Ten great comics from around the country vie for fame and fortune in the 40th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition, and Bainbridge Performing Arts will host the concluding show of the semi-finals at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.

The competition started Thursday, Nov. 7, and continues for 20 shows at venues throughout the region until a winner is crowned on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the famed Comedy Underground in Seattle.

It’s reportedly America’s biggest touring comedy festival: 25 days, 20 shows, a host of venues, 32 comedians, more than $15,000 in cash and prizes and talent executives from CBS, NBC, and more, with movie studios, managers, agents and producers in attendance, too.

There are two “preliminary” rounds of 16 comedians; each comedian gets 5 minutes to impress. Each preliminary round consists of five shows, and a combination of entertainment industry and celebrity judges and audience reaction determines who moves on when all the scores are tallied.

The top five comics from the two preliminary rounds make the semi-finals; all the semi-finalists win some cash, and get to compete for the title by performing for ten minutes nightly for five shows.

The performance is suitable for ages 16 and older.

Visit online at www.seattlecomedycompetition.org, and track the nightly results at www.facebook.com/seattlecomedycompetition.

Tickets for the BPA-hosted round are $30 per person and may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206-842-8569 or in person at BPA (200 Madison Ave. North).

Box office hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance.