Streaming platform NextUp has announced a special bursary to broaden the range of comedians available on their platform.
The fund, which is open to stand-up performers worldwide, will financially support the filming of comedy specials from acts who meet NextUp’s criteria.
NextUp’s Co-Founder Sarah Henley said: “NextUp’s goal is a fair and equal comedy world where any comedian regardless of identity can be given the same opportunity as others. We’d like a platform where young comics coming up through the ranks, see opportunities for themselves and are inspired to keep going. Whilst there’s no shortage of comedic styles on our platform - the same currently can’t be said for comedian diversity and we’re actively working to address that.”
The Nextup Grapevine Bursary
Criteria for those looking to apply includes:
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Performers must either be people of colour and/or identify as female or non-binary.
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The show being recorded should be a ‘full show’ of at least 40 minutes i.e. the type performed at Edinburgh or when a comedian is on tour.
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The show must be professionally filmed on 3 or more cameras with professionally recorded sound.
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Open to comedy performers worldwide.
The NextUp team are always keen to talk to comics - if comedians don’t fit this criteria, but are keen to have their show on NextUp, they’re welcome to get in touch to chat things through. Click here for more information.
Nextup champions the most exciting names in stand-up comedy, filming and showcasing their work worldwide via their 5-star rated mobile and TV apps. Comedians include: Max & Ivan, Jordan Brookes, Tiff Stevenson, Jonathan Pie, Hal Cruttenden, Paul Sinha, Bill Hicks, Bec Hill, Lou Sanders, Eleanor Morton, Tommy Tiernan, Stuart Laws, Simon Munnery, Daliso Chaponda, Tiernan Douieb, Tom Ward and many more (full list here).
NextUp is available on iOS, Android, web, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Airplay, Roku and Amazon Channels.
NextUp costs £4.99 per month with a 7 day free trial
Further info and application info can be found at nextupcomedy.com/grapevine. Applications close June 10th.
