The 2008 Moosehead Awards

Applications Close Wednesday 3rd October, 2007

The Brian McCarthy Memorial Moosehead Awards started in 1987 as a way of remembering Brian McCarthy, a comedian, actor and fringecomedy producer who was tragically killed at the age of 23 in a car accident. The organisers of the benefit which kicked off the Mooseheads decided to call them “Awards”, but they very quickly turned into grants.

Brian was a motivator as well as a performer, someone who pulled together the disparate elements of a fringecomedy and performance scene into nights and events where anything went as long as it was new and interesting. This fusion of styles and the principle of taking on all comers has come to form the core of the Mooseheads. The Mooseheads are about funding shows and artists that are exciting – about getting behind an idea, and loving it a bit more because it is mental and overly ambitious.

The Mooseheads try to find new playgrounds for working comedians and performers – a chance to spotlight an idea rather than just turning out “another show”. And it pays off, in 2007 Moosehead Recipient Justin Hamilton was awarded the Comedy Festival Director’s Choice Award for his trilogy “Three Colours Hammo”.

Recipients of a Moosehead Award are supported in the production of their 2008 Melbourne Comedy Festival show with marketing support, photography, publicity and professional assistance through the minefield of producing your own show. With the assistance of The Comedy Channel recipients also get the creative support of a professional director. For more details, info and application forms, email moosehead@comedy.com.au.