Students Bring the Laughs with Class Clowns Comedy Workshop
This week our Year 11.5 Drama students had the chance to step into the world of comedy with a high-energy workshop led by Xavier, a comedian from Class Clowns, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national development program for teens.
We were fortunate to secure this fantastic opportunity thanks to 2024 Drama alumni Shayla Keane, who took out the Class Clowns National Grand Final last year. Her win opened the door for our students to experience this unique and inspiring workshop right here at the College.
A Workshop That Put Creativity Centre Stage
Class Clowns focuses on self-expression, celebrating young voices, and giving emerging performers a pathway into Australia’s comedy scene. Across two jam-packed hours, students explored improvisation, characterisation and storytelling, diving into improvisation games designed to build confidence and spark creativity.
While the workshop was full of laughter, it also offered valuable preparation for the improvisation component of next year’s WACE practical Drama exam. Students walked away with a stronger understanding of quick thinking, clear ideas, bold character choices and the importance of taking creative risks.
Learning from a Professional Comedian
Xavier brought a wealth of industry experience to the session. A stand-up comedian, writer and performer, he spent seven years writing for The Project and has graced stages at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Perth Fringe World, Perth International Comedy Festival and the Sydney Comedy Festival.
He’s appeared on Rove and the award-winning Studio A, and has also written for and acted in the kids’ TV show You’re Skitting Me. Xavier has been nominated for Best Comedy at the Perth International Comedy Festival and Perth Fringe World, as well as a Golden Gibbo at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
What the Students Had to Say
Our students embraced the chance to learn, perform and step outside their comfort zones.
Jayshnee shared, ‘I really enjoyed the experience because it was full of energy and laughter. I enjoyed how active it was, we were constantly moving, improvising, and trying out new comedic techniques and games.’
Saskia reflected, ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy workshop with Xavier, particularly as it encouraged us to experiment with characterisation, narrative, and plot creation in unique and engaging ways. I feel as though this workshop was very beneficial in preparation for the improvisation section of the practical exam next year.’
This workshop was a brilliant blend of fun and skill-building, giving our Drama students a fresh boost of confidence as they continue their creative journey. A huge thank you to Xavier, and to Shayla, whose achievements continue to open doors for the next generation of Santa Maria performers.
- Class Clowns Comedy Workshop, Comedian Workshop, Creative Risk Taking in Drama, Featured, Improvisation and Storytelling, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Santa Maria Drama Students, Shayla Keane Class Clowns, WACE Drama Preparation, Youth Comedy
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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