Registrations are now open, simply fill out this form and we’ll be in touch with further details closer to the date.

All workshops are strictly limited to 18 participants and are allocated on a first-in basis. If a workshop books out, we will keep a waiting list in case a registered student cancels or an extra heat may be added to accommodate demand.

Workshops are held all around the country during the early part of Term 1, across February and March. If you’re interested in booking additional workshops for your students, see our Crash Course program here.

Teachers around the country often utilise Class Clowns workshops to complement existing English and Drama outcomes. You can download our free Teacher’s Resource here.

In addition to artistic objectives, there are also significant social and educational objectives and outcomes for workshop participants. When engaging with comedy you have to think about your sense of self, your identity, and what you have to say. You learn to ask others to listen to your ideas and stories, take risks, build confidence, dare to fail, dare to be brave. You laugh and you cry with laughter. Through making comedy you recognise that while life can occasionally pose challenges, it can also be awesome – especially when things are hilarious. The ancillary outcomes of Class Clowns workshops also include:  

• Improved self-esteem,
• Giving a voice to youth issues
• Writing
• Public speaking
• Community and finding your tribe
• Creative and professional development

You can book a Crash Course workshop at any time during the school year. If your school is interested in becoming a co-presenter for a new Class Clowns heat during Term 1, please contact the Class Clowns Producer at classclowns@comedyfestival.com.au.

Class Clowns workshops involve participants performing their 3-5 minute routine to the other registered participants and our mentor, a professional comedian. They will be given feedback on structure, content, language, stage presence and microphone technique to ensure they have the tools they need to perform in front of an audience.  

We recommend having a look at our Teacher’s Resource and getting students to start to think about what they find funny and why. Some schools have incorporated the writing and performance of comedy sets into existing English or Drama assessment items. But at the most fundamental level – encourage them to write down the things they find funny. It’s the unique perspective of every single comedian that really makes their audience laugh.

While it’s very much encouraged, no participant will be forced to get up on stage! Often young people who are nervous before a workshop gain the necessary confidence in the process of working with the facilitator.

Nothing, it’s free.

No, the registration must be completed by a teacher, parent or guardian.

Registrations do not close until the day of the event itself. If an event appears closed, it is because the maximum number of participants has been reached. In this case, we still encourage you to complete the registration to go onto our waiting list.

We always reply, don't worry! Sometimes the confirmation emails go to your junk folder. Check there, and if you can't find your email, contact us at classclowns@comedyfestival.com.au.

Email classclowns@comedyfestival.com.au if you have any other queries.

Yes. Registrations must be completed by a parent, legal guardian or teacher.

Nothing, it’s free.

As a starting point, it’s always good to ask your children start to think about what they find funny and why. Keep a journal / note of jokes or ideas that they have that they can keep returning to. Test their material in front of friends, teachers or the family. Ultimately, It’s the unique perspective of every single comedian that really makes their audience laugh. Finally, you can watch previous entries for Class Clowns via our Youtube channel here.

We always reply, don't worry! Sometimes the confirmation emails go to your junk folder. Check there, and if you can't find your email contact us at classclowns@comedyfestival.com.au.

All partner venues are required to have an approved COVIDSafe plan that follow relevant State, Federal and Peak Body regulation. All shared equipment such as microphones, stands and stools will be sanitised between performers.  

Over the course of 2020, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival have been developing our ability to deliver Class Clowns workshops digitally via Zoom. Should the need arise, instructions will be communicated to help prepare participants for delivering a virtual performance.

Email classclowns@comedyfestival.com.au if you have any other queries.

If you really don’t feel ready, then consider coming along to the show to see what it’s all about – it is a (cheap and sometimes free!) rollicking good time and may provide some inspiration for your own written or performance work back in the classroom. Click here to see the calendar and find a show in your local area.


 

If you are over 17, you can also sign up to the RAW Comedy open-mic competition for up and coming comedians which is also run by Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

For more info on how we can make this possible, contact the Class Clowns Producer via 03 9245 3700 or email classclowns@comedyfestival.com.au.

The answer is generally YES!!!! You will never know until you give it a go. The beauty of Class Clowns is we have professional comedians to give you some feedback about your material which can help you figure that out. What is the actual worst thing that could happen? People laugh at you? Yep, that’s the point.



All workshops are available to a maximum of 18 participants, allocated on a first-in basis.

Class Clowns workshops involve participants performing their 3-5 minute routine to the other registered participants and our mentor, a professional comedian. You will be given feedback on structure, content, language, stage presence and microphone technique to ensure you have the tools you need to perform your best material in front of a live audience. 

All you need is 3-5 minutes of material, ready to develop and hone with the help of a professional comedian. 



As a starting point, it’s always good to ask yourself about what YOU find funny and why. Keep a journal / note of jokes or ideas that you have that you can keep returning to. Test your material in front of friends, teachers or the family. Ultimately, It’s the unique perspective of every single comedian that really makes their audience laugh. Finally, you can watch previous entries for Class Clowns via our Youtube channel here.

No. Registrations must be completed by a parent, legal guardian or teacher.