About this Event
Learn stand-up comedy over 5-evenings from Sunday to Thursday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, from June 23 to 27, 2023. You’ll get:
- the Hard Knock Knocks comedy manual,
- 12 months access to the Hard Knock Knocks online comedy course,
- an HD-video of your graduating performance,
- a set of professional headshot photographs to help with your ongoing marketing,
- PLUS, access to the biggest community of comedians that will help you get gigs in rooms around Melbourne.
You'll also get one-on-one coaching from our resident comedy coach, Brad Oakes and guest comedy coach, Tom Siegert. Plus you'll get to meet our alumni, who will help you find your feet after graduation in the cut-throat world of open mic comedy.
“I can't thank you enough for giving me the confidence.” - , National Raw Comedy Finalist and Hard Knock Knocks alumni
Pre-Course: Online course access
Access the entire content on your phone or PC ahead of the course. This online course includes videos, activities and discussion, narrated by Greg Fleet, to ensure you don't feel like a noob on day one. Learn more, by clicking here.
Day 1: Sunday – The Basics, Finding Yourself, Joke Structure and Preparation
Introduction to the basics of stand-up comedy and the jargon of the comedic industry before launching into the deep end with your very own mini set. Then, it’s time to learn the ‘Normal-Normal-Twist’ and 'Nonsense-in-all-seriousness" techniques and get your creative juices flowing!
Day 2: Monday – Generating Content and Building Confidence
You'll be learning how to create jokes from scratch, using the 'Random Word Generator' and 'Omitting a Given' techniques. And again, you'll be up on stage performing.
Day 3: Tuesday – Delivery and Controlling a Room
Learn to write a strong open to your comedy set. Tonight students will also have the opportunity to refine some of their own writing, and learn about the the comedy industry from our guest comedy coach, American Ashley Fils-Aime. You'll also learn how to deal with a heckler.
Day 4: Wednesday – The Close, Graduation Preparation and Headshots
Closing your set strong is this night's goal, as well as putting the extra polish on tomorrow night's graduation performance. You'll also model for professional headshots, that are vital for comedy event posters or even acting jobs!
Day 5: Thursday – Graduation Night and Performance
The moment you have been working toward! Perform your stand-up comedy routine in front of family and friends, conquer your fears and perform alongside three professional stand-up comedians. Watch previous graduation videos by clicking here.
Post Course: Punchlines Comedy Club and Festivals
Graduates of the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School also get the opportunity to perform in open mic rooms across Melbourne, through our extensive network of alumni.
Watch all 6 episodes of the Hard Knock Knocks' own comedy-drama, 'Is This Thing On?':
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Roxy's, 2 Alfred Place, South Melbourne, Australia
AUD 500.00 to AUD 900.00
