Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne with Lehmo


August 24 – 28, 2025

Limerick Arms Hotel, 364 Clarendon St,
South Melbourne


12 spots left

(Until early bird price ends)

Buy stand-up comedy course tickets
Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne over 5-evenings from Sunday to Thursday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, from August 24 to 28, 2025. You’ll get the Hard Knock Knocks 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, Jen Willis, and celebrity comedian, Lehmo!

PRICES:

Student and Concession – $500 + GST

Early Bird – $600 + GST (before August 17 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, Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann, meet the other Hard Knock Knocks 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, Jen Willis.

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.

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Hard Knock Knocks Features on Travel Guides

AS SEEN ON TV!

Watch the cast of Channel 9's Travel Guides get coached at the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school in Melbourne. 

Previous Comedy Coaches

Resident Comedy Coach - Brad Oakes

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 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.

Celebrity Guest Comedian - Lehmo

Comedian LehmoThe Hard Knock Knocks is not only about learning the skills required to become a stand-up comedian, but also connecting with some of Australia's most accomplished comedians and learning first hand how they overcame challenges and built their stand-up comedy career. In August we welcome the amazing comedian, Lehmo, one of Australia’s favourite comedians – both on stage and on TV. Star on Utopia, That’s Not My Dog, and a regular on The Project, comedian Lehmo’s comedy naturally dabbles in satire, showmanship, and current affairs. He’s also one of my favourite Aussie comedians, making this last show of 2018 all that extra special. Listen to his podcast interview.

Returning Alumna - Jen Willis

Comedian Jen Willis

At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In August it's Jen Willis, who graduated in February this year and has hit the ground running. You can watch her stand-up comedy graduation performance here. Jen will 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 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.