Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne with Dave Hughes
July 26 – 30, 2026
Limerick Arms Hotel,
364 Clarendon Street
South Melbourne
12 spots left
(Until early bird price ends)
PRICES:
Student and Concession – $500 + GST
Early Bird – $600 + GST (before July 12 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 Hughes, 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 alumnus, Kaileb Hyland.
Day 4: Wednesday - The Close, Graduation Preparation and Photo 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.
AS SEEN ON TV!
Watch the cast of Channel 9's Travel Guides get coached at the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school in Melbourne.
Your Comedy Coaches
Resident Comedy Coach - Brad Oakes
Comedian 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 - Dave Hughes
Dave Hughes, known as "Hughesy," is a beloved Australian comedian famous for his laid-back, self-deprecating humor. Rising to fame in the late 1990s, he became a household name through stand-up, radio, and TV shows like The Project and Hughesy, We Have a Problem. His comedy draws on personal experiences, making him highly relatable. With quick wit and authenticity, Hughesy remains a cornerstone of Australian comedy.
Returning Alumnus - Kaileb Hyland
At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In July it's Kaileb, 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 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.