Put Your Funny Where Your Mouth Is

So you think you're funny? Funny enough for Esther's Follies? If you have always thought your hilarious ideas should be performed by one of the nation's longest-running sketch comedy troupes, here's your chance.

By April 27, 2006, enter the XL Funnywriter Contest at Austin360.com. Submit a 600-word scenario or dialogue script — on political, musical or evergreen subjects — then let the professionals decide if you have the juice. Semi-final entries will be performed May 12 and 13 at The Hideout and the Velveeta Room. Six finalists will be chosen from the semi-finalists. Those six entries will be published in the May 18 edition of XL, and the three top finalists will be announced on May 19 at Esther's Follies. Those sketches will be performed on May 20 at the Velveeta Room.

The top winner will receive $500.

Questions? Contact Michael Barnes, at mbarnes@statesman.com.

See complete rules.