Kit Kat Arabia has launched the Kit Kat Comedy Break competition in search of the funniest Arab comedian across the region.

With $40,000 up for grabs, all entrants have to upload a short film of their comedy routine on www.kitkatcomedybreak.com by April 6, 2013, a statement from Kit Kat said.

Submissions will be evaluated by a judging panel which includes a group of the region’s best comedians, Tony Abou Jaoude, Ali Al Sayed, Shaima Al Sayed and Fahad Albutairi.

A shortlist of 10 will be selected to go to the second round where they will stay together and undergo various challenges during which seven will be eliminated and three winners will be chosen, the statement said.

The first prize is $15,000 cash plus the opportunity to be the opening act for one of the judges on their next tour. The second prize comes with a cash prize of $10,000 and third prize of $5,000. Along with the top three winners, the public will get to cast votes for their favourite comedian who will win $2,500 and other exciting prizes for online fans.

Remy Ejel, business executive manager for the confectionary portfolio, Nestlé Middle East, said: “Kit Kat loves to put a smile in people’s breaks. It’s our brand philosophy that reflects in the way we engage with our consumer and the community.”

The Kit Kat Comedy Break show is an extension of Kit Kat’s brand thought, the statement said. “Comedy is all about taking a break from life and being able to laugh, something that Kit Kat has always been known for – ‘Have a break, Have a Kit Kat’. We believe that the show will let us connect with the community, share delightful moments with them and at the same time, add some fun and laughter into people’s lives,” Ejel added.

“Supporting the comedy industry in the Middle East seemed like a good fit for us at Kit Kat. We wanted to create a platform for the burgeoning comedy scene in the region.”

“They say laughter is the best medicine so we hope plenty of doctors enter,” Ejel joked.

The competition is open to residents of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and UAE, who are also Arab nationals.

The video submitted for the competition should be no longer than three minutes and will be judged on originality, delivery and public vote. – TradeArabia News Service