The San Francisco International Comedy Competition brought 10 rising stars to Sacramento State Thursday night in the University Ballroom in an attempt to bring some laughter to the campus and some recognition to the stand-up comedians for the tour?s semi-final round.

When the doors opened 40 minutes before the scheduled start time, there was already a line forming that snaked throughout the Union.

As the show began, the immense room was almost at full capacity. Many students had just stepped out of a classroom, while others had made the trip back to campus just for the chance to genuinely laugh.

The evening was hosted by Dan St. Paul, who has opened for Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. St. Paul served as an anchor of amusement throughout the nearly three hour-long show, introducing each of the 10 comics as “the fastest rising young comedian in America,” a phrase the audience began to chant with him by the introduction of the fourth act.

The show was opened by Cain Lopez, who led with his grievances about the campus chickens, and then filled his 10 minutes with cracks about his weight, glitter makeup and techno music. Lopez earned an extended round of applause, but was somehow forgotten by the judges at the end of the event.

Al Madrigal, who was more of a quirky, storytelling comedian, followed Lopez, and became the only down moment of the show. His material was a little more original, a little more demanding and a little less appreciated. His style of comedy didn?t mix well with the crowd, and he was the only comic who seemed in no danger of winning. After Madrigal, every act that hit the stage found success.

Laughter and applause filled the Union for the majority of the remaining comics. Sadiki Fuller, who some might recognize from the video game NBA 2K1, brought a fast-paced, physical style that dealt with childhood, punishment and telemarketing. Other high points came during Bill Santiago?s comments about enjoying performing oral sex, Robert Mac?s admission of his penis being one-twelfth the regular size, and Bengt Washburn?s attribution of his career as a comedian to his degree in art.

As the top five were announced by St. Paul, the only surprise was the overall winner. Dave Williams, who took the last spot in the lineup, snuck into first place on jokes about prostate examinations and tired impressions that were anything but impressive. Still, he made the masses laugh, and maybe that is all that matters.