Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne with Billy Stiles


January 19 – 23, 2025

Limerick Arms Hotel, 364 Clarendon St,
South Melbourne


Only 9 spots left

(Until early bird price ends)

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 January 19 to 23, 2025. 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 alumna, Michael Haber, and guest comedian, Billy Stiles!

PRICES:

Student and Concession – $500 + GST

Early Bird – $600 + GST (before January 12 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, Billy Stiles, 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, Michael Haber.

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 in Melbourne this January with Billy Stiles




Hard Knock Knocks Features on Travel Guides

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

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.

Guest Comedian - Billy Stiles

Billy Stiles ComedianBilly Stiles is the go to comedian for sporting clubs and comedy lounges throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. With over 10 years of experience performing at football, cricket clubs and comedy venues his laid back approach to comedy is relatable to all and has his audience in stitches. 

Billy regularly performs alongside The Nelson Twins, Brad Oakes and Dave O'Neil.

Returning Alumnus - Michael Haber

Michael Haber Comedian

At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In January it's Michael Haber, 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.