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: Saturday 7 February 1:00-4:00pm (Classic) Sign up!
Online: Tuesday 17 March 6:00-9:00pm (Zoom) Sign up!
Wellington: Thursday 19 March 6:00-9:00pm (Cavern Club) Sign up!
Wellington: Sunday 24 May 5:00-8:00pm (Cavern Club) Sign up!
Auckland: Saturday 30 May 1:00-4:00pm (Classic) Sign up!

Sign up here!
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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 March/April 2026 (with Neil Thornton)

Getting Started (open to all): Thursday, 19 March 6:00-9:00pm (Cavern Club)
Class 1: Sunday, 22 March 5:00-8:00pm
Class 2: Sunday, 29 March 5:00-8:00pm
Class 3: Sunday, 12 April 5:00-8:00pm
Class 4: Sunday, 19 April 5:00-8:00pm
Graduation Show: Thursday, 23 April 8:00pm (Fringe Bar)

Price $450+gst
Sign Up  Here

Online March/April 2026 (with Neil Thornton)

Getting Started (open to all): Tuesday, 17 March 6:00-9:00pm (Online)
Class 1: Tuesday, 24 March 6:00-9:00pm (Online)
Class 2: Tuesday, 31 March 6:00-9:00pm (Online)
(optional in-person Auckland workshops Easter weekend 4/5 April)
Class 3: Tuesday, 7 April 6:00-9:00pm (Online)
Class 4: Tuesday, 14 April 6:00-9:00pm (Online)
Wellington Graduation Show: 23 April 8:00pm (Fringe Bar)
Auckland Graduation Show: 24 April 8:00pm (TBA)

Price $399+gst
Sign Up  Here

Wellington May/June 2026 (With Brendon Green)

Getting Started (open to all): Sunday 24 May 5:00pm (Cavern Club)
Class 1: Tuesday, 26 May 6:00-9:00pm
Class 2: Tuesday, 2 June 6:00-9:00pm
Class 3: Tuesday, 9 June 6:00-9:00pm
Class 4: Tuesday, 16 June 6:00-9:00pm
Graduation Show: Friday 19 June 8:00pm (Fringe Bar)

Price $450+gst
Sign Up  Here

Auckland June 2026 (With Neil Thornton)

Getting Started (open to all): Saturday 30 May 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
Class 1: Sunday, 31 May 1:00-4:00pm
Class 2: Sunday, 7 June 1:00-4:00pm
Class 3: Saturday, 13 June 1:00-4:00pm
Class 4: Sunday, 14 June 1:00-4:00pm
Graduation Show: Thursday, 18 June 7:30pm (Classic Comedy Club)

Price $499+gst
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!!

Testimonials

“Neil provided me with a safe space to just get up and start performing, which was invaluable to me. I always looked forward to going to class and was really proud of my work at the end. I wouldn't have been able to do that without Neil's guidance.”

- Cailin Neil

"Comedy School: cheaper than therapy and way more effective! Not only did comedy school make me way funnier but I'm also a better science communicator with my new skills!”

- Grace Leung

"Neil creates a safe and supportive environment to give comedy a go. His sources, experience, and knowledge help you leap far ahead from the stumbling blocks avoiding novice mistakes through his guidance. He’s just a good sort."

- Myles McGuire

“From the first session to the last Neill creates a supportive environment with plenty of positive and constructive feedback. The graduation show we performed for family and friends was a fantastic experience with everyone in the class being supportive. Unsurprisingly lots of laughs were had throughout.”

- Lindy Monrad

"Neil's Comedy School gave me the tools and the support to be a confident stand-up comic. I could not recommend him more highly as a mentor.”

- Natalie Scott

“Neil is a great teacher of the writing process, and I love his translation of performance nervousness as ‘excitement.’”

- Carrie Buckmaster

"Neil knows so many vital techniques and is unusually adept at applying a positive, growth mindset to ease people into the world of stand up comedy and connect them with skills they may not have realised they possessed. This is the real deal. Do it."

- Malcolm Aitken

"Neil taught me a new form of public performance - the art of telling a joke. His coaching and feedback helped me to understand how to structure a joke for maximum impact, taking it from a meandering tale to a set up and PUNCH!"

- Kirk Jackson

“A great course which breaks down comedy to unlock your inner funny person!”

- Severin Gourley

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

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!

Contact

neil@comedyschool.co.nz

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Neil’s comedy site:
neilthornton.com