Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne WITH dOUG CHAPPEL

JULY 25 – 29, 2021

The Rubber Chicken,
South Melbourne

Only 2 spots left

(Until course starts)

Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne over 5-evenings from Sunday to Thursday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, from July 25 to 29, 2021. You’ll get the SHKK comedy manual, our complementary online course, video of your graduating performance, professional headshots for future marketing, and loads of one-on-one coaching from our resident comedy coach, Chris Wainhouse, our returning alumnus, Kaylyne Grant, and guest comedy coach, Doug Chappel.

Or Buy a Gift Card

PRICES:

Student and Concession – $500 + GST

Early Bird – $600 + GST (before July 11 only)

Bring-a-Mate-Rate – $900 + GST (2 people)

Full Fee – $800 + GST

Pre-Course: Online course access

Access the entire School of Hard Knock Knocks stand-up comedy curriculum ahead of the face-to-face course via your phone or PC. Narrated by the legendary comedian Greg Fleet, this online course includes videos examples, audio advice, activities and feedback 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

Get introduced to the basics of stand-up comedy and the jargon of the comedic industry before jumping into the deep end with your very own mini comedy set. Then, it's time to learn the 'Normal-Normal-Twist' technique, and developing your own original jokes, before trialling them on stage and giving them a polish.

Day 2: Monday - Generating Content and Building Confidence

Learn to gauge your audience and how to recognise and manage taboo topics while learning confidence building/fear smashing techniques. You’ll also get input on your set from our guest comedian, Doug Chappel, meet the other SHKK alumni and develop more of your original material.

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, and learn about the open mic circuit, the Australian comedy festivals, such as Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals, as well as life after graduation, with a visit from our returning alumna, Kaylyne Grant.

Day 4: Wednesday - The Close, Graduation Preparation and Photo Headshots

School of Hard Knock Knocks graduates headshots

Students receive portrait head and body shots.

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!

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.

Learn stand-up comedy this July in Melbourne with Doug Chappel

    
 
 
        
   David Quinan 
 August 1, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Great atmosphere, great small venue, close to the action, graduates were great...
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Colin V 
 July 31, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Great night lots of funny people
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   sarah kate 
 July 31, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Honesty I’ve been wanting to do this for years but life got completely I’m the way!!!! I had the BEST time met some epic people. Thanks Morrie, Brad and Lily. You are legends And I regret honestly not doing it sooner!!!!!
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Tricia Baggs 
 July 31, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Incredible experience. Am telling everyone I know to give it a try. I feel so much more confident standing up in front of people to speak now. Morry, Brad and Lily were fantastic mentors - so generous with their time and energy. I made a lot of new friends with the other participants. A real sense of being in this together. I miss them all already! I learnt so much and I’m super proud of myself for doing it - highly recommend to anyone wanting to push themselves out of their comfort zone. 100% top value for money.
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Paul Simpson 
 July 31, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I had a dream - for 60 years. I never believed I was funny! These guys proved I am! They coached me, they coaxed me. They gave me techniques and they honed my blunt comedic notions and helped me create my own persona - faster than Donald Trump; funnier than my friend the hospital administrator; and stupider than……….i dunno….some D.C. from Frankston (PM me and I might explain what a DC is)
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   ayman Abd elghany 
 July 31, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I really enjoyed this course. Brad n Morry were great. Highly recommended
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Andrew Harvey (Pearhead150) 
 July 13, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  What a blast!  Had a ball doing this course, great support from Morry, Brad and Lily!  Highly recommend doing it
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Ismar Ridzalovic 
 June 29, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Such a cool and fun experience! If you are new to stand up comedy or you need to improve on your confidence on stage, this experience is a must. I met some really cool people during this course and learnt so many new skills. Brad, Morry annd Lily are amazing teachers and they are very encouraging. Had the best time ever!!
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Manuel Fairnandez 
 June 28, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  It was just freaking amazing, teachers are perfect. Don’t think too much, DO THE COURSE!
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
       
   Amanda Dondelinger 
 June 28, 2026.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Absolutely knock knocked out hard by this course! Life changing experience that transforms you into a comedian!  Incredibly well run, well crafted!  Trust the process!  They've got you covered!!  Thank you forever!!!
   Posted on Google  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 257 reviews

Hard Knock Knocks Features on Travel Guides

BONUS!

Not only will you learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne, but you'll also get the opportunity to perform at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Sydney Fringe Festival as part of ‘The Best Of’ show, produced every year. Be part of a life changing experience AND get paid for the privilege!

Meet Your Comedy Coaches

Chris Wainhouse - Resident Comedy Coach

The resident comedy coach is responsible for developing our nervous nobodies into confident comedians. Comedian Chris Wainhouse is one of Australia's most accomplished comedians (although he was born in New Zealand). The Raw Comedy winner in 1999, Chris has performed is a regular headline act at some of the world's most prestigious comedy venues including The Sydney Comedy Store, Melbourne's Comedy Club, The Classic in Auckland and Jongluers in the UK. He also regularly headlines in Singapore, Jakarta, Malaysia and Hong Kong - a testament to his cultural diversity. Learn more about Chris by clicking here.

Doug Chappel - Celebrity Guest Comedian

Australian comedian Doug Chappel is one of Australia’s most loved and well travelled stand-up comedians. If he's not MCing at The Comic's Lounge in Melbourne, then he's performing around the country at pubs, clubs and event mining clubs. He's even performed for Australian troops in Afghanistan, Dubai and the Solomon Islands.

Doug will be sharing his journey with the comedy students, as well as headlining at the graduation to cap off a fantastic show. Learn more about Doug by clicking here.

Kaylyne Grant – Returning Alumna

At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the School of Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In May it's Kaylene, who'll also be providing insights into the open mic comedy circuit, how to network within the comedy industry, and comedy advice post-graduation. So not only will you learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne, you'll start to build a network of comedians who are already performing in the comedy open mic circuit.

Watch Kaylyne's graduation video by clicking here.

CONTACT US TODAY

Start your comedy journey today.

We are available to chat, any day of the week, via the chat button below or phone. Otherwise, we are contactable by email.

We currently hold workshops in the following capital cities:

Adelaide

Melbourne

Sydney

Brisbane (Coming soon!)