Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne this May, 2024 with Rusty Berther

Run by professional comedians this comedy course is ideal for bucket list tickers, keynote speakers and comedians of the future.

By Hard Knock Knocks

Date and time

Sun, 19 May 2024 6:30 PM - Thu, 23 May 2024 9:30 PM AEST

Location

Roxy's

2 Alfred Place South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia

Refund Policy

Contact the organiser to request a refund.
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

  • 4 days 3 hours

Learn stand-up comedy over 5-evenings from Sunday to Thursday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, from May 19 to 23, 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 and guest comedy coach. 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.


“II cant's thank you enough for giving me the confidence.” - Chetan Singh (aka Delhi Buoy, 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. You'll also learn about the the comedy industry from our guest comedy coach, Lehmo (aka Jim from Utopia). You'll also learn how to deal with a heckler.


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. 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! Plus meet alumnus Cavie, who's fast becoming a comedy superstar!


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?':

Frequently asked questions

Can I invite friends and family to my graduation?

You sure can! In fact we encourage it. To date, the record number of friends and family we've had at a graduation is 120!

Will I receive a video of my graduation?

Yes! We film on HD cameras, so you'll have your own 'Netflix Special' that you can share with friend, family and comedy venues to get gigs.

Organised by

The Hard Knock Knocks produces comedy festival shows and is Australia's biggest developer of new stand-up comedians. Founded in 2016, the company has trained over 700 comedy students in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wagga Wagga and Geelong and has produced multiple shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe.

Hard Knock Knocks also produced 'Is This Thing On?', a factual comedy-drama following 10 nervous nobodies endeavouring to become confident comedians, with the help of some of Australia's most iconic comedians.

Early bird discount
$550 – $990