A free comedy course to find new stand-up talent is launching in the North East after a survey found the region has one of the UK’s lowest numbers of comedy performers.
The beginners’ stand-up course will run at Middlesbrough Town Hall’s Old Fire Station on October 10, November 7 and December 12.
Each session will run from 10am to 1pm.
Dr Claire Sedgwick, Teesside University’s senior impact and engagement manager, organised the course. She said: "This project aims to explore the relationship between art and comedy while encouraging more people in our region to get involved in performance and creative expression.
"We hope this course will help build confidence, support emerging talent and inspire people to discover a new creative outlet."
Open to everyone, the course will cover comedy writing and performance, help participants develop material and explore humour as a creative tool.
The scheme was launched after the UK Live Comedy Sector Survey 2025 found the North East had one of the UK’s lowest numbers of comedy performers.
"Participants will have the opportunity to explore how comedy can be used as a creative tool, develop material, and learn the fundamentals of stand-up performance in a supportive environment."
A showcase event at the end of the course will give participants the chance to perform in front of friends and family.
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The course is funded by an Arts and Humanities Research Council Impact Acceleration Account project, which helps researchers engage with communities.
Travel costs will be reimbursed to help people take part.
Dr Sedgwick said: "Comedy is a powerful art form that helps people connect, share experiences, and tell stories in unique ways."
Registration is required, and places are limited.
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