Learn the
Art of
Stand-Up Comedy
Yes, You’re 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 Stand-up Comedy
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 writing, joke structure, delivery, and how to avoid many common mistakes new performers make. Price: $20 suggested koha, but pay what you can
Wellington: Sun 10 November, 5:00-7:00pm (Cavern Club) Sign up!
Auckland: Sun 12 January, 1:00-3:00pm (Classic Studio) Sign up!
Wellington: Sun 19 January, 5:00-7:00pm (Cavern Club) Sign up!
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.
Auckland: Summer (w Brendon Green)
Intro “Getting Started” Class: Sunday January 12, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 1: Sunday January 19, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 2: Sunday January 26, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 3: Sunday February 2, 1:00-4:00pm
Class 4: Sunday February 9, 1:00-4:00pm
Graduation Show: Thursday February 13, 8:00pm
Sign up Here
Wellington: Summer (w Neil Thornton)
Intro “Getting Started” Class: Sunday, January 19, 5:00-7:00pm
Class 1: Tuesday, January 21, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 2: Tuesday, January 28, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 3: Tuesday, February 4, 6:00-8:30pm
Class 4: Tuesday, February 11, 6:00-8:30pm
Graduation Show: Thursday, February 13, 8:00pm-9:30pm (Fringe Bar)
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
Meet our new instructor!
About Brendon Green
Brendon is a professional comedian and writer with over 15 years of experience. He has written and performed 10 NZ Comedy Festival shows, receiving the Best Newcomer Award in 2012, a Billy T Nomination in 2014, and a FRED Award Nomination for Best Show in 2023.
A prolific MC and line-up comedian, he is known for his friendly and consistent stage presence. His comedy is thoughtful, kind, and emotionally playful - allowing him to play to audiences of all sizes and backgrounds.
He has used his stand-up comedy skills as Head Tutor of the Class Comedians programme in Auckland, as well as contributing to NZ Television shows such as Head Writing Have You Been Paying Attention, Comedians Giving Lectures, and even Heartbreak Island. He has also been part of the teams creating 7 Days, Taskmaster NZ, Paddy Gower Has Issues, and The Project.
Inspired by comedians such as Mike Birbiglia, Kyle Kinane, and Sarah Pascoe - he loves how Comedy is a perfect combination of art and craft.
About Donna Brookbanks
Donna is an award-winning comedian, actor, and writer who brings over a decade of performance experience to her role as an instructor at the NZ Comedy School. A two-time Billy T Award nominee, Donna has appeared on numerous TV shows including 7 Days, The Best Foods Comedy Christmas Gala, Mean Mums, and Funny Girls, and co-founded the legendary improv show Snort, which ran for 10 years at The Basement Theatre.
With formal training from The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre and The Upright Citizens Brigade in New York and LA, Donna brings both classical technique and cutting-edge comedy craft to her teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and an ATCL in Speech and Drama from Trinity College, with particular expertise in performance, voice, and language in comedy.
Known for her brilliant character work and relatable observations about everyday life, Donna has created four acclaimed solo shows and performed on stages worldwide, from The Comedy Store in Sydney to venues across New York and LA. She's currently touring her newest hour "Green Fingered" around Aotearoa.
Drawing inspiration from comedy legends like Victoria Wood, John Clarke, and Amy Poehler, Donna combines professional expertise with a warm, approachable teaching style that helps students discover their unique comic voice.
Find out More!
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