School of Comedy with Tom Roden

A 7-week stand up comedy course for beginners, culminating in a celebratory open mic night performance. Led by Tom Roden, Co-director of New Art Club, winners of Edinburgh Spotlight – Best Comedy Award. "Comedy with brains, I laughed 'til my face hurt." ★★★★ The Observer. "I cannot remember the last time I saw a Fringe audience, as one, leap to their feet and give an act a standing ovation… it is a joy to watch" ★★★★ The Scotsman Who? Would you like to take on a personal challenge? Are you keen to learn a new skill? Would you like to find your inner funny? Have you a desire to overcome your fears of speaking in public? Would you like to create your very own stand up comedy set? Are you interested in going on a creative adventure with a group of likeminded people? Would you enjoy the challenge of performing live onstage at the region's leading comedy venue? Would you like a joyful, powerful and transformative experience? If you ever wake up in a sweat soaked anxiety dream, believing you are onstage with a mic in your hand with an expectant audience looking at you, this might be for you. What? This seven-week course in stand up comedy is for complete beginners and anyone interested in exploring the world of stand up comedy. You will learn how to write and construct comedy material, hone your artistic voice, develop confidence and meet the challenge of speaking on stage in a fun, supportive environment. Previous participants: "It was excellent. I have grown in confidence as a result and have a genuine desire to continue developing creatively" "great atmosphere and dynamics throughout" "I went in anxious as hell but I'd so glad I did it" The practical sessions will include: Skills workshops in basic stand up technique Writing and refining material Transforming personal stories into comedy Understanding your relationship to the audience Overcoming 'stage fright' Finding your unique comedic voice Building connection through authenticity and vulnerability Receiving feedback These workshops will take place in a supportive environment with a community of like-minded individuals who can learn from, understand and empathise with each other's experiences. Tom Roden will bring his unique brand of art-fuelled comedy to the hosting of the 'open mic night', providing a big-hearted supportive platform for the participants to share their work with family and friends. An exciting, safe and inclusive space for participants to express themselves and their ideas. New Art Club are award winning comedians and writers Tom Roden and Pete Shenton. We have been leading workshops and making performance work on the national and international stage for 25 years. You might know us from the shows Cupid's Revenge, Feel About Your Body, This Is Modern or Campervan Of Love. Or you might not.