HISTORY

Founded in 2006, the Comedy Academy was the brainchild of stand-up comedian for kids James Campbell.
The idea came about as we realised there was nothing out there available for kids that were interested in stand-up comedy.
There were plenty of drama classes with comedy on the syllabus - but never just straight stand-up comedy.
We ran many workshops and academies around the UK and are now based primarily in London at the prestigious Soho Theatre.

NOW

Now run by Melissa O'Brien, the academies and workshops aim to produce quality stand-up comedy performed by kids.
The classes involve lots of creative writing, sketch based comedy and comedy based games; similar to what you would see on Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You.
Listed at the bottom of the page are some examples of class tasks set.

ETHOS

The over-riding ethos of the academy, is that all the children have to come up with their own stand-up material, based on their own lives and experiences. We do not allow the kids to tell jokes they have heard or seen, they have to create their own, just like real stand-up comedians on the circuit today.

ONE-OFF COMEDY WORKSHOPS

We have done many one-off workshops around the UK over the years.
These can be in the form of private birthday parties, school projects and Arts & Music festivals. The workshops are generally 1 to 2 hours and are most effective with 10 -15 kids per class.
The ideal age range is between 7 and 13. We are also capable of doing larger workshops for older kids. The workshops always work best in an enclosed area, whether it be a class room, theatre or tent.

Below are some examples of the tasks the children will be asked to do in a workshop.

Embarrassing moments:

Kids are asked to list the most embarrassing thing that's ever happen to them, their parents, grandparents, teachers, siblings etc.
They can elaborate on the truth if they wish, or simply make it up.
This helps the kids realise that they can draw funny things from their own lives.

Picture Captions:

Kids are given a funny picture and asked to right a caption about what is going on in that picture.

Making up Rubbish Superhero - for younger kids:

Kids are asked to make up a rubbish Superhero, they have to come up with a name (like poo man), how this superhero became a superhero, what his special powers are, what he wears, where he lives, and what he would do on any given day.
Kids love this one as they can be as silly and creative as they want to be, without getting in trouble.

Sketches:

The kids will be given a basic premise and have to devised a sketch around this.
Example would be worst family trip ever. Sketches can be in groups of 2 to 6 depending on how large the workshop is.

MINI PERFORMANCE

At the end of every workshop, we always include a mini performance, so the kids can show their parents/teachers/friends what they have been working on.
This is always a huge success, as kids consistently create something funny to perform, even after only an hour long class.
Parents are always enthusing that they never new their kids could be so funny!

Listen to a report on the Comedy Academy on BBC Radio's "What's So Funny" here:

BOOKINGS

If you are interested in booking the Comedy Academy 4 Kids please contact Melissa O'Brien on

07891 125 652 / mel@comedyclub4kids.co.uk.

Here's some videos of some of the young standups who've started out at ComedyClub4Kids & ComedyAcademy4Kids