Awards
We want to celebrate Cleveland’s comedic past, present & future, and help promote one of Cleveland’s greatest exports — our collective sense of humor and comedic talent.
The JD Sidley Award for Best in Writing
Co-Founder & creator of the Class Clown Comedy Workshop. Sidley taught stand-up comedy at Tri-C, wrote & performed nationally, and was involved in fundraising efforts for the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center.
The Mike Veneman Award for Best Overall Comedian
A graduate of Kent State University, Mike was known as "The Professor" for his Comedy 101 stand-up workshop over his 25-year career. Veneman died in 2010 of ALS.
The Nate Cockerill Award for Best Stage Performer
Cockerill studied at the Second City Conservatory and taught improv for Second City Cleveland from 2002-2004. Cockerill passed away from cancer in 2016.
The "Pete" Award for Best Local Comedian
Boutros Youssed "Pete" Barakat was the long time co-owner of the Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls. Pete gave a lot of comics an opportunity to hone their craft This award recognizes a northeast Ohio comic that is active in the community performing & helping others. Peter died in 2023.
