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 koha 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: Saturday 26 Sep 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio) Sign up!
Wellington: TBA
Online: TBA
Storytelling
Getting Started: Wellington
How to generate ideas for great stories, structure a story for the stage, and perform it with panache,
Wellington: Tuesday 8 September, 6:00-9:00pmSign up!
Our Auckland complete Storytelling class starts Wednesday 19 August! scroll down for more!
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!
Wellington August 2026 (With Neil Thornton)
Getting Started (open to all): Sunday 9 August 5:00pm-8:00pm (Cavern Club)
Note: “Getting Started” is a fun overview/preview of the process. It can be a stand-alone class OR an introduction to the Complete Course, and it’s included in your tuition! Definitely attend either way)
Class 1: Sunday, 16 August 5:00pm-8:00pm
Class 2: Sunday, 23 August 5:00pm-8:00pm
Class 3: Sunday, 30 August 5:00pm-8:00pm
Class 4: Sunday, 6 September 5:00pm-8:00pm
Graduation Show: Saturday 12 September 8:00pm (Fringe Bar)
Price $450+gst
Sign Up Here
Auckland Sept/Oct 2026 (with Steven Lyons)
Getting Started (open to all): Saturday 26 September, 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
Note: Getting Started is a fun overview and preview of the process. It works as a stand-alone class OR as your introduction to the Complete Course, and it's included in your tuition. Definitely attend either way!
Class 1: Saturday 3 October, 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
Class 2: Saturday 10 October, 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
Class 3: Saturday 17 October, 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
Class 4: Saturday 24 October, 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
Graduation Show: Thursday 29 October, 8:00pm (The Classic Comedy Club)
Price: $499+gst. Includes all classes and materials, two private writing sessions, your graduation spot at New Zealand's most iconic comedy club, and a high-definition video of your performance.
Complete Course in Storytelling
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 story. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and willingness to discover the storyteller within you.
You’ll learn to:
Mine your life for stories worth telling
Structure narratives with desire, stakes, and transformation
Build suspense and emotional resonance
Develop your unique voice and stage presence
Overcome performance anxiety
Connect authentically with audiences
In the group classes, we’ll develop your stories and performance skills through creative writing exercises and supportive feedback. In two private one-on-one coaching sessions with Robin, We’ll polish your story further. By the time of your graduation showcase, you will have a compelling, well-crafted, and confidently performed story ready to move any audience.
At your graduation, you’ll perform your story in a professional show. This is a great time to invite your friends and family to witness your storytelling journey. We will also make a high- quality video of your performance that you can take with you or share on socials.
Class is limited to 10 students, so enroll early!
Storytelling: Auckland August 2026 (W/ Robin)
Getting Started (open to all): Wednesday, 12 August 6:00pm (Classic Studio)
Class 1: Wednesday, 19 August 6:00-9:00pm
Class 2: Wednesday, 26 August 6:00-9:00pm
Class 3: Wednesday, 2 September 6:00-9:00pm
Class 4: Wednesday, 9 September 6:00-9:00pm
Graduation Show/Story Slam: Friday, 11 September 8:00
Price $450+gst - Includes all classes and materials, two private writing/coaching sessions, and your graduation video
Storytelling: Wellington Sept/Oct 2026 (with Neil Thornton)
Getting Started (open to all): Tuesday 8 September, 6:00-9:00pm (Toi Aro Arts Centre, 3 Market Lane)
Note: Getting Started is a fun overview and preview of the process. It works as a stand-alone class OR as your introduction to the Complete Course, and it's included in your tuition. Definitely attend either way!
Class 1: Tuesday 15 September, 6:00-9:00pm (Toi Aro Arts Centre)
Class 2: Tuesday 22 September, 6:00-9:00pm (Toi Aro Arts Centre)
Class 3: Tuesday 29 September, 6:00-9:00pm (Toi Aro Arts Centre)
Class 4: Tuesday 6 October, 6:00-9:00pm (Toi Aro Arts Centre)
Graduation Show: Sunday 11 October, 7:00pm (venue to be confirmed)
Price: $450+gst. Includes all classes and materials, two private coaching sessions, and a high-definition video of your graduation performance.
Sign Up Here
Appointments! 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
DonateAwards
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!
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