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)

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 School of 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

Thomas Galtieri

September 30, 2023.

Awesome course, learned so much about comedy in a short time. Everyone was knowledgeable and accommodating. Great place, great vibes and all around fun experience. Thanks!

Alec Fry “Frydentity” Comedy

September 6, 2023.

The HKKCS is excellent for anyone who wants to learn stand-up comedy, and even experienced comedians too. Morry & Brad help you to get started, or to get better! Such a great environment to find your style, experiment and support & be supported by like minded people. If I hadn't recently done it ...I'd be rushing out to sign-up, asap! (but I can live vicariously through you ...so go do it, and let me read your posts)

Josh Vinen

August 28, 2023.

Highly recommend The School of Hard Knock Knocks Scariest thing I’ve ever done but with the leadership of Brad and Morry and the hilarious other students we all managed to have a laugh and get a laugh. Also shout out to Gregg fleet and Kru for being hilarious and sharing their knowledge and wisdom. Anyone thinking about doing the course… just do it!

Ed Thomas

August 27, 2023.

Cannot recommend this experience enough. There's no better thrill than having something you've worked hard on come to fruition in front of a crowd. Great coaches, supportive environment, laughs - plenty

Gemma Davidson

August 26, 2023.

This is a wonderful course to get your confidence up on stage. Morry and Brad were lovely to work with and it’s a very supportive environment. Would recommend to anyone wanting to try stand up or just become more confident with public speaking.

Ana

August 25, 2023.

Really enjoyed the course and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in doing stand up for the first time. The content is informative and interesting and all of the coaches really do have a world of knowledge to share. Overall great experience

Rafferty Dall

August 25, 2023.

I’m a DJ and my first ever full MC gig, I completely bombed with a flat joke. This course has given me the confidence/skills I need for future times on the mic. It has also helped me realise that I am funny and it’s unlocked a love a stand-up that I will continue for many years. Thank you guys!

Adele Moleta

July 31, 2023.

Learnt heaps and it gave me the confidence and push to perform my first stand up comedy show. Feel very grateful that this course exists.

Eva Rees

July 29, 2023.

went from having never done comedy before to feeling comfortable delivering original jokes to a packed room after only 5 days. highly recommend for anyone who is wanting to challenge themselves in a way that is also completely safe - not to mention great fun!

Alfonso Gosal

July 28, 2023.

A nice group of mentors. Definetely a lot of content one was given, but all mentors were able to provide great directions to fit each students capabilities 10/10

Hard Knock Knocks Features on Travel Guides

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

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 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 Hocking Evan 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!)