Stand Out Xtra

Over the last 7 years we have worked with over 2000 young people from across the North West and during this time many talented young people have emerged with a real passion for comedy and drive to develop their skills further. Because of this The comedy trust established the Stand Out Xtra programme, an advanced course for young people to learn about all aspects of comedy from industry professionals.

This programme is for young people who are interested in developing a career in comedy, whether its becoming a stand up comedian, a comedy actor/actress, comedy writer or producer. The programme includes specialist masterclasses delivered by industry professionals such as BBC Comedy North, Gary Morris from Slaughterhouse Live sketch show, and top stand up comedians including Ben Schofield, Alfie Joey and Sam Avery to name a few. Young people are taught about sketch writing, performance styles, marketing and promotion, event management, stagecraft and direction. The programme culminates in a performance of stand up comedy and comedy sketches all written, directed and performed by the young people themselves. The Xtra course has now produced 4 years of graduates who have all performed their own 1-hour show at the Unity and Royal Court Theatre's as part of the annual comedy festival.

We will be delivering the Xtra course throughout 2010 and all young people will be given the opportunity to work towards an Arts Award - which means they can gain accreditation through Trinity College London. Please visit our Arts Award page to find out more about how young people can gain accreditation in the arts.

Click here to read a Stand Out Xtra Case Study.