Jest for Men: Comedy Course

Wake Up Your Inner Comedian!

Are you ready to step into the spotlight and make people laugh? Jest for Men is a unique 6-week comedy course for aspiring funnymen. Hosted by Alright Mate? and led by award-winning comedian and comedy educator Angie Belcher, this course offers a rare opportunity to develop your comedic voice, gain confidence, and perform live on stage!

Course Details:

Times: 12pm - 2pm

Dates: 24th September, 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd October, 5th November

Open mic: 17th November @ 2pm

• Write Your Own Comedy Set: Learn to craft a 5-minute stand-up routine using the comedic techniques that professional comedians swear by.
  
  
• Build Confidence & Overcome Nerves: Gain invaluable skills to manage stage fright and boost your confidence, both on and off the stage.
  
  
• Personal Feedback: Receive tailored guidance and constructive feedback on your material throughout the course.
  
  
• Supportive Environment: Work together with like-minded individuals, supporting each other as you explore the world of comedy.
  
  
• Live Performance: Showcase your new material in front of a live audience at The Bootlegger on 17th November

About Alright Mate?

Alright Mate? is an award winning arts organisation who make participatory art projects that normalise conversations about men’s mental health.

About Angie Belcher

Angie Belcher is a comedy pioneer, whose career has evolved from stand up, acting and performing to award-winning work as a coach and trainer, teaching comedy to CEO’s and staff at major organisations and delivering ground-breaking workshops through the NHS.

A proud graduate of The Institute for the Development of Human Potential, she holds a post-graduate diploma in Humanistic Psychology for Leadership, Facilitation and Coaching. Angie is course leader for stand -up comedy on Circomedia’s BA course in Contemporary Performing Arts, Writer in Residence for First Story, Associate Lecturer in Comedy Writing at the University of Worcester and Comedian in Academic Residence at the University of Bristol.

The Hague awarded her World Comedian of Emancipation 2022 and in 2024 she was awarded a Gold HSJ Award for best mental health partnership with the NHS, for her work providing therapeutic comedy courses.

What You'll Learn

• Create Your Comedy Persona: Explore your unique comedic style and how it connects to your true self.
  
  
• Crafting Comedy from Real Life: Learn how to turn everyday situations, thoughts, and beliefs into engaging, funny stories.
  
  
• Developing a Routine: Use comedic devices to create captivating and humorous anecdotes.
  
  
• Mastering Performance Skills: Understand how to use your body, voice, and breath to enhance your delivery.
  
  
• Handling the Stage: Gain techniques to manage nerves, use a microphone, and make an impact on stage.
  
  
• Taking Comedy Beyond the Course: Learn how to carry your newfound confidence and skills into everyday life.

Why Comedy?

Comedy isn't just about making people laugh; it’s a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that laughter:

• Reduces Stress: Lowers cortisol levels, the body's main stress hormone.
  
  
• Boosts Happiness: Increases the production of endorphins, enhancing feelings of joy and reducing pain.
  
  
• Strengthens Immunity: Laughter can even improve your immune system, helping you to feel healthier and more resilient.

Students often remark that they feel stronger, more resilient, and happier through exploring their personal histories through stand-up comedy.

Pricing

Standard: £75
The Standard price covers the full cost of your place on the course, thanks to the generous subsidy provided by the National Lottery Community Fund. This option ensures that everyone can access the course at an affordable rate.

Supporter: £150
As a Supporter, you are not only covering the cost of your own place but also helping to subsidise places for others who may not otherwise be able to attend. The course is already heavily subsidised by the National Lottery, and choosing this option allows you to pay it forward.

Sign Up Today!

Don’t miss your chance to transform your stories into laughter. Whether you're looking to try something new, overcome stage fright, meet new people, or just want to make people laugh, this course is for you.

Places are subsidised by the National Lottery Community Fund. Hot drinks, refreshments and lunch are provided.