They made racist remarks, crude jokes and vulgar movements, all in the name of a good laugh. The 10 semi-finalists in the 31st annual San Francisco International Comedy Competition took to the University Union Ballroom stage Thursday evening, each with 12 minutes to crack up the crowd and make an impression.

And make an impression did they ever! As one of the three judges of the competition, I had the unique opportunity of gauging audience reactions to the routines. Everything from gasps of pure shock to hysterical fits of laughter permeated the room.

“I was really impressed with the quality of comedy,” said Natasha Courtney, a visitor from the community who attended the competition with friends. “For seven bucks, it was a really good deal.”

While most students reiterated Courtney’s feelings, others were less than impressed.

“A lot of the comedy was just cheap humor, not in good taste,” said a gentleman, who wished to remain anonymous. “I’m here with my daughter [a Sac State student], and a lot of moments were uncomfortable.”

Comedian Dylan Mandelsohn said that he thought the evening went over very well and that the college atmosphere was very welcoming.

“It’s been a busy few weeks of traveling,” he said, “but tonight was a lot of fun.”

A few of the comedians even tailored their acts to reach out to college students, touching on issues such as overpriced books and romantic relationships.

“It was humorous because you could actually relate to what they were talking about,” said senior business major Elyse Campbell, “and even have a laugh about it.”

Zenio Diokno, programs adviser for UNIQUE programs, which hosted the event, said that there was a great turnout, as always.

Comedians were judged according to stage presence, delivery, technique, material, audience response, audience rapport and a subjective “gut feeling” towards the act. Scores were then compiled to announce the top five contestants.

Taking top prize for the evening was Mandelsohn from Toronto, with Leo Flowers, Blake Bard, Gabriel Rutlebge and Mike E. Winfield following respectively. The contestants will now move on to three final nights of semi-final competition before the final event takes place Oct. 7.

Megan Chuchmach can be reached at [email protected]