Spread the Love and the Laughs

Since 2017, the NZ Comedy School has trained over 500 comedians across Aotearoa. Our graduates are performing internationally (including opening for Dylan Moran in the UK), took all five Best Newcomer nominations at the 2024 Wellington Comedy Awards, won Raw Comedy nationally, and produced dozens of shows at NZ Fringe and NZ Comedy Fest. We maintain 57% female/non-binary participation and have invested in 47 diversity scholarships—all with minimal government funding but maximum love.

Through 40 or more showcases annually, we give comedians valuable stage time and audiences the chance to see themselves represented in comedy.

But our success has outpaced our infrastructure.

I'm currently managing all administration, marketing, grant writing, and show production solo—operating beyond what one person can sustain. I’ve trained amazing new instructors and added new programs, which has increased our impact but multiplied my administrative burden. Several major grant applications were declined this year, and with the economy, enrollments are down. Without more financial support, I'm approaching the point where I'll need to scale back to what's sustainable for one person.

I need your support to keep the work going.

Your donation allows us to:

• Hire administrative help so operations run smoothly

• Invest in more diversity scholarships for underrepresented communities

• Produce monthly showcases (Campground, Best in Class) that give graduates real stage time

• Build professional systems and infrastructure

• Continue making comedy accessible to all New Zealanders

Without sustainable support, I may have to scale back to one Wellington class per term, pause showcases, and take a break to determine what's viable.

With your support: We hire help, pay what's owed, build proper systems, and continue growing the inclusive comedy community we've built together.