NBC KICKS OFF 2013 SEARCH FOR THE NATION'S FUNNIEST COMICS

NEW LOGO AND REBRANDING FOR STAND-UP INITIAVE ANNOUNCED FOR TENTH ANNUAL 'STAND-UP NBC' COMIC SEARCH WHICH BEGINS IN SAN DIEGO ON JULY 14

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - May 20, 2013 - NBCUniversal launches its 2013 search for the funniest comics from diverse backgrounds by announcing that the network's diversity initiative has a new name and logo. The announcement was made today by Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal.

"We are rebranding 'Stand-Up for Diversity' to 'Stand-Up NBC' as we enter into our tenth annual search for comedians of diverse backgrounds," said Carter. "Diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of this initiative and we are excited to continue to discover fresh new voices."

Through this initiative, comedians have continued to launch new career milestones. Since the inception of the program, many participating comics have gone on to sign with top Hollywood managers, agents, and met with leading casting executives. Top 'Stand-Up NBC' finalists also had the opportunity to perform at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) and have booked hundreds of college appearances through NBCU's established partnership with NACA. The national search seeks to find the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds and will be holding open calls in three major U.S. markets. The most-promising diverse stand-up comedians will be awarded a talent holding deal with NBCU, along with other opportunities to be announced later this year.

This year's "Stand-Up NBC" tour kicks off in San Diego on July 14 -- followed by auditions in New York on August 17 and 18 and Austin on September 21. The search will culminate in Los Angeles with a final industry showcase in early December. The promising showcase will present the entire industry with a first look at the nation's freshest comedic talent as selected by NBCU.

The highly anticipated talent search begins in San Diego on July 14 with an open call at The Comedy Palace -- located at 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd-- where auditions will begin promptly at 10 a.m. The first 100 comedians will have the opportunity to perform a one-minute stand-up set. Based upon performance, a select group of semi-finalists will have a chance to perform live at the NBCU showcase the following evening where industry executives are invited to attend.

The process will repeat itself in each city and the audience response will be a factor in determining which comic (or comics) will be selected for the "Stand-Up NBC Finale" showcase in Los Angeles.

Open calls and showcases will be held at the following locations:

SAN DIEGO, CA
THE COMEDY PALACE
Auditions: Sunday, July 14 (10am)
Showcase: Monday, July 15 (8pm)

NEW YORK, NY
THE VILLAGE UNDERGROUND
Auditions (Day 1): Saturday, August 17 (10am)
Auditions (Day 2): Sunday, August 18, (10am)
Showcase: Monday, August 19 (8pm)

AUSTIN, TX
CAP CITY COMEDY CLUB
Auditions: Saturday, September 21 (10am)
Showcase: Sunday, September 22 (8pm)

Prospective participants and audiences can check for details online at www.standupnbc.com or www.diversecitynbc.com.