Class Comedians 2009

Media Release: For immediate release

The NZ International Comedy Festival presents
Class Comedians 2009

Don’t Quit Clowning Around At School!

They’ve been involved in a grueling comedy bootcamp, their hard work and training will be put to the ultimate test as the Class Comedians take to the stage in Auckland on the 16th of May and Wellington on the 23rd of May.

One of the most successful initiatives throughout the NZ International Comedy Festival’s history, the Class Comedians program features a number of secondary school kids hand picked by professional comedians invited to learn the ropes and hone their potential as the future of NZ Comedy.

It’s not just learning how to be funny – alongside learning different comedic styles such as improv, sitcom writing, musical comedy, clowning, street performance and stand up, students are guided how to market, produce and publicize their own shows from a number of esteemed tutors throughout their 8 weeks of training.

The course culminates with each student debuting a four-minute set in front of festival audiences at both the Crunchie ®Comedy Chamber in Auckland and the San Francisco Bathhouse in Wellington.

Should they succeed with their education they might end up following in the steps of Rhys Matthewson, Ruven Govender, Ash Kilmartin and Nathan Matthew – all of which passed through the program and have not only performed at the Classic Comedy Club’s “RAW” nights, but also have produced works for previous NZ International Comedy Festival.

This year’s mentor to the students doesn’t get much bigger either – having cut his teeth in the UK comedy circuit and last year picked up the FRED Award for services to New Zealand comedy, Ben Hurley will be co-ordinating this year’s class. Not only does he bring his extensive professional experience but also a magnitude of enthusiasm that many have witnessed during his shows.

Meanwhile those Class Comedians in Wellington, a veritable hotbed of comedic talent in the past, will be MC’d by none other than the incomparable Jerome Chandrahasen, introducing the promising young comics to Wellington audiences

Class Comedians is grass roots New Zealand comedy given a chance to make its debut on the global stage – the New Zealand International Comedy Festival

For more information on the Class Comedians programme, visit www.classcomedians.co.nz

Auckland: Crunchie Comedy Chamber, Town Hall, THE EDGE
Saturday 16th May, 3pm
Tickets – Adults $22 / Children $15
Bookings through THE EDGE – 0800 BUYTICKETS (0800 289842) or www.comedyfestival.co.nz

Wellington: San Francisco Bathhouse, 171 Cuba Street, City
Saturday 23 May, 3pm
Tickets – Adults $20 / Children $12
Bookings through 0800 TICKETEK (0800 542 5385) or www.comedyfestival.co.nz

ENDS

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