Punderdome

we Dome again on 12/11!

PUNDERDOME®: NYC’s Comedy PUN-SLAM Compuntition! Hosted by Fred Firestone, featuring Dome Champs: LINGO STAR, DAFT PUN, HOT CROSS PUNS, WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN, RHYME & PUNISHMENT, & More!

"The Domer Mash" Parody in celebration of #150 (134 live in NYC and 16 virtual) on October 30, 2024

• Inspired by Official Dome Parodists Susan and Wendy
• Parody of "The Monster Mash" by Bobby “Boris” Pickett – done 60 years ago
• Parody by Marilyn Firestone!

I was working in my lab late one night
When Jo told me of her frightful plight
She had an idea - a contest for punners
And asked for my help to make it funner.

We did the Domer Mash
(The Domer Mash) it was a Brooklyn smash
(We did the Mash) it was a wordsmith bash
(We did the Mash) we watched the punsters clash

From our laboratory in ol’ Gowanus
When the hour of eight was fast upon us
The punsters poured into Littlefield
To see if the reigning champs would yield

They did the Domer Mash
(The Domer Mash) it was a Brooklyn smash
(They did the Mash) it was a wordsmith bash
(They did the Mash) we watched the punsters clash

The punsters were having fun
The party had just begun
The Champs included Boogie Momster, Insta Grammar, and Daft Pun.

The scene was rocking - Hot Crossed Puns was on fire
The audience roars couldn’t get any higher
The Clap-O-Meter, avoiding impropriety,
Declared “That was a ten, I decree!”

They played the Domer Mash
(the Domer Mash) it was a Brooklyn smash
(They played the Mash) it was a wordsmith bash
(They played the Mash) we watched the punsters clash

From down in Austin their voices did ring
Seems they were troubled by just one thing
Those Texas punners were kind of pi**ed
They said, “Whatever happened to our O.Henry twist?”

It’s now the Domer Mash
(The Domer Mash) it’s now a Brooklyn smash
(It’s now the Mash) it’s now a wordsmith bash
(It’s now the Mash) we watch the punsters clash

Now Punderdome’s had a 13-year stand
And The Domer Mash is the hit of the land
For you, the newbies, the Mash was meant, too
When you get to the door, tell them “your buddy Jack” sent you.

Then you can Mash
(The Domer Mash) and do the Brooklyn Smash
(Then you can Mash) it’s a wordsmith bash
(The Domer Mash) and watch the punsters clash.

Monster Mash (Classic Version - Instrumental) Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesMonster Mash · TV TunestersMonster Mash (Classic Version)℗ 2012 Not Us MusicReleased on: 2012-09-18Music Publis...

INSTA GRAMMAR, Official 'Dome Parodist since 2015, rocks the crowd with her "THE ADAMS FAMILY" parody at the 10/30 'Dome!

New video by Wendy Gibilisco

Dome #150 Results (10/30/24):

Congrats to ...

** Champ TOBY CONTINUED (4 Winners' Circles - back 2nd from left) and Runner-Up Champ HOT CROSS PUNS (13 - back left) for bringing the house down with laughter
** Champ WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN (center) for defending vs. Challenger KENNY DEWITT in "Can You Beat THE 'Dome Champ?" Excellent punformances from both
** 10th Annual PUN-Contest Winners Rose and Dean (back right) for their costume "Serf and TERF" for their clever and creative design

Big 'Dome Thanks to ...

** INSTA GRAMMAR and THE BOOGIE MOMSTER (Official 'Dome Parodists since 2015) for their punderful parodies on The Addams Family and Thriller respectively
** PUNNING AMOK for his hilarious and b***y PPPP on Rap Stars
** HUMAN CLAP-O-METERS Extraordinaire Erin and Zack (front row)
** littlefield Staff who always bring it
** All who PUNTICIPATED in the pun and pun-costume compuntitions and all who ATTENDED

Next Dome is December 11: tinyurl.com/msve9f34
Fav puns?

Tonight we 'Dome!!! Tics available here tinyurl.com/ysxryarw and at door! Gonna be one wild night!

Halloween PUNDERDOME®: NYC’s PUN-SLAM and PUN-COSTUME Compuntitions! Hosted by Fred Firestone, featuring Dome Champs: DAFT PUN, HOT CROSS PUNS, WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN, TOBY CONTINUED, VOWEL MOVEMENT & More!

Check out #22 in "the best things to do in NYC this week" -- Halloween Dome at littlefield ! Thanks Time Out New York

Here are the best things to do in NYC this week, October 28-November 1 The best things to do in NYC this week include the Village Halloween Parade, the Pumpkin Flotilla, the Roast of Dracula, Spooky S*x Trivia, and Dia de los Mu***os events.

we Halloween Dome tomorrow night! pun and pun-costume contests! sign up for pun-costume contest at intermission - all welcome!

Halloween PUNDERDOME®: NYC’s PUN-SLAM and PUN-COSTUME Compuntitions! Hosted by Fred Firestone, featuring Dome Champs: DAFT PUN, HOT CROSS PUNS, WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN, TOBY CONTINUED, VOWEL MOVEMENT & More!

We in two days - Wed 10/30! HALLOWEEN 'Dome includes 10th Annual PUN-Costume Puntest! Gonna get wild - ear plugs recommended. Could be a sell-out. Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw

Dome Champs punticipating in the 10/30 (Event/Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw ): TOBY CONTINUED (3 Winners' Circle)! He chats it up with the 'Dome ...

1. How long have you been punning? Earliest pun memories?

Oooh I feel like I've always been an insufferable wordnerd. I remember first recognizing puns watching an episode of Animaniacs. And in elementary school I wrote a story about a chess board that sort of Jumanji'd you into the Revolutionary war. I called it the Chessalutionary War, which isn't quite a pun, but a sign of a child who'd figure it out. I also fell in love with hip-hop do in large part to the wordplay of battle rappers & artists like Lupe Fiasco.

2. How did you become involved with the ’Dome and how many have you competed in?

I was introduced to the 'Dome by a pun enthusiast & show creator named Sam Hammersley in Orlando. When we finally took a NYC trip in 2016 the stars aligned for us to compete & it was a blast. I took runner-up to my best friend Jordan in overtime, and it was my only time in the event, so far.

3. What is your pre-'Dome prep?

I warm-up by freestyle rapping. It really works those brain muscles & makes me both focused & playful.

4. What's your two-minute prep process once you have topic?

Dump every word I associate with the topic out & start building around the ones that strike me best. If a thru-line arises, great. If not, I have to trust & feel the room to decide how I want to contextualize the set of puns. Listening is also key to not only avoid repeating, but find things to play off of (off which to play).

5. How would you describe your punning style?

Hmmm I guess precise yet playful. I care about crafting it well but am willing to be as silly as the moment calls for.

6. Thoughts/feelings after you got your spot in the Winners’ Circle in 2016?

Honestly, it was such a high because I walked in feeling imposter syndrome as a visitor to Punderdome, the show that inspired the pun competition I hosted back home. And to succeed just by being the same person I am there was a genuine affirmation I needed. But more than that, the spirit of the room was so fun that the result was secondary.

7. Why are you a 'Domer?

I'm a 'Domer because without wordplay, I am absolutely unemployable. Also because there's no happier blend of brains & BS on the planet.

NYC Halloween PUNDERDOME® at littlefield in Seven Days (10/30) - EVERY BODY MUST GO! - https://mailchi.mp/3f8c1e835411/may-6-2021edition-9411106

Dome Champs punticipating in the 10/30 (Event/Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw ): PUNAMERICAN ACTIVITIES (1 Winners' Circle). He tells all ...

1. When you punticipated in the ‘Dome for the first time, how far did you get in the compuntition? (When was this?)
I punticipated for the first time in the August 2019 dome, I ended up getting to semifinals!

2. Were you surprised you got this far?
Yeah, I went in with the mentality that I would be happy just to get to quarters, so I was completely floored by the crowd’s Punamerican appreciation.

3. How many times did you observe the ‘Dome prior to entering the compuntition?
7 times! My first dome was Jan 2019 and I got hooked and went to every one since before I competed

4. What was your detailed preparation process during this period?
The months before I punticipated I kept a little notebook in my back pocket, one of those tiny softcover ones, and I practiced five timed categories (either from former domes or just generic ideas)a day. That came out to between 15-20 minutes, which I typically did on my morning commute. I figured if I could get consistently okayish material at 9am, I could crush it when the clap-o-meter called.

5. Did your preparation help your confidence level?
My preparation helped the first time, but it made me so nervous for future ones! I kept thinking if I didn’t prep the same weeks of prep for future domes, I’d lose all the mental muscle memory. Turns out that’s not super true, I was just freakin myself out, and the dome is the last thing from a source of stress. Now I just make sure to keep puns top of mind the week before a dome, and bring friends to cheer me on!

6. Recommendations to those puntential ‘Dome punticipants?
Prepare a Great Lakes pun (all 5, it’ll come up), use the punderdome card game for topics, Coronas are $6, and don’t stress out — the audience loves first-timers!

Dome Champs punticipating in the 10/30 (Event/Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw ): The Punderdome Official Parodists you know and love: 'Domer twins Wendy (pink 'Dome shirt) and Susan (yellow)!!! They tell all!!!!

1. How did you discover the Punderdome? When was your first ‘Dome?

Wendy : A friend who is a long-time fan invited us to go. I was so shocked that this was right in my neighborhood! Been a huge fan ever since. Our first 'Dome was in August 2015 where I surprised Susie by signing us up to sing. We've been parodying ever since!

Susan: Wendy got that one pretty much down!

2. How did you develop your ability to write parodies? Did you develop together?

Wendy: Growing up, my dad was a punster. When we lived in Illinois my mom missed the east coast and we would do 14-hour car drives to New Jersey. My dad would make my mom and us laugh with his "sock-puppet theater" and constant puns. When we moved back to the east coast, we started playing games in the car; when a song would come on we would improv parodies and try to come up with the best we could. My dad's dream was to have us write a family musical full of parodies. But he also dreamed we wouldn't fight over the front seat.

Susan: We've always had fun writing parodies as a family activity, mostly in the car. My earliest parody memory was us poking fun with our dad at the song Me And You and a Dog Named Boo. I've written parodies with my mom (she song leads for preschools and religious schools,) my a ca****la group, and just shooting the breeze with Wendy.

The first parody we sang at Punderdome was actually written in high school, when Wendy beat me to the bathroom.

3. Why are you ’Domers?

Wendy: Growing up games brought my family together. The Punderdome a warm place to be. Everyone can appreciate some quick wit. I think I see in Punderdome what other people see in sports. It's fun and I feel like when I'm in the audience I'm part of the experience. I especially like the feeling that we're all one big group, all there to have a good time. It's a special place to be.

Susan: Because of the Domers! There' warmth to the Dome, and the people who punticipate - on and off stage - share that warmth and a respect for everyone in the room. They support everyone who is getting up there and giving it a shot. It's exciting to see what people think up, and you share that excitement with everyone in Littlefield.

PUNNING AMOK, who will do an original PPPP (previsouly prepared punderdome puntification) at the 11/30 HALLOWEEN DOME ( tinyurl.com/ysxryarw ), will also be punticipating in the Tournament of Pun Champions! He shared his thoughts about punticpating with the 'Dome ...

1. How long have you been punning? Earliest pun memories?

I remember turning in an assignment in like 4th grade that was supposed to be an essay on a current news story. Instead, I wrote it as a parody of the news story, with a lot of puns on the peoples' names and so on. When I got back my paper, it had a big red F on it, crossed out, and then a A-. Turns out the teacher read it, thought I was functionally illiterate, finally got what I was doing, and then kind of liked it. She had me read it to the class with a little primer explaining what a parody was. I also remember an English class where we were reading Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. I crossed out the author’s first name “Fyodor” and wrote in “Firedoor.” I still think that’s hilarious.

2. How did you first become involved with the 'Dome?

I had had a lifelong debilitating fear of being on stage—I mean cold sweats, blackouts, the works. After coming out a period of ill health around 2019 I decided it was long overdue for me to try to face down that fear and force myself to do something, anything on stage. Years before, I had written jokes for a number of comedians and late night shows, so I was thinking of maybe writing a standup set for myself, or maybe being in a play. Then, through a happy set of circumstances, I learned about the pun world and the 'Dome! My first time on stage was actually locally at the DC Improv near where I live. Boy, I was terrified. But I performed a pun soliloquy I wrote, somehow got through it, and found, wow, I really loved it. And, bafflingly I was one of the finalists, which was just totally unexpected. I couldn’t wait to do it again! Then Covid hit, but, fortunately, that’s when I got directly involved with the 'Dome, and was amazed at how effectively Fred and his team recreated the live experience online in Zoom. And then when I finally had the opportunity to do my first live 'Dome at the end of 2021, get on stage in New York and meet my fellow 'Domers in real life, well, I was in heaven.

3. What is your pre-'Dome prep?

On the train in from DC, I’ll look over words associated with different topics and pun on them.

4. What's your 2-minute prep process?

My most important strategy is to tell my internal chatter to shut the f-ck up and just try to focus my mind on the category. I try to think of words on the topic—the more unusual the better—and try to quickly twist and deconstruct them into something unique and “never before uttered.” And also hope that once it’s my turn I can read my damn handwriting.

5. How would you describe your punning style?

I chose the punonym/nom de pun Punning Amok for a reason—I tend to naturally lean towards constructing kind of intricate puns, and, when possible, even packing several into a single sentence. It has been suggested to me that that style can be less competitive because the more accessible the puns are, the faster the live audience will “get it” and the better the response. I do try now to work in some more “quickies” for rhythm and acclimation. But, that said, when you throw out a “thinker” and there’s that second of silence, and then that slow building roar of laughter as the audience, one by one, gets it, well, that’s pretty cool too.

6. Why are you a 'Domer?

Even though the fear on stage never goes away, it is manageable now. I’m proud of that. Fighting a lifelong debilitating fear is really no small thing. I credit my experiences at the 'Dome for helping get me this far. Now I even look for opportunities to speak and in fact, I do a talk telling people about the world of pun competitions like the 'Dome for groups like Toastmasters and Mensa. I’m kind of evangelical about it. I find that people really take to it very enthusiastically when they first learn about the pun world. So I’d like to think that I’m paying it forward and helping enrich people’s lives with punning like mine was, and also help sell a few tickets for the 'Dome and other pun events in the process! Indeed, I’ve found that there is nothing anywhere like the 'Dome for its clever format, level of audience engagement and just sheer excitement of being in the room. Moreover, 'Domers are some of the most creative folks I’ve ever met—as well as super encouraging and supportive. I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to get out of the 'burbs and have the opportunity to hang with them for an evening. I am so looking forward to 10/30!

Thanks Time Out New York and Rossilynne Skena Culgan,
Things to Do Editor, for the 10/30 Dome shout ...

"A fixture on the NYC comedy landscape for more than a decade, this show at Littlefield in Brooklyn is like a rap battle, only much nerdier. Hear pun pros face-off in the All-Star Tournament of Pun Champions where punsters deliver two-minute pun-stand-up routines, after only two minutes of preparation."

Punderdome | Clubs in New York The pun, that most democratic of jokes: At its best, it’s sublimely satisfying to the reptilian part of our brains that loves easy comedy. At its worst, it prod

DOME NEWS! Challenger announced in "Can You Beat THE 'Dome Champ?" for the 10/30 'Dome! (Event/Tics: tinyurl.com/bdebxfef )

'Dome Vet KENNY DEWITT will Challenge Current Champ WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN (WWHTF) (7 Winners' Circles) in a two-minute back and forth pun-off! KENNY will get topic and 24 hours to consult with human and non-human resources (internet, AI); WWHTF won't learn of topic until the pun-off begins - she'll get NO prep time!

Can KENNY DEWITT do it? He chats it up with the 'Dome...

1. How long have you been punning? Earliest pun memories?

• Punning has been a problem in my family for generations. The thing to keep in mind about family problems it they are all relative…
• Earliest pun memory is in 1975 - I got a Sandra Boynton “Hippo Birdie Two Ewe” birthday card. I was awestruck. It’s been downhill ever since.

2. How did you first become involved with the 'Dome?

• I used to compete in punctuation competitions, and after I won that championship apostrophe, I needed a new challenge. So, since 2015 I’ve been making the ‘Dome between 3 and 6 times a year.

3. Give us a feel for your pun-pedigree … compuntitions wins, almost wins, and highlights?

• My friends and family think I’m genius level, but I’d rate my skills the same as where average products are made; satisfactory.
• Typically, when I compete, I’ve made it to round two – just missed round 3 once because of a clap.
• For the punny costume contests I’ve come in 4th and 3rd and have a resolve to win one day.
• The biggest highlight, in all sincerity, is the crowd. Seeing so many heads shaking and eyes rolling, and the groans and laughs throughout the event makes me feel joy. It’s truly the best part of the ‘Dome for me.

4. How do you feel about challenging WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN (September ‘Dome Runner-Up Champ) in “Can You Beat THE ‘Dome Champ?” at the 10/30 Punderdome? You’ll have topic and 24 hours to prep (can consult with human and non-human resources) before your one-on-one two-minute pun-off and she’ll only learn of topic when pun-off begins!

• Fan-tastic! Nervous though given their talent but let’s not vent. Like a ceiling fan installer, I hope I don’t screw up as they are quite capable of blowing me away!

Champs doing the 10/30 Halloween Dome (Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw ): HOT CROSS PUNS (12 Trips to the Winners' Circle - #8 on the All-Time 'Dome Leader Board)!

She chatted it up with the 'Dome a few months ago ...

1. How did you initially find out about the ‘Dome?

I initially found out about the card game through some of my coworkers when I lived in D.C.! When I moved back to NYC, my bestie told me about the live show and we started attending together. I’ve been hooked ever since! My first show was in the Autumn of 2018.

2. I recall seeing your parents at many ’Domes. Did family life influence your punning? Any other punners in the fam?

My whole family loves making puns! It is definitely a staple of our family vernacular. My mom is known for her sharp wit, and my dad is definitely known for more goofy puns. I like to think I’m a combo of both of their styles. Once I shared how much fun the live dome shows were, they would often make the trek out from LI for the show. I’m so glad we get to stream the show together even though I’m doing my graduate school work in Arizona! We enjoy watching it from our respective timezones, then we chat on the phone when the show ends to talk about our favorite punformances of the night!

3. Further thoughts on how you developed your pun abilities/proclivities?

My love of reading and language learning definitely has influenced my pun abilities. I’m a sucker for bilingual puns in particular! It certainly helps too that since family and friends know I love puns, they are constantly telling me about punny situations. Being a teacher certainly has helped too!

4. What’s your process before you punticipate? (Alcohol, Meditation, Pun Practice, etc)

Sometimes I ask my friends or roommates to give me a topic and I try to see how many puns I can make off of the top of my head. I try my best not to torture them too much with my puns. I also make work association lists when I have downtime to see how far I could stretch a particular topic. A pre-show beer is definitely a must for me too!

5. How about your two-minute prep, once you learn of the topic?

After the brief panic of forgetting how the English language works, I just try to brainstorm as many items or things I can within that topic. Then I go back through my list and make puns for what I can. Now that I have more experience, I group my puns to try to make my delivery a little smoother. It gets a little easier each time!
I would describe my punning style as horrendously cheesy with occasional cleverness.

6. Do you use punning in your teaching?

I use punning all of the time with my teaching! I teach fourth graders, and they are at the age where they are starting to understand how puns work. I love teaching them about puns, and my classroom has tons of pun signs and pun stickers! Many of my students are English Language Learners, so making puns is a great way to make some of the confusing or similar sounding words into something we can laugh about. I have found puns can help ease their frustrations when we’re learning! I love having puns to help them love reading and writing more and to bring some laughter into our classroom.

7. Why are you a ‘Domer?

I am a ‘Domer because I love the joy and community that I find at the Punderdome! I am always in awe of the talent people bring, and the fun that is had by the contestants and the audience. I also truly love that it is a positive atmosphere, and even if you freeze up or strike out, people are kind. It’s great to be a part of a community where people come together to laugh and marvel at how we can manipulate our language!

https://www.pinterest.com/loveaparty/pun-costumes-for-halloween/

Pun Costumes For Halloween Discover loveaparty's collection, Pun Costumes For Halloween

'Dome is excited to announce that at the 10/30 Halloween 'Dome tinyurl.com/ysxryarw PUNNING AMOK (aka Gregg Siegel) will be presenting an original PPPP (Previously Prepared Punderdome Puntification) on the topic: "RAP ICONS"!

He has presented more than a dozen punny soliloquies on Artists, Dogs, Clothes and Colleges at pun venues around the country and the world, including the Library of Congress tomorrow night (10/17)! 'Dome is thrilled that he'll be struttin' his pun stuff on 10/30!

HALLOWEEN PUNDERDOME (Pun and Pun-Costume Compuntitions) is in 2 weeks -10/30! Looking like could be a sell-out. Event/Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw

Dome Champs PUNTICIPANTS in the Tournament of Pun Champions! DAFT PUN (25 Winners' Circles), HOT CROSS PUNS (12), WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN (7), VOWEL MOVEMENT (3), TOBY CONTINUED (3), PUN LIKE HELL (3), THE BOOGIE MOMSTER (2), INSTA GRAMMAR (1), PUNAMERICAN ACTIVITIES (1)

Halloween PUNDERDOME®: NYC’s PUN-SLAM and PUN-COSTUME Compuntitions! Hosted by Fred Firestone, featuring Dome Champs: DAFT PUN, HOT CROSS PUNS, WHEN WIT HITS THE FAN, TOBY CONTINUED, VOWEL MOVEMENT & More!

Halloween PUNDERDOME®: PUN and PUN-Costume Compuntitions! Oct. 30 in NYC! - https://mailchi.mp/0dffc241d109/may-6-2021edition-6263574

thanks Sarah Cutler for capturing the experience in her first-person story ...

I make a lot of puns, at least enough to alienate those around me, but as I talked to competitors ahead of the big day, I began to suspect I might be in over my head.

For a sense of what I was up against: Six-time champion Faith Yusko (stage name: Hot Cross Puns) uses her daily subway commute to brainstorm puns on categories like “weather,” jotting them down in a notebook on the subway. As a teacher, she lets her fourth-graders grill her on puns on topics of their choosing, like “dinosaurs.” When I remarked that that category seems especially difficult, since all the names end the same way, she agreed. “I’d need a thesaurus to find more words,” she said, without missing a beat.

“Nice,” I replied, intimidated.

Brooklyn’s Pun Contest is Known for Silliness. But Competition Prep is No Joke. - Columbia News Service FacebookTweet On a Wednesday evening in May, the crowd at Brooklyn’s Littlefield venue went wild over host Fred Firestone’s warm-up puns. He called out prompts, and the audience shouted their best answers back to him. “Podiatrists know not victory,” he said, “but –”   “DE-FEET!” [...

It's never too late to come up with that pun costume for the Pun-Costume Contest at the 10/30 tinyurl.com/ysxryarw

https://www.thinkingcloset.com/2015/09/28/20-last-minute-punny-halloween-costume-ideas/

20 Last-Minute Punny Halloween Costume Ideas It has become an annual tradition for me to scour the interwebs to gather up a brand new collection of Punny Halloween Costume Ideas for us all to savor!  And boy, do I have a groan-inducing batch of pun-tastic goodness to share with you today…. But first, let’s take a quick walk down memory ...

There's no place like . Gonna get LOUD at Halloween 'Dome on 10-30 (Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw )

Ear plugs not a bad idea.

There's no place like . Gonna be a wild freakin' time at Halloween 'Dome on 10-30 (Tics: tinyurl.com/ysxryarw )