Comedian pointing by Jena Friedman

A Guide to Melbourne’s Comedy Rooms

So you’re after a fun night out, and watching stand-up comedy in Melbourne is at the top of the list. Well, you’re in luck, because Melbourne, and its neighbouring inner suburbs, has some of the best comedy clubs, pubs and rooms in the world! Really! Lonely Planet writer, Tim Richards, ranks North Melbourne’s The Comic’s Lounge as the world’s number 7, …

Jimmy Carr Comedian

Is it a dumb idea to teach stand-up comedy?

Comedian Jimmy Carr has made a bold statement regarding teaching stand-up comedy. In his first interview with Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Carr not only said that you can teach stand-up comedy, but that it should even be taught in schools. “I don’t think it’s a dumb idea to teach stand-up comedy and to say, everyone should …

Melbourne International Comedy Festival - School of Hard Knock Knocks

How do you perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in 2024?

Photo: Eddie PerfectPhoto Credit: Melbourne International Comedy Festival / Jim Lee Photo So how do you get to perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in 2024? Is it invite only? Do you need to know the mayor? Is a bribe required? The good news for Australians and New Zealanders is that anyone can perform – without a bribe. …

Lights, Camera, Comedy

Lights, Camera, Comedy: Why stand-up comedy could lead to a career in Hollywood

Stand-up comedy can be a stepping stone to a career in Hollywood. Many comedic actors have started out performing stand-up comedy before making it big on the silver screen – take for example Jim Carrey, Sarah Silverman, or even our own Eric Bana. In this post we look at how the world of stand-up comedy can open doors and pave …

What are the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) dates for 2024?

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival dates for 2024 have been announced. They are Wednesday March 27 until Sunday April 21. Established in 1987, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival ranks among the world’s top three comedy festivals, alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival. Each autumn, this annual event takes over Melbourne, Australia’s comedy capital, with an …

How scripted is stand-up comedy?

How scripted is stand-up comedy?

Spoiler alert! Stand-up comedy is as scripted as a movie. Which is probably why so many stand-up comedians have migrated into TV and movie roles. Just take Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Australia’s own Eric Bana and more recently Celia Pacquola. All performed on stage before they moved to screen. And the similarity between stand-up and movies doesn’t end there. Academy …

Online stand-up comedy course

Online Stand-up Comedy Courses

If you’ve ever wanted to learn stand-up comedy, but don’t have the time to hit the late night open mic nights, or undertake a stand-up comedy course, then an online course might be for you. Here’s a comprehensive list of online stand-up comedy courses to choose from: Hard Knock Knocks Online Course Price: AU$199.95 | Learn more If you don’t …