Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne WITH Evan Hocking


APRIL 23 – 27, 2023

The Rubber Chicken,
South Melbourne


Only 6 spots left

(Until course starts)


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 April 23 to 27, 2023. 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 alumnus, Kenta, and guest comedy coach, Evan Hocking.

PRICES:

Student and Concession – $500 + GST

Early Bird – $600 + GST (before April 9 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, Evan Hocking, 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, Japanese comedian Kenta.

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 this April with Evan Hocking in Melbourne

christopher venizelos
christopher venizelos
March 31, 2024.
I just finish this course and I found it Spectacular!!! all the advice that the coaches give, will help you get better not just at comedy but public speaking as well which in turn boosts up the confidence as well. could not recommend enough!
hieu billy
hieu billy
March 31, 2024.
Great energy good crew and a wealth of knowledge and experience
Natasha Venizelos
Natasha Venizelos
March 30, 2024.
Under absolutely NO circumstances would I do this course myself… It takes way more courage than I possess. However, I purchased this as a birthday present for my brother. Initially, I booked the wrong month somehow and missed the original course date, and after explaining the mix-up, they kindly re-booked the class, which I was beyond grateful for. The owner was very pleasant to deal with. It was so wonderful to watch my brother's confidence grow, he had an absolute blast! Very proud big sister moment seeing him get up on stage.
William Cain
William Cain
March 16, 2024.
Bunch of legends, great course! Would highly recommend. Doesn't matter if it's just a once off for fun or if you're trying to get serious about comedy it is well worth your time.
Claire Tao (Claire)
Claire Tao (Claire)
March 1, 2024.
Highly recommended! I had an incredible learning experience with Morry & Brad! They were incredibly supportive and encouraging. Thanks to them, I learned how to write jokes, craft punchlines, and perform on stage. The best part is that English is my second language, yet they were incredibly patient with me. Additionally, I made many supportive and wonderful friends in the class! I have never met such a funny and delightful bunch of people before at one spot. Thank you so much, Hard Knock Knocks, for making my dream come true! Taking this course was a truly fantastic experience, and I would definitely do it again! 强烈推荐!我在Morry和Brad的指导下获得了非常棒的学习体验!他们非常支持和鼓励我。通过他们的教导,我学会了如何编写笑话、构思笑点以及如何在舞台上演讲。英语是我的第二语言,但他们对我非常有耐心。此外,我在课堂上还结交了许多支持我和非常棒的朋友!我以前从未遇到过这么有趣和令人愉快的一群人! 非常感谢Hard Knock Knocks!让我的梦想成为现实!参加这个课程真的是一次丰富的经历,我肯定会再次参加! Ps: Morry/ 莫瑞 can speak Chinese! Claire
Robert Hourigan
Robert Hourigan
February 23, 2024.
Hard Knock Knocks create a supportive and structured environment to learn stand-up. 100% recommend, just go for it 👏🏻👏🏻
Will Draper
Will Draper
February 23, 2024.
If you’ve been wanting to give stand up a go. This is the perfect crash course and will have you up on stage within a week! Highly recommend.
Simon M
Simon M
February 23, 2024.
I just finished the course. It was a great experience. Brad and Morry are fantastic teachers. I would highly recommend.
Ben Phillips
Ben Phillips
February 23, 2024.
Was nervous doing this but 0 regrets in starting my pursuit into entertainment threw this course! The support, the access to experience and the genuine atmosphere is second to none. Do this for fun or for help, no regrets
Jude Waldron
Jude Waldron
February 10, 2024.
I had a ball! it was really stretching because the timeframe is so compact, but loads of guidance and support. The coaches put a lot into making sure you put the best of you up on stage on the last night. i learnt heaps and loved hanging out with the other budding comics.


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 alongside other alumni.

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.

Evan Hocking - Celebrity Guest Comedian

Comedian Evan HockingEvan Hocking has travelled Australia as a comedian. He's even performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival solo with ‘Evan is a Place on Earth‘ and ‘The Morning After’, respectively. Evan's one of the hottest up and coming comedians and he's our guest comedy coach at the April comedy course.

Learn more about Evan by clicking here.

Kenta – Returning Alumnus

Japanese comedian Kenta

At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In April it's Japanese comedian Kenta, who'll also be providing insights into the open mic comedy circuit, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 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.

    We currently hold workshops in the following capital cities:

    Adelaide

    Melbourne

    Sydney

    Brisbane (Coming soon!)