Stand Up and Be Funny (PERF20001)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Semester 1
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This subject is designed to develop self-confidence in the student, exploring humour and their innate sense of fun, to creatively explore their everyday lives, satirise the world around them, subvert and poke fun at topical issues with an awareness of cultural, gender and ethical sensitivities, and develop skills from working professional comedians in Melbourne's rich and diverse live comedy scene.

Students will be guided in useful, productive ways to observe everyday people and ordinary encounters, and recreate them into seriously funny stories that connect with audiences. Beginning with raw material, such as a concept for a character or a situation, students will discover how to begin to transform it into a five minute performance in a comedic genre of their choosing.

Students will also be encouraged to think critically and analyse productively, reflecting on comic failure and success, as well as how best to employ changes of status and even slapstick, to their advantage. The subject will cover the fundamentals of stand up, sketch, physical, musical, alternative and character comedy.

The subject is delivered through a combination of workshops, mini screening and lectures.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • discuss comedy in relation to popular culture;
  • use voice and movement to communicate comic ideas;
  • listen and respond to feedback and direction;
  • apply comedic structure to develop a short comedy routine with consideration to ethical responsibilities;
  • rehearse and perform with confidence to an audience.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • develop and implement innovative and creative ideas;
  • give and receive constructive feedback;
  • collaborate creatively with others;
  • show interest in and respect for others;
  • articulate, integrate and adapt knowledge from different domains.

Last updated: 4 March 2025