- The Stand Out project is a brilliant idea. If it had existed when I was at school it would have been a massive help. So many times when I said I wanted to be a comedian people would tell me to get a proper job. Today there is no such thing as a job for life so young people should be encouraged to follow their dream. Long may Stand Out continue.
- Les Dennis, Comedian
Welcome to our dedicated Stand Out site. We are now taking bookings for Autumn / Winter Term 08 -09 onwards.
There are lots of options available to you from a full 6-week Stand Out course, a taster workshop for young people in your school or youth group or a bespoke course or programme. Whatever your needs are we can work with you to develop a tailored comedy workshop or course to meet your objectives.
Please read on to find out more about Stand Out.
"A unique stand up comedy training scheme"
The Guardian What is it?
Stand Out – the stand up comedy course for 14-18 year olds is the Comedy Trust's flagship course. The course began as a pilot scheme back in 2002 and proved so popular that it is now run all year round in schools across the North West. Over 1800 young people have now taken part in a Stand Out course and the course has won approval from teachers and education professionals from across the country.
The Stand Out course runs as a 6-week workshop programme, with 2 hours a week, with a group of 20 pupils either as an out of school activity or within the national curriculum. The course is delivered by professional stand up comedians and creative practitioners and covers all aspects of how to write and perform a piece of original stand up comedy. At the end of the 6-weeks, students perform their stand up material to an audience of friends, family and teachers in their school or youth centre.
How does it benefit Young People?
The workshops explore all aspects of comedy, including what makes young people laugh. Stand Out not only encourages young people to think and learn
creatively, but through the use of challenging activities and varied teaching
methods the course promotes confidence, social skills and a positive
sense of self awareness.
The overall aims of the course are to;
- Increase confidence/self esteem in students participating
- Develop students' communication skills
- Increase students' creativity
- Engage and are enjoyable for students
''Stand Out Courses have offered students the opportunity to have fun and develop confidence and self-esteem – all within a supportive environment. Young people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds have shown remarkable progress by participating in these programmes.This is an excellent youth service and extended schools activity.''
Stuart Smith, Executive Director of Children's Services, Liverpool City Council
Is it having a positive Impact?
We carefully monitor the progress of young people on the programme, areas such as motivation, self-confidence, enjoyment, and engagement with school, general behaviour, communication skills and creativity are part of the monitoring and evaluation process. A comprehensive evaluation report is produced at the end of the programme.
In 2006 Stand Out was externally evaluated by Geri Moriarty for Merseyside ACME, to find out whether the programme was meeting its aims and objectives and having a positive effect on young people. The report was extremely positive and concluded that young people participating in a Stand Out programme experience increased self-confidence, self esteem, communication and creativity skills.Click here to read the full report.
"The communication and public speaking skills that this group of young people have learned as part of this course would seem to be well suited for the kind of world that they will eventually seek to find work in."
External Evaluation Advisor for Merseyside ACME
Click here to watch a clip from Teachers TV about Stand Out School Matters - Happiest Days?
http://www.teachers.tv/video/18941 -
"Stand Out is an excellent programme encouraging neighbouring High Schools in Sefton to work in partnership. delivering high quality study support provision. The programme has given students the opportunity to form new friendships and increase self-esteem. I'm amazed at the rate the students' confidence has grown!"
- Gill Blackall, Sefton Study Support, Extended Services
Accreditation
Young People can now gain accreditation through the Stand Out programme by working towards an Arts Award an initiative of the Arts Council. Please visit our dedicated Arts Award page to read more about this scheme.
Contact Details
If you would like to receive an education pack or to find out more information about how the Stand Out programme could be run in your school or youth centre please contact us by calling 0870 443 0955 or email
Sam@thecomedytrust.com Click Case Studies to read more about recent Stand Out projects.
