Stand-up Comedy Course for Beginners

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.