Carolina Comedy Festival 2008 preview

From star-studded showcases of stand up comedy to hands-on workshops geared toward newcomers, the Carolina Union Activities Board's Carolina Comedy Festival aims to bring a fair share of laughs to just about anyone. "This year, one of our goals is to continually increase the number of people we're able to touch through our programs," said Mallory Cash, CUAB's comedy committee chairwoman. The festival, now in its fifth year, boasts marquee acts such as Lewis Black and Rob Riggle. However, the festival brings its stars off of the mainstage and gives students the opportunity to interact with popular comedy figures in intimate settings. *All events are free for UNC students except Lewis Black and Friends Student Stand-Up Competition 7:30 p.m. today, Union Cabaret Watch students from UNC and other schools compete to open for comedian Lewis Black's performance in Memorial Hall. Improv Workshop 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Union Cabaret Chicago's premiere improv troupe, the Sirens, will lead a session for students interested in finding out more about improv comedy. Class with Black 5 p.m. Friday, Union Auditorium Have a conversation with Black. A chance for one-on-one questions and comments with the comedian about anything and everything. Cabaret Comedy Club 6 p.m. Friday, Union Cabaret Watch the Sirens in action at this comedy show. Free food and drinks will be provided. Lewis Black's "One Slight Hitch" 8:15 p.m. Friday, Elizabeth Price Kenan Theatre, Center for Dramatic Art The Department of Dramatic Arts' Professional Actor Training Program will perform "One Slight Hitch," a play written by Black, in a script-in-hand performance. A discussion with Black will be held after the performance. Tickets to the farce-romantic comedy are available first come, first serve. Stephan Pastis Comic Strip Seminar - Pearls Before Swine 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Union Class of 2000 Lounge Pastis, cartoonist of award-winning comic strip, "Pearls Before Swine," will discuss his inspiration, the creative process and more. The Ins and Outs of Comedy Writing 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Union 3102 Bryan Tucker, comedy writer for "Saturday Night Live" and "Chappelle's Show," will speak about how to break into the business of comedy writing. A Daily Show Panel 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Union Class of 2000 Lounge Writers and producers from "The Daily Show" will talk about their jobs and their work on a day-to-day basis. Guests include Rob Riggle, John Oliver, Jen Flanz and Rory Albanese. Lewis Black and Friends: sold out 8 p.m. Saturday, Memorial Hall Black, Oliver and Riggle will perform stand up in this annual Carolina Comedy Festival staple. Student stand-up competition winners will open the performance. Hosted by Albanese. Win tickets to this event at noon Friday in the Pit during "Pie in the Face for Tickets."