'Radio From Hell' sponsoring next week's Salt Lake Comedy Festival

Why should people come to the Salt Lake Comedy Festival?

"Think of the Salt Lake Comedy Festival as General Conference — only funnier," said Richie Steadman, festival producer and also producer of Salt Lake City's No. 1 morning show "Radio From Hell" on radio station X-96.

In its third year, the Salt Lake Comedy Festival is offering many enticements: it is officially and fully sponsored by "Radio From Hell" for the first time; has been expanded from three to five nights, and includes not only four classes for aspiring stand-up comics but also seven shows for those who just want to sit back and laugh.The events will be held next week at various locations throughout the valley, including the Midvale Theatre, Off-Broadway Theatre, Wiseguys Trolley Square and the Murray Theater.

Bob Bedore (author of the best-selling 101 Improv Games for Children and Adults), Eric R. Jensen (Off-Broadway Theatre's artistic director), Shawn Zumbrunnen (member of local band Rev Mayhem and writer for various groups and venues from the Off-Broadway Theatre to Voodoo Productions), and Keith Stubbs (comic, owner of the three Wiseguys comedy clubs and morning-show host at country station 101.5 The Eagle) will all teach classes.

Stubbs will be conducting a question-and-answer session for stand-up comics and those who are thinking about trying stand-up. "I don't teach comedy, but I'll tell you what I think," Stubbs said. "It's more of stand-up comedy 101."

Potential comics should take advantage of the chance to interact with Stubbs, the dean of local comedy, Steadman said. "Keith doesn't make himself available too often," he added.

New this year is the participation of Radio From Hell's Bill Allred, who will be the guest monologist for The Armando Diaz Experience, a long-form improvisation in which a monologist tells personal stories that provides the inspiration for the resulting scenes performed by local improvs. From Chicago, The Armando Diaz Experience was founded by Adam McKay (co-writer of "Anchorman," "Talladega Nights" and "The Other Guys," as well as co-founder of comedy website Funny or Die) , Dave Koechner ( co-star in "Anchorman," "Thank You For Smoking" and a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live") and Diaz.

In addition, some of the proceeds from the festival will be earmarked for the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Steadman said.

2013 Salt Lake Comedy FestivalTickets • http://saltlakecomedyfestival.com/; 2013 Festival Pass: $50 (only available until Monday, April 8 at 5 p.m.); 2013 Class Pass: $15 (only available until Monday, April 8 at 5 p.m.); single show and class tickets also availableWhere • Midvale Theatre, Off-Broadway Theatre, Wiseguys Trolley Square and the Murray Theater.Classes • Comedy Improv 101, Stand-Up Q & A with Keith Stubbs, Musical Improv, Character ImprovShows • The Humor Games, Salt Lake Steamer, Improv Home Evening, One Mic Stand, Salt Lake Comedy Film Festival, Best of Festival, Improv ShowcaseMore info • http://saltlakecomedyfestival.com/