As an artist, there are two resources you need to make the most of above all others.

These are:

• The Things You’ve Seen

• The Stuff You Know.

In this 90-minute workshop, Aimée Borlase will guide you through exercises to help you find your voice and generate ideas using a method she calls “Standpoint Stand-up”. Using the Things You’ve Seen and the Stuff You Know, you’ll explore what makes your viewpoints unique, find out what topics you are an expert in, and create a profile you can use to develop your stage persona, write your bios, and most importantly, find new sources of artistic inspiration!

This method will also help you navigate edgy humour and controversial topics, and teach you the art of punching up. You’ll learn what is actually meant by “checking” your privilege and how understanding this will make you a better and more interesting performer.

This is a versatile workshop that has previously been taught to comedians and to burlesque performers; performers of all disciplines are welcome.

Note regarding registration: Registration for this event will close 24 hours before the workshop, at 6pm on Sunday 14th December. You must register before this time to attend.

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Standpoint Sociology
Introduction to concepts surrounding privilege, prejudice, and intersectionality
Understanding of how these concepts apply to artistic identity
Creation of an Artist Identity Profile

Registration Includes

Entry to the in-person workshop
Physical hand-outs for written exercises, and PDF copies for use post-event.
A recommended reading list
A copy of the presentation slides post-event

About Aimee

Aimée Borlase is an award-winning, neurodivergent, queer, comedian, singer, emcee, and producer. She has been performing on stage and screen for almost 20 years, has assisted in the management of an international theatre tour, and has passed on her performance knowledge in workshops, classes, and one-on-one lessons to all ages (from as young as 4 up to 70+). Aimée is one half of Nothing Linear, who produce A Very Gay Cabaret annually in Whakatū, and original concept musical and comedy shows in Ōtautahi.

As well as performing, Aimée has a professional interest in inclusion and belonging in organisations, holding a current accreditation as a Workplace Inclusion Practitioner and having written her master’s thesis on gendered labour experiences in the NZ television industry.

Venue and Recommended Audience

The venue is Good Times Comedy Club, which is a wheelchair accessible venue.

This workshop is aimed at adult performers and has a recommended age of 16+. The premise is licensed, attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Contact the host of Punching Up - Performer Workshop