2024 Stand Up! Grant Recipients announced

13 February 2024

Three emerging comic acts are getting ready to deliver the laughs at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with support from the Victorian Government’s Stand Up! initiative.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today announced the 2024 Stand Up! grants, totalling $15,000 to support women and non-binary comedians to showcase their work at the Festival.   

This year’s recipients include Melbourne comedians Nat Harris and Bridget Hassed, as well as the comedy collective Breast of the Fest. Grants support delivery of their shows, contributing to expenses such as marketing and promotion, venue costs and rehearsal space.

Award-winning comedian and radio broadcaster Nat Harris will perform Lathered, her latest show which draws on the glamour and tropes of TV soap operas.

Bridget Hassed who was a RAW Comedy state finalist in 2019 will present her debut solo show GIRL GIRL GIRL, following recent seasons in Brisbane and at Sydney Fringe Festival.  

Breast of the Fest is an annual showcase of early-career comedians. This year’s line-up stars comedians Patti Fawcett, Helena Hogan, Tarsh Jago, Montana Papadinis, Bell Woolley, Grace Zhang and Sez.

The Stand Up! grants program was established by the Victorian Government in 2019 in partnership with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to back the careers of women and non-binary comedians.

Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
'Every Victorian has the right to work in and see themselves reflected in our creative scene and through our Creative State strategy the Victorian Government is working to break down barriers in our creative industries.'

'We’re proud to back these performers as they hone their craft and build their skills. For comedy lovers, this is your chance to see these rising stars of comedy take to the stage at one of the world’s greatest comedy festivals.'

Quote attributable to Susan Provan AO, Festival Director Melbourne International Comedy Festival
'Since 2019, Stand Up! grant recipients have represented a diverse range of clever, funny performers with rapidly developing public profiles including Grace Jarvis, Annie Louey, Hannah Camilleri, Scout Boxall and Emma Holland.  This year’s recipients are all on the verge of the next big thing and we can’t wait to celebrate their successes!'

Quote attributable to Nat Harris, 2024 Stand Up! Grant recipient:
'Receiving the Stand Up! grant is not only an incredible financial support to envision and create my show for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival but also a huge confidence boost to be recognised as a woman in comedy. I am excited for what's to come.'