WHAT IS CLASS CLOWNS?
Class Clowns is Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national development program for teens.
Comprising a competition, workshop and mentoring program, Class Clowns plays a valuable role in supporting the confidence and creativity of young Australians – providing a channel for self-expression, a platform for amplifying the voices and perspectives of young people and a pathway for emerging Australian talent.
Delivered in person or online, any time of the school year
Our Crash Course program delivered one-off, tailored workshops for secondary school students around Australia.
The workshop is presented by a professional comedian and can be brought to your school at any time of the school year.
Group size is usually capped at 25. Cost: $500 + GST (+ travel costs, if outside a capital city).
For more info on our Crash Course program click here.
A competition to uncover Australia’s funniest teens, with heats usually held at in Term 1 of each school year.
We’re always on the look-out for the next generation of funny people! The Class Clowns National Secondary School Comedy Competition uncovers Australia’s funniest teens.
Participation is free, and students attend a 2-hour workshop with a professional comedian to rehearse and refine their act. They then get an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.
Events are held across the country, with special guest judges selecting the funniest from each state and territory. State finalists are invited to participate in the Class Clowns National Grand Final, held as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Past participants include Joel Creasey, Rhys Nicholson, Annie Louey, Aaron Chen and William McKenna, who've all gone on to have a career in show biz.
For more info on the Class Clowns Competition click here.
Presented in association with Arts Centre Melbourne's The Channel, the Festival’s LOL Squad program brings together Class Clowns alumni to collaborate, enhance their performance skills and produce new work.
Together with a range of professional comedians/mentors, they write, act, film and edit original comedy sketches.
For more info on LOL Squad click here.
A collaboration with Arts Centre Melbourne, Up Next is a once a month all-ages Comedy Room for emerging young comedians to perform and hone their latest material.