Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne WITH Dave O'Neil


JUNE 19 – 23, 2022

The Rubber Chicken,
South Melbourne


SOLD OUT

(Until course starts)


Sold Out

Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne over 5-evenings from Sunday to Thursday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, from June 19 to 23, 2022. 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, Brad Oakes, our returning alumna, Kate Hanley Corley, and guest comedy coach, Dave O'Neil.


PRICES:

Student and Concession – $500 + GST

Early Bird – $600 + GST (before June 5 only)

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

Full Fee – $800 + GST

 

Pre-Course:  Online course access

Access the entire 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, Dave O'Neil 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, Kate Hanley Corley.

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 in Melbourne with Dave O'Neil

David Quinan profile picture
David Quinan
August 1, 2026.
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Great atmosphere, great small venue, close to the action, graduates were great...
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Colin V
July 31, 2026.
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Great night lots of funny people
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sarah kate
July 31, 2026.
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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!!!!!
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Tricia Baggs
July 31, 2026.
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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.
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Paul Simpson
July 31, 2026.
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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)
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ayman Abd elghany
July 31, 2026.
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I really enjoyed this course. Brad n Morry were great. Highly recommended
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Andrew Harvey (Pearhead150)
July 13, 2026.
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What a blast! Had a ball doing this course, great support from Morry, Brad and Lily! Highly recommend doing it
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Ismar Ridzalovic profile picture
Ismar Ridzalovic
June 29, 2026.
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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!!
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Manuel Fairnandez
June 28, 2026.
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It was just freaking amazing, teachers are perfect. Don’t think too much, DO THE COURSE!
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Amanda Dondelinger
June 28, 2026.
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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!!!
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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

Brad Oakes - Resident Comedy Coach

Brad Oakes ComedianComedian Brad Oakes is considered by many to be comedy royalty, and has over 30 years of stand-up comedy experience. Brad has performed on Australian classic comedy shows, which include The Comedy Company, Jimeoin, Full Frontal, and Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Brad also featured in the School of Hard Knock Knocks' comedy-drama, 'Is This Thing On?' Brad will also MC at the graduation, ensuring the audience is hot before the graduates perform. Learn more about Brad  by clicking here.

Dave O'Neil - Guest Comedian

Comedian Dave O'NeilChances are you've laughed at a Dave O'Neil joke. This is because not only is he a seasoned stand-up comedian, but dave's been writing for Australian TV comedy shows since 1994 - television shows such as Jimeoin, The Eric Bana Show Live, Full Frontal, Totally Full Frontal, The Mick Molloy Show, The Micallef Program, and most recently Open Slather and You're Skitting Me. Thank god his band broke up and he lost his job - the prelude to his comedy career - or Australian comedy wouldn't be as funny. Learn more about Dave here.

Kate Hanley Corley – Returning Alumna

Kate Hanley Corley Comedian

At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In June it's Kate Hanley Corley, who'll also be providing insights into the open mic comedy circuit, how to network within the comedy industry, and comedy advice post-graduation. She's also just come off her Melbourne International Comedy Festival run, and so can share her advice. 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 circuit.


    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!)