Yes. You are funny.
Have you always wanted to try stand-up comedy but don’t know where to start? Are you a comedian who wants to improve your skills? We offer free classes, online workshops, and New Zealand’s first and only comprehensive comedy course.
Getting Started in Standup Comedy
Wellington: Sunday 3 March, 4:00-6:00pm (Cavern Club)
Online: Sunday 31 March, 11:00am-1:30pm (via Zoom)
Christchurch: Saturday April 6, 12:00pm-2:00pm (Good Times)
Auckland: Saturday, June 1, 1:00-4:00pm (Classic Studio)
A fun no-pressure overview of everything you need to know to get a mic in your face for the first time. Learn techniques for exploration, joke-writing, delivery, and how to avoid many common mistakes new performers make. Price: $20 suggested koha, but pay what you can
The Complete Course in Comedy
New Zealand’s first and only comprehensive comedy class
Everything you need for your first set:
Four sessions of writing, performance, feedback, and exercises
Two one-on-one private writing sessions
A prime-time spot in a graduation showcase with a professional MC
A high-definition video of your graduation performance to share with friends
In the group classes, we’ll develop your material and performance skills. In two private one-on-one writing sessions, we’ll polish your material further. By the time of your graduation showcase, you will have a funny, original, and well-rehearsed routine ready to impress any audience.
Find comedic ideas and explore them creatively
Write jokes and structure an act
Improve your skills as a performer and presenter
Find your unique stage persona
Overcome stage-fright
Have fun!
At your graduation, you’ll have a spot in a comedy show with a professional MC. This is a great time to invite your friends and family to show off your skills. We will also make a high-quality video of your performance that you can take with you or post to your socials.
Class is limited to 10 students, so enroll early!
Price $450 - Includes all classes and materials, two private writing/coaching sessions, and your graduation video.
Wellington: May/June
Intro Class: Wednesday May 22, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 1: Wednesday May 29, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 2: Wednesday June 5, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 3: Wednesday June 19, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 4: Wednesday June 26, 6:00-8:30pm
Graduation Show: Saturday June 29, 8:00pm-9:30pm
Sign up Here
Auckland: June
Intro Class: Saturday June 1, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 1: Saturday June 2, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 2: Saturday June 8, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 3: Saturday June 9, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 4: Saturday June 15, 1:00-4:00pm
Graduation Show: Thursday 20 June 8:00pm-9:30pm
Sign up Here
One-On-One
Want to punch up your material? Need a brainstorming session? Do you have a performance video you'd like to review? Neil Thornton is available for private one-on-one writing and feedback sessions in person or on Zoom.
Check out this page and just sign up!!
Diversity Scholarship
Broke and underrepresented? We have funds from generous donations to offer diversity scholarship discounts and seats for the NZ Comedy School.
Open to people who want to contribute to the growing diversity of voices in New Zealand comedy and performing arts. Open to all considerations of diversity: ethnic, cultural, age, economic, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. etc. etc.
To apply: Fill out this form or reply in an email. The application is easy—tell us about yourself, your background as a person and performer, and what you hope to achieve through this class (and which class you want to do). Why do you want/deserve this scholarship? Why is your voice underrepresented in the world of comedy? Application Form
If you’d like to donate: email scholarship@comedyschool.co.nz and I’ll tell you how.
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards, 2023
Best Industry Helper, 2018, 2019, 2020 Wellington Comedy Awards
Best MC, 2022 Wellington Comedy Awards
Best Comedian, 2020 Wellington Comedy Awards
Best Male Comedian, 2020 Cartel Comedy Awards
Best Mentor, 2021 Cartel Comedy Awards
About Neil Thornton
In addition to his career as a stand-up comedian, Neil Thornton has been teaching for more than 25 years. He earned his BA in English from Carnegie Mellon University and his MFA in writing from the University of New Orleans.
He published fiction and essays in several literary journals and magazines and taught college English for 9 years, running classes in Creative Writing, Composition, Creative Nonfiction, Technical Writing, and Managerial Communication.
After moving to New York City in 2007, Neil became a working stand-up comic, performing everywhere from major comedy clubs to seedy dive bars in Washington D.C., Provincetown, Fire Island, and the Poconos. More recently, what was supposed to be a six-month adventure in New Zealand has turned into a permanent home.
Since then, Neil has made a big impact on the New Zealand comedy circuit. He has toured up and down the country and all over the world, entertaining audiences with his battles of understanding Kiwi culture and finding his own identity. He's a regular at The Classic in Auckland, and appeared in the TV3 comedy special "After Hours."
Neil now teaches from Wellington, New Zealand, where he continues to write, perform standup, and raise two giant Alaskan Malamutes.
“Thornton is just a master of the craft of comedy – the room is totally unified and he knows how to follow our responses.” - Theatreview
"A bold performer with intelligent material. Constantly amusing and thought-provoking." - ruminator.co.nz
Find out More!
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