The 34th Annual Seattle International Stand-Up Comedy Competition once again takes over the Auburn Avenue Theater for a preliminary round of laughter.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the iconic theater, 10 Auburn Ave.

The competition is an annual, multi-week, judged, stand-up comedy contest. More than 30 comedians, out of more than a thousand who apply, perform in shows held in comedy clubs, bars, restaurants, casinos and theaters throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest during November.

Contestants perform 3-7 minute long sets in one of two preliminary weeks, consisting of six shows in six venues over six nights. The top five from each preliminary week will meet in the semifinals week, which requires them to perform 8-12 minute long sets for another six shows. The top five from the semifinals move on to the finals. In the finals, they will perform 15-20 minute long sets in five more shows … and, a winner is crowned.

Past winners have included Sean Kent, Tommy Savitt, Marcus, Damonde Tschritter and Auggie Smith, several of whom have gone on to perform as headliners with The Ave’s Monthly Comedy Series.

Tickets are $20 regular, $18 students and seniors. Call 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or online through Brown Paper Tickets at www.auburnwa.gov/arts.