Several NIU students have been taking a break from their studies this week to get a few laughs at Comedy Week, an event sponsored by the Campus Activities Board.

Comedy Week, which runs through Friday, features live stand-up comedians who have appeared on various shows across America.

CAB Special Events Coordinator Ali Franchi said they have had a good turn out every night. “The audience participation has been good.”

Tonight’s performers will be Jimmy Tingle and A.J. Jamal. Tingle is an HBO comedian.

Besides appearing at more than 70 college campuses, Jamal has been on the Arsenio Hall Show and Showtime at the Apollo, Franchi said. He also has performed with Cher and Diana Ross.

Tingle and Jamal will perform tonight at 8 p.m. at the Holmes Student Center’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

Friday night’s comedian Jake Johannsen won the eleventh-annual San Francisco Comedian Competition. He has performed on “The Tonight Show” and “The Dolly Show.” Johannsen also appeared in the movie “Casual Sex” and has been seen on HBO. He is a regular on “Late Night with David Letterman,” Franchi said.

Friday’s show begins at 7:30 p.m. and also is in the student center’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

All of the shows are free of charge and open to the public.