What you'll learn
Find your funny and learn to write and perform stand-up comedy with our acting and performance short courses in Sydney!
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a funny observation, awkward experience, or ridiculous thought into a joke that actually lands? In this intensive one-day stand-up comedy course, you'll explore the fundamentals of writing, developing, and performing your own original comedy material.
Guided by an experienced comedy tutor, you'll learn how to find your comic voice, generate ideas, structure jokes, and develop material that suits your personality and perspective. Through practical writing exercises and performance activities, you'll explore timing, delivery, microphone technique, and stage presence while receiving guidance in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Whether you secretly dream of trying an open mic, want to become a more confident and engaging speaker, or simply fancy spending a day finding out what makes people laugh, you'll finish the workshop with original material, practical comedy-writing techniques, and experience performing your work in front of a group.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Stand-Up Comedy course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- Identifying and developing an individual comic voice and performance style
- Generating ideas and finding comedic material in everyday experiences
- Writing and structuring original jokes and stand-up material
- Using setups, punchlines, and other comedy-writing techniques
- Developing timing, delivery, and stage presence
- Using a microphone confidently in a performance setting
- Engaging an audience through storytelling and comedic performance
- Developing performance and writing skills relevant to presenting, entertainment, and creative communication
Course content
What will be covered in this Stand-Up Comedy course?
- During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
- Understanding the fundamentals of stand-up comedy
- Finding your comic voice and identifying themes for material
- Generating comedy ideas from observations, experiences, and personal perspectives
- Writing and structuring jokes using setups and punchlines
- Developing stories and ideas into stand-up material
- Exploring comedic timing, delivery, and audience engagement
- Using a microphone and developing stage presence
- Practising and refining original material
- Performing material in a supportive group environment
- Building confidence and developing strategies for continuing to write and perform comedy
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended audience
Who is this Stand-Up Comedy course for?
This course is suitable for complete beginners who are curious about stand-up comedy and want to explore the process of writing and performing original material.
It's ideal for aspiring comedians, creative writers, performers, storytellers, and anyone wanting to build confidence speaking in front of others. You don't need to consider yourself naturally funny or have any previous performance experience — just bring an open mind and a willingness to experiment.
Whether you're thinking about trying your first open mic, developing performance or presentation skills, or simply looking for a fun and creative challenge, this course offers a supportive introduction to the world of stand-up comedy.
From SCC classroom to comedy stage
Former Sydney Community College student Lizzy Hoo went on to build a successful career in stand-up comedy. Read about her comedy journey and experience at Sydney Community College here!
Course materials
What to bring to class
- A4 notebook
- Pen or pencil
- An open mind and willingness to give comedy a go
Additional information
- Attendance for the full day is required to participate in the course activities and build towards the final performance exercises.
- Participants will have opportunities to practise and perform their material in a supportive environment throughout the workshop.
Course testimonials
-
Peter said: It was real. Not theoretical nonsense. It was really well presented and I got a lot out of it. Great fun too.
-
Krishna said: The course methodology was very good. Rob is an excellent teacher. Enjoyed the class room sessions. Rob was very funny, interactive. Threw us a lot of examples and connecting it to theory. Wish there was part-2 or more advanced version of this class.
-
Rod said: Rob was outstanding. I learnt a lot about both stand-up and public speaking. Insightful, Rob has a deep understanding of comedy and is a great communicator. It has inspired me to take the next steps with stand-up.
-
Judy said: The tutor's expertise and engaging presentation and personality
-
Robert said: Rob was an amazing teacher over the past few weeks. He has a wealth of experience and he shares every minute of it with his students. I truly learnt so much over the last four weeks.
Course tutors
David Crisante
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
4.7 starsaverage rating on Google
1,400+courses to choose from
99%customer support rating
Classes Online Courses
<p>Find your funny and learn to write and perform stand-up comedy with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/writing-performance/acting">acting and performance short courses</
...<p>Find your funny and learn to write and perform stand-up comedy with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/writing-performance/acting">acting and performance short courses</
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Stand-up Comedy Course for Beginners
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Stand-up Comedy Course for Beginners