowd favorite.
Her smart, edgy style has taken her across the country, performing in prestigious festivals such as the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, the Boston Comedy Festival, and the Dallas Comedy Festival. She’s opened for some of the biggest names in comedy, including Paul Reiser, Nikki Glaser, and Jeff Ross, earning respect from industry veterans and audiences alike.
In 2023, Sheridi took home the title of Funniest Comic in Dallas, a testament to her commanding stage presence and original comedic voice.
Whether she's roasting societal norms or diving into personal stories with bold vulnerability, Sheridi's comedy always hits hard and lands real. You can catch her regularly performing at top comedy clubs throughout the DFW metroplex, continuing to carve out her space as one of the most exciting comedians to watch in Texas.
The Venue
Located in the heart of The Shops at Legacy, Sambuca 360 is one of DFW’s premier nightlife destinations—where upscale dining meets electric entertainment. Known for its sleek atmosphere, top-tier cocktails, and high-energy shows, Sambuca 360 isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience.
With a state-of-the-art sound system and an elevated stage set behind the bar, every event feels like a front-row concert. Sambuca 360 offers the perfect setting for unforgettable nights out.
Unmuted Entertainment is proud to partner with Sambuca 360 to host DFW's Last Comic Standing. This venue brings the vibe, the crowd, and the energy—and we bring the laughs.
