Funniest person in Rochester? RIT has a contender

When it comes to public speaking, it’s usually a bad sign when people laugh you off stage. For Gabby Garcia, getting big laughs is the goal.

Garcia, a fourth-year industrial design student, is one of six finalists in the 2022 Funniest Person in Rochester (FPIR) Contest presented by Comedy @ the Carlson. The annual competition is open to any Rochester-area comedians, and winners are determined through audience votes and a panel of judges. The winner will hold the 2022 title and receive a $1,000 cash prize and a professional photo shoot with Rochester celebrity photographer GoodKnews.

Originally from Staten Island, N.Y., Garcia was nominated as “class clown” at her high school. Having grown from class clown to a stand-up comic, Garcia sees this competition as both an opportunity to perform and a way to meet local comics, learn from others, and find a sense of community.

“It would be really affirming if I won. I’ve always been drawn toward stand-up, so it would be really nice to have, for that moment, a victory,” said Garcia. “Being able to look back on that performance and have real feedback from the audience on what worked and what didn’t will also be really helpful.”

Garcia is well-versed in public speaking and works in the Expressive Communication Center (ECC) to help fellow students become more confident speaking for an audience. Her experience at ECC—paired with knowledge gained in an advanced public speaking course taught by Elizabeth Reeves O'Connor—helped her learn how to work the stage as a comedian, according to Garcia.

Vinnie Paulino, Comedy @ the Carlson’s FPIR promoter and organizer, said the contest is a unique chance for the venue to scout talent for its weekly shows while providing real-work experience for up-and-coming comics.

“We strive to hire the best talent we can find, and this gives us our best possible opportunity to see how a performer would do on our stage. Plus, it’s a lot of fun,” said Paulino. “We really enjoy watching someone seize the opportunity and have an amazing set.”

The final performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 20. Tickets are $20 cash only and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and, according to Paulino, tickets sell out quickly. The show is 21 and over only.