Eugene Mirman wants to do unprofitable stuff for his comedy festival

We’re headed into year four of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival and it’s good to see he’s still not really taking the thing too seriously. Which falls in line with the original plan anyway. Mirman originally started the festival to make fun of comedy festivals and he’s now trying to take it to even bigger levels of ridiculousness.

The thing is, he doesn’t really have to the money to do really properly update the production value of ridiculousness so he’s taken to Kickstarter to get fans to help him ramp up the lunacy and he thinks around $18,000 will be enough to make it happen.

As of the time of this post, they have about 30 backers but are only in the $2,500 range with $2K coming from two backers. I think it’s time for us all to call our friends with money and have them pledge at least $8,000. Because doing that will get you “$5,000 in $1 bills” it’s an instant return on your investment that Atlantic City can’t promise.

Here are some of the other rewards for donating some money. Sure there’s simple stuff like a few bucks for your name listed in the festival’s program guide but things get really interesting in the higher ranges. The full rundown is on Mirman’s Kickstarter page.

Pledge $75 or more – An official badge making you a Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival Marshal, which comes with the right to put people under “Eugene Arrest” (which isn’t a form of arrest, but permission to ask someone if you can buy them a drink) + two drink tickets. Also, with this badge comes the right to ask anyone at festival where they grew up, when they had their first kiss, and for life-advice. Answers can not be forced, but flash the badge, and ask away. Double also, a cute photo of Eugene’s cat will be emailed to you. (Note: this reward does not grant admission to any shows).

Pledge $250 or more – An autographed ostrich egg that gets you and a guest into the VIP HUSH-HUSH AFTERPARTY, a roped off area in the middle of the main room of Bell House that will have complimentary champagne, cured meats, and fresh towels. So exclusive it sizzles; you will be the envy of everyone everywhere forever. (Note: this reward does not grant admission to any shows).

Pledge $400 or more – An autographed WWII helmet that says VIP that gets you and a guest into one festival show (because of limited tickets, show must be chosen in advance) + autographed poster + access to the VIP HUSH-HUSH AFTERPARTY, a roped off area in the middle of the main room of Bell House that will have complimentary champagne, cured meats, and fresh towels. So exclusive it sizzles; you will be the envy of everyone everywhere forever.

Pledge $500 or more – Entry for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend + access for you and a guest to one festival show (because of limited tickets, show must be arranged in advance) + autographed headshot + signed poster.

Pledge $1,000 or more – An animal in our petting zoo will be named after you + you get an autographed WWII helmet that says DOUBLE VIP that gets you and a guest into two festival shows (because of limited tickets, shows must be chosen in advance) + You’re invited to the Pre-Show Meet & Hug with Eugene at The Bell House, 4pm on Saturday, September 17th + access for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend.

Pledge $8,000 or more – We’ll give you $5,000 in $1 bills.

Pledge $10,000 or more – Eugene will fly to any domestic destination of your choice and hand deliver a letter for you to a mutually agreed upon person in an accessible location within the next year + access to the VIP HUSH-HUSH AFTERPARTY, a roped off area in the middle of the main room of Bell House that will have complimentary champagne, cured meats, and fresh towels. So exclusive it sizzles; you will be the envy of everyone everywhere forever + access for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend + a weirdly decorated, very heavy chain that gives you and a friend access to all the festival shows.

Pledge $10,000 or more – A leather jacket covered in swears, culturally and racially insensitive messages and inspirational sayings that gives you and three friends access to all the festival shows + parties + a “handler” that will be assigned to you at the festival. This person will probably be around 22-years-old and only sort of helpful + 4 signed posters + a Vespa scooter with doodles by comedians all over it.

The 2011 festival will be held Sept. 15 – 18. Check out the festival’s website for information as it happens.