Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne this January, 2026

Learn stand-up comedy in Melbourne over 5-evenings from Sunday to Thursday, 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, from January 18 to 22, 2026. You’ll get the Hard Knock Knocks 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, our returning alumnus, and celebrity comedian.

Previous graduates have gone on to perform at comedy festivals, win Raw Comedy, compete in Australia's Got Talent, and perform across Australia as professional comedians.

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 meet the guest comedian, Katie Wainhouse, who will talk about their career and advise you on your own, 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, Warrick Sutton.

Day 4: Wednesday - The Close, Graduation Preparation and Photo Headshots

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.