"The Arts Council of Moore County and Dr. Christine Gatti and Dogwood Dental Associates are looking for the funniest person in the Sandhills, and it could be you," says Chris Dunn, executive director of the Arts Council.

On Saturday, July 23, the Moore Puns Comedy Series will give up to 20 funny people a stage, a microphone and five minutes to make the audience laugh enough to be voted the Funniest Comic in the Sandhills. The winner, voted by the audience, will receive the "coveted" Pine Cone Microphone Trophy and the honor to open for professional comedian Jeff Jena on Aug. 13.

The show will be presented at 8 p.m. in the Sunrise Theater. Tickets will be available at the door at $10 for adults and $5 for high school and college students.

"While we will present comedians whose material is clean, the show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 14," says Dunn. "Before we put you on stage on July 23, we ask that you prepare an audition of 2-3 minutes of your funniest stand-up material. We also want to make sure your material is appropriate for our audience, so please keep your material clean."

There are several options to audition for the show. First, register to audition by using the form at www.mooreart.org/programs/performing/moorepuns. Audition in person July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Campbell House (482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines).

"If you cannot make it to audition in person, you may also upload a 2-3 minute video of yourself to YouTube.com, but please make sure you have uploaded your video before registering," says Dunn. "If you are selected to perform in the competition, you will be expected to perform a 5-minute set on July 23. > The winner will be decided by a panel of judges in combination with audience votes, so be sure to bring all your friends to the show to ensure you have the best chance to win. > If you win you will be asked to open the Aug. 13 show with a 10-minute set prior to professional comedian Jeff Jena."

For more information on auditions, send an email to moorepuns@gmail.com or visit www.mooreart.org.