Battle-COM (v2.02)

By Paul Ash

Take a large dose of “The Big Bang Theory”, a wallop of an “8 Mile” rap battle and stir in a dash of “Let’s Make a Deal” and you have an idea of what “Battle-COM” is.

Battle-Com sees two performers skewer pop culture and each other in the name of entertainment.  Paul Ash stands between these forces playing the role of Battle Marshal, introducing the topics (Battle Fields) and players (Battlers).  The crew of Battlers fight for the right to be called a Battle Master and Battle Champion.  That’s right – they use the word Battle a lot.

This is a mental blood-sport, an ego bruiser that is judged by the audience.  When you enter the Battle Dome you know it’s not a typical comedy show.  Both sides of the stage are draped with a Battle Banner, each in a colour which matches either side of the Battle Flag you were handed as you entered.  A podium with a silver bar sits in the middle of the stage.

The show starts with a reverse curtain call, introducing you to the Battlers – for the audience judges their fate.  All leave the Battle Arena (stage) except the Battle Marshal and two Battlers.  A Battle is a quick affair; it’s a best 2 out of 3 (with ties gaining no points).  First round the Battlers are to be positive about their position on the Battle Field (topic).  Each Battler has approximately 90 seconds.  The Battle Marshal calls for a vote and the spectators raise their flags – colour coded to the Battler whose position they liked best.  Second round, they are to be negative about their opponent’s position – a position that was only revealed as the opponent went on stage.  If it gets to a third round, the Battlers can choose to be negative or positive – it’s a free-for-all round.  When a winner is declared, the loser exits the stage and a new Battler is called to challenge.  If a Battler manages to defeat two opponents in a row they are retired as a Battle Master and two new Battlers take the stage.  After all Battlers have had a turn a Battle Champion is determined.  In the case of no Battle Masters, the Last Battler Standing (the final Battler with only one win) is declared the Battle Champion.  If two Battle Masters have been declared, they face off against one another for the title of Battle Champion.  If there is only one Battle Master they’ll face off against the Last Battler Standing, but they’ll begin the match with a win already awarded.  The Battle Champion claims his prize, leaves the stage as the Battle Marshal declares the next Battle Field and it begins anew.

The Next Battle-COM is 10:30pm Friday February 8th at The Comedy Nest in the Pepsi Forum (Atwater / St-Catherine).

<a class="colorbox" href="http://paulashcomedy.com/event/battle-com-in-halifax/battlecom2-2" rel="attachment
Source: Paul ash Comedy