Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne with Danny McGinlay
April 20 – 24, 2025
Limerick Arms Hotel, 364 Clarendon St,
South Melbourne
Only 1 spot left
PRICES:
Student and Concession – $500 + GST
Early Bird – $600 + GST (before April 13 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, Danny McGinlay, 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, Arwin Kraze.
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.
Previous 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 - Danny McGinlay
Australia’s only Three Michelin Star Comedian, Danny McGinlay, has been performing stand-up since the age of 16, touring Australia and entertaining audiences in London, New York, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Melbourne-born but calling Brisbane his second home, McGinlay has performed in Queensland every year since 2004, praising the state’s laid-back, laughter-loving audiences. Known for his TV appearances on Rove, The Project, and AFL Gameday, McGinlay is also the celebrated banner writer for the Western Bulldogs.Returning Alumnus - Arwin Kraze
At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In April it's Arwin Kraze, who'll also be providing insights into the open mic comedy circuit, how to network within the comedy industry, and comedy advice post-graduation. Arwin first performed stand-up comedy in the 90s and then took a break, before returning to performing arts after completing the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Course. Today he's actively performing, and even produces his own YouTube channel, the Arwin Kraze Show.
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.