Art of Comedy Stand-Up Beginners Course

Course Details:

Session one:

Saturday 12th October 2024, 10:30am - 2:30pm

Session two:

Sunday 13th October 2024 2024, 10:30am - 2:30pm

Live Performance (optional):

Sunday 13th October 2024, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

NB: The course timings may slightly vary based on how many students sign up. The course also takes place in a barn, so warm clothing is advised!

The Course

If you've ever wanted to give stand-up comedy a try, this two-day beginners comedy course is right up your alley. Not only will it set you up with all the tools you need to get started as a stand-up comedian, but it will also help you improve your confidence at public speaking and presentation in general!

Over this two-day course, you will learn how to come up with comedy material, how to structure and edit your writing and how to connect with and perform to an audience. At the end of the course you'll have the option to perform in a showcase in front of a live audience with your new stand-up set.

So whether you want to be the next big thing in comedy or impress at your next company meeting, this course will give you the skills you need to set you on your journey.

Students will also be treated to a few funny anecdotes of your tutor's trekking around the world with his idiosyncratic, distinctive style of doing things.

And all in the scenic surroundings of Elliott's Rectory Farm.

Your Tutor - Nik Coppin

Your host and tutor will be Nik Coppin, an internationally renowned professional stand-up comedian and producer, who over the last 20 years has performed with the likes of Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr, Mickey Flanagan, Reginald D Hunter and Henning Wehn. As well being a regular at many of the major comedy fringes and festivals such as Edinburgh, Adelaide, Perth, Brighton, Melbourne, New Zealand, Singapore and Hollywood he has performed all over Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and North America.

In 2015, whilst touring in Australia, Nik was asked to pass on the knowledge he has acquired from his many experiences as a globally well-travelled comedian. This inspired him to begin doing his own courses and workshops so he could start people on their comedy journey, build confidence and get an insight into the world of live stand-up comedy. Since then, as well as the touring with shows, he has taught at classes all over the UK, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Amazingly funny stories, wickedly clever insights and a sense of fun that will drag anyone in. Super funny, super fun and charisma up the wazoo, Nik's awesome! ★★★★ 1/2 - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2009

"A rapid fire non-stop act full of energy. His hour went so quick, his charming smile and easy manner had the audience eating out of his hand and wanting more. Go and see him" ★★★★ 1/2 - Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2006

"Fast and funny...The audience loved it...Sweetly, wildly hilarious" ★★★★ - Rip It Up, Adelaide Fringe 2014

Course Reviews

"Nik is a brilliant tutor. The course was good value, informative and very educational. Nik's friendly approach calmed any nerves we had, it was obvious he knows his stuff, he had the ability to analyse our work very effectively. Nik is very experienced and kindly shared many anecdotes and experiences with the class. I've come away learning a few new processes and a good insight to the stand-up industry" - Raj Kukadia, London, UK

"The comedy course with Nik was absolutely fantastic. In just 2 days I went from an quivering anxious on-stage mess to a confident new stand-up at the final showcase. Some people even laughed!

Nik’s course has given me the confidence to continue and perform at more shows and I am now regularly performing spots both in Spain and the UK including Brighton & Edinburgh Fringes!

I would thoroughly recommend Nik’s courses to anyone thinking about getting into stand-up comedy" - Lucy Amans, Estepona, Spain

"Nik Coppin's two-day comedy course in October 2022 was a transformative experience, a skill-enhancing journey that goes beyond mere comedy. It's a course for all, aiming to inspire confidence, improve communication, and inject humour into everyday life.

With his rich global experience, Nik's anecdotes added unique charm, offering insights into both comedy and life. Post-course, I've noticed enhanced confidence and a more methodical style of speaking, enabling me to connect with people more effectively.

Though I'm not the next big comedy star, I've become tangibly funnier, and the laughs during my social interactions have noticeably increased. The course also offered a supportive network of passionate people, aiding learning and fostering enduring relationships.

It's not a magic potion for instant comedy stardom; comedy, like any art, requires time and practice. But it does equip you with tools to make your journey in comedy, and life, more interesting

In conclusion, if you're looking to improve your public speaking, boost your confidence, or even just bring a bit more laughter into your life, Nik Coppin's stand-up comedy course is a worthwhile investment. The tangible benefits I've gained have helped me not only in comedy but in many more areas of life" - Katie Rowlands, Estepona, Spain

"Amazing course. Had a lot of fun. I learnt some great tips about comedy that will help me far into the future. Nik’s energy is as electric as Jamie Foxx in Spider-Man.

You’d be a fool to not grab the opportunity to do this course. You’ll meet some awesome people, I mean what else can you ask for?" - Liam Wilcox, Brighton, UK

"Nik’s course was a really fun 2 days. I laughed from start to finish and met some great like minded people. I learnt so much about the comedy industry, gigs and the circuit.

"The best thing was how generous Nik is with his input, experience and time. His advice and tutoring has taken me from an unsure total novice to confident amateur wanting more stage time in just one weekend. I have learnt so much about writing, editing, performing and what I can bring. Do yourself a favour; book in this course" - Charlotte Madden, Hove, UK

“For everyone going on this course, you’re going to have a great time. I really enjoyed it - met some great and funny people and to have the benefit of Nik’s experience is superb. Really well structured too; from being a bag of nerves, you soon relax because of the atmosphere created and have a brilliant time. It gave me the confidence then to go and carry on performing!” - Nick Tarlton, Benalmádena, Spain

“I had always wanted to try stand up comedy but never quite knew where to start. This course is the perfect way to get into it. Before the course I was a bag of nerves thinking I could never get on stage and put myself out there like that. A few days later I was performing in front of a crowd and loved it! Nik gives you all the tools you need, from writing jokes to then delivering them on stage, and some very handy and important do’s and don’ts. I’ve since performed a bunch of times and continue to improve based on notes I took from this course. Even if you’re a fan of comedy but don’t plan on taking it any further, this course gives you an insight into an interesting and captivating art form. You’ll also meet some interesting and likeminded people and have lots of fun along the way!” - Ben Lynch, Gibraltar

Accommodation at The Farm:

If any of you would like to stay over at the farm during the course, here is some info about on-site accommodation:

1 x off-grid cabin, sleeps 4, £109/night

1 x shepherd hut, sleeps 2, £89/night

Camping in tents available £10pp/night

Once you have booked a place on the course, email Elliott's Rectory Farm direct and they will organise the booking with you.

info@elliottsrectoryfarm.co.uk