Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne WITH Gerry Masi
July 24 – 28, 2022
The Rubber Chicken,
South Melbourne
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 July 24 to 28, 2022. You’ll get the SHKK 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, Christine Basil, our returning alumnus, Jeremy Dooley, and guest comedy coach, Gerry Masi, aka Mad Dog Malcolm Cummings.
PRICES:
Student and Concession – $500 + GST
Early Bird – $600 + GST (before July 10 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, Gerry Masi, meet the other SHKK 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, Jeremy Dooley.
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.
BONUS!
Not only will you learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne, but you'll also get the opportunity to perform at the Rubber Chicken's comedy room, Punchlines Comedy Club. We also run shows at festivals around Australia as part of our 'Best Of' program.
Meet Your Comedy Coaches
Christine Basil - Resident Comedy Coach

Gerry Masi - Celebrity Guest Comedian
The guest comedy coach helps the comedy students refine their material further, and is the headliner at the graduation. And in this course, you kind of get two resident comedy coaches for the price of one! A wig, flairs, and a fake moustache, and Gerry Masi becomes Mad Dog Malcolm Cummings. Mad Dog is part crooner, part playboy, with a light splattering of sleaze. Together, he’s a hilarious 1970s character, that is all too familiar. Gerry will be sharing his comedy writing and character development throughout the course.
Jeremy Dooley – Returning Alumnus
At each course we invite a previous graduate (alumni) to perform at the Hard Knock Knocks graduation. In July it's Jeremy Dooley, who'll be providing insights into the open mic comedy circuit, how to network within the comedy industry, and his experience from his recent run at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 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!)