Over 4 weeks, 14 PBC students took part in Mandy Nolan's 'Funny Kids Comedy Writing Workshops'. These 90 minute workshops plus 1-1 writing time and rehearsal all led to students each developing their own, unique stand up comedy set. Massive thanks to Bendigo Bank, Tugun Community Branch for helping to make this all happen! 

On Tuesday night, ALL 14 students rocked up to the PBC Theatre and ALL 14 students performed their material - to a 200-strong supportive crowd of parents, teachers, support staff and peers. Most comics doing their first ever gig only play to a handful of people in the back room of a cafe or bar. The support received for PBC's first ever gig was absolutely incredible.  

What a show! All 14 Reds had the crowd cracking up with laughter, some have even mentioned sore cheeks and tummies and that they haven't had such a great night in ages. A night to remember for so many reasons; students getting up and having a go, being able to celebrate student success and raising over $700 for Beyond Blue.  

One of the best things in teaching is seeing your students experience success; even in a small way but for some of these participants it was a massive milestone. What they accomplished in a few short weeks is something many adults three times their age would never dream of doing - it took serious guts! 

Students will now head to HOTA next Tuesday to participate in another workshop with Melbourne International Comedy Festival and compete in the national Class Clowns Comedy Competition. Best of luck guys! 

Erin Hull, Teacher

Feedback for PBC's Comedy Night...

“I wanted to send a quick congratulations to you and the amazing kids at PBC. My partner and I had a great night, with some very sore laughing muscles afterwards. Great job!” – Sam Besmehn-Burt, HOTA

Hi Erin - thanks so much for the opportunity of working with the kids. I was so proud of them and so impressed with the work you put in to make it happen. I think you have some real stand outs there - Ryan leaned over to me after his show and said ‘I didn’t hate it at all, it was really fantastic.’ So glad the kids could have such affirming experiences- the final performance really teaches them more than you ever could in a class setting - I think they reach that point and they finally ‘get’ it! Tell the kids I was so proud of them, how confident they were even when they were nervous and how they just owned the stage. It was clear how funny they were in that room last night and their timing was absolutely professional! - Mandy Nolan