Learn the
Art of
Stand-Up Comedy
Yes, You’re funny!
Have you always wanted to try stand-up comedy but don’t know where to start? Are you a comedian who wants to improve your skills? We offer free classes, online workshops, and New Zealand’s first and only comprehensive comedy course.
Getting Started in Stand-up Comedy
A fun no-pressure overview of everything you need to know to get a mic in your face for the first time. Learn techniques for writing, joke structure, and delivery. Learn how to avoid many common mistakes new performers make. Price: $20 suggested koha, but pay what you can
Auckland: Tuesday 7 October. 6:00pm-9:00pm (Classic Studio) Sign up!
Online: Thursday 9 October. 6:00-9:00 (Online) Sign up!
Wellington: Sunday 9 November. 1:00-4:00pm (Cavern Club) Sign up!
The Complete Course in Comedy
New Zealand's first and only comprehensive comedy class
Everything you need for your first comedy set:
Four sessions of writing, performance, feedback, and exercises
Two one-on-one private writing sessions
A prime-time spot in a graduation showcase with a professional MC
A high-definition video of your graduation performance to share with friends
In the group classes, we'll develop your material and performance skills. In two private one-on-one writing sessions, we'll polish your material further. By the time of your graduation showcase, you will have a funny, original, and well-rehearsed routine ready to impress any audience.
Find comedic ideas and explore them creatively
Write jokes and structure an act
Improve your skills as a performer and presenter
Find your unique stage persona
Overcome stage-fright
Have fun!
At your graduation, you'll have a spot in a comedy show with a professional MC. This is a great time to invite your friends and family to show off your skills. We will also make a high-quality video of your performance that you can take with you or post to your socials.
Class is limited to 10 students, so enroll early!
Price $450 - Includes all classes and materials, two private writing/coaching sessions, and your graduation video.
Auckland: Oct/Nov (w Brendon Green)
Intro "Getting Started" Class: Tuesday 7 October. 6:00-9:00pm (Classic Studio)
Class 1: Tuesday 14 October. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 2: Tuesday 21 October. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 3: Tuesday 28 October. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 4: Tuesday 4 November. 6:00-9:00pm
Graduation Show: Thursday 13 November 7:30pm (Classic Comedy Club)
Sign up Here
Wellington: Nov/Dec (w Neil Thornton)
Intro "Getting Started" Class: Sunday 9 November 1:00-4:00pm (Cavern Club)
Class 1: Sunday 16 November 1:00-4:00pm (Cavern Club)
Class 2: Sunday 23 November 1:00-4:00pm (Cavern Club)
Class 3: Sunday 30 November 1:00-4:00pm (Cavern Club)
Class 4: Sunday 7 December 1:00-4:00pm (Cavern Club)
Graduation Show: Thursday 11 December 8:00pm (Fringe Bar)
Sign up Here
Online Workshops!
Online Complete: Oct/Nov
(w Neil Thornton)
Unable to make it in person to our Auckland or Welly classes? This online class is all the same content, all the same feedback and one-on-one attention, via zoom! We’ll be focused more on the writing process and joke crafting, but you’ll be able to share your ideas and get some “stage time” every class. No set graduation show, so we’ll work to find you a comedy room wherever you are to show off your hard work!
Intro “Getting Started” Class: Thursday 9 October. 6:00-9:00pm (Online via zoom)
Class 1: Thursday 16 October. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 2: Thursday 23 October. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 3: Thursday 30 October. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 4: Thursday 6 November. 6:00-9:00pm
Online Price $350 - Includes all classes and materials plus two private writing/coaching sessions.
Sign up Here
Other Cool Classes
Sketch and Character
(w Donna Brookbanks)
Intro “Getting Started” Class: Saturday 11 October. 1:00-4:00 (Classic Studio)
Class 1: Saturday 18 October. 1:00-4:00pm
Class 2: Saturday 25 October. 1:00-4:00pm
Class 3: Saturday 1 November. 1:00-4:00pm
Class 4: Saturday 8 November. 1:00-4:00pm
Graduation Show: Saturday 14 November. 7:30pm (TBA)
In-person Price $450 - Includes all classes and materials, two private writing/coaching sessions, and your graduation video.
Sign up Here
Storytelling Auckland (w Robin Wachsberger)
Transform your personal experiences into compelling stage stories in this hands-on intensive course. Learn creative writing techniques to mine your life for meaningful narratives, master the craft of building suspense and emotion, and develop the stagecraft skills to deliver with confidence. Small group classes (max 10 students) include individual coaching sessions and culminate in a professional graduation show where you'll perform your polished 5-10 minute story. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and willingness to discover the storyteller within you.
Wednesday evenings 6-9pm "Getting started" (open koha class) Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 3
Intro “Getting Started” Class: Wednesday 5 November. 6:00-9:00pm (Grey Lynn Community Centre)
Class 1: Wednesday 12 November. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 2: Wednesday 19 November. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 3: Wednesday 26 November. 6:00-9:00pm
Class 4: Wednesday 3 December November 6:00-9:00pm
Graduation: Saturday 6 November. 8:00pm
In-person Price $450 - Includes all classes and materials, two private writing/coaching sessions, and your graduation video.
Sign up Here
One-On-One
Want to punch up your material? Need a brainstorming session? Do you have a performance video you'd like to review? Neil Thornton is available for private one-on-one writing and feedback sessions in person or on Zoom.
Check out this page and just sign up!!
Diversity Scholarship
Broke and underrepresented? We have funds from generous donations to offer diversity scholarship discounts and seats for the NZ Comedy School.
Open to people who want to contribute to the growing diversity of voices in New Zealand comedy and performing arts. Open to all considerations of diversity: ethnic, cultural, age, economic, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. etc. etc.
To apply: Fill out this form or reply in an email. The application is easy—tell us about yourself, your background as a person and performer, and what you hope to achieve through this class (and which class you want to do). Why do you want/deserve this scholarship? Why is your voice underrepresented in the world of comedy? Application Form
If you’d like to donate: email scholarship@comedyschool.co.nz and I’ll tell you how.
Awards
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards, 2023
Best Industry Helper, 2018, 2019, 2020 Wellington Comedy Awards
Best MC, 2022 Wellington Comedy Awards
Best Comedian, 2020 Wellington Comedy Awards
Best Male Comedian, 2020 Cartel Comedy Awards
Best Mentor, 2021 Cartel Comedy Awards
Find out More!
Ask us questions. Join the mailing list!