Dear PunMeister,

This year will be my first time to enter the Pun-off.

I have a couple of questions about Punniest of Show:

1) Can contestants wear disguises and/or goofy clothes?

2) Do we have to commit our two minutes [90 seconds] of punning to memory, or may

we use notes?

Thanks!

Name withheld to protect the nervous,

==============

Good questions both.

1. - Yes, this is encouraged, appreciated and often rewarded.

Something that totally disguises a person is probably more likely to

be a distraction if it is perceived that you may be someone notable

about to reveal him/herself. Any contestant arriving on stage with

make-up, masks, costumes etc. seems to offer the promise of an

unusual and compelling routine. For a few brief moments you will have

a slight advantage because of the anticipation generated by this. On

the other hand, if what you're presenting fails to live up to the

costume or props, it offers a double disappointment. There's a fine

line between a fine line and a final line.

2. - Committing your P.O.S. routine to memory is always the preferred

way to do wit. It frees your hands to manipulate the microphone,

create dramatic gestures, hike up your pants or whatever needs

attention. Also that printed script can quickly become your worst

enemy if the wind picks up, you loose your place, your glasses or

something. High scoring contestants are usually those who are well

rehearsed. This isn't because the judges deduct points, it's because

they are the serious contenders.

Once you are well rehearsed, you won't require a script. When I

competed I tried it both ways, and believe me, it's far more

rewarding for us all when a contestant that sucker nailed. On the

other hand, many people have provided us with some very good material

and fared very well using a script. A script can be deviously

incorporated into a prop or done up on cue cards held by an

accomplice in the audience. A very effective routine can be pulled

off without memorization, and it's perfectly legal.

As a new contestant, I would urge you to join up with our on-line

contestant support group. Just send a blank email to

punoff-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You will almost instantly become a

subscriber to our list and receive the answers to many questions such

as these.

Thank you for asking. See you there on Friday and Saturday.

GARY HALLOCK