It’s that time of year again when 32 of the world’s top ranked comics compete in the Seattle International Comedy Competition. Now in its 30th year, the SICC kicks off tonight at the Columbia City Theater where the first round of 16 comics will vie for 5 spots in the semi-finals; the rest will go home.

“I have been producing this event for 15 of its 30 years,” says SICC producer, Ron Reid. “The most rewarding part about it for me is seeing how it has developed from a small, home-grown event to a huge touring festival that gets seen by over 6000 people.”

After four weeks of touring the state with its side splitting semi final rounds, finalists will face off at The Moore Theatre on Nov 29.