Studying Comedy isn’t your average career path — but for Collarts alum Razz, it was the unexpected step that changed their life. From doom-scrolling at rock bottom to performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, their journey proves that sometimes, all it takes is following your curiosity (and maybe clicking on a suspiciously well-timed ad).
I was doom scrolling, depressed, at rock bottom. An ad promoting road safety and not getting hit by cars came up. The cure to not getting hit by a car was a meet-and-greet safety walk to a comedy festival show. I looked at the comedians and thought the two older-looking ladies might have some wisdom for me and I desperately needed a laugh.
When I looked up the show, one of the comedians happened to be booked to talk about the collarts comedy degree and it was the second search result.
I kinda thought, ‘Comedy degree? That’s got to be a joke’. So I put in a request to find out more. Suddenly I was getting a call and everything sounded like my wildest dreams.
I booked the audition more-so to practice getting rejected. I had never written a comedy set before. But I just gave it a go and, for the first time in years, someone told me I had a lot of potential.
I had so many firsts. The first time I thought I wasn’t going to get an assignment in on time and fail university I happened to have booked a ticket to attend a show by myself – another first – and then somehow that snowballed into me interviewing Urzila Carlson. I had never had the confidence to just ask someone if I could send them a question before. That one question saved my assignment and kept me going.
I got to perform in a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival before I had even graduated.
So much of my life finally got to be lived and experienced that the challenges didn’t matter because the teachers kept the momentum and energy going.
Within reason, the Head of collarts comedy (Andrea Powell) will move a mountain 3 inches to the left if you needed and asked nicely. I think, for me, acceptance goes hand-in-hand with accessibility. Of course collarts has supports available.
However, the most important part for me is the rhythm of a classroom. That means having classmates who understand and respect what you may need and the teachers finding the right groove for everyone.
For example, setting a break for students to move their car also sets a break for people who may need it not get overstimulated or to catch up if they got a bit behind. The groove is important. It makes things available to everyone without having to always feel like you’re the reason something is needed or like you’re annoying others. It maintains a bit of dignity and respect, without putting a focus on anyone.
Start seeing the creativity everywhere. If you're jumping into a Creative Arts degree, use your creativity. Read every assignment carefully but find a way to use it as an excuse to enjoy the things you are passionate about.
Take the real challenge of finding a way to watch, write, act, design, manage – anything sent your way – through doing exclusively the things you enjoy.
Have an excuse to binge your favourite show all weekend or go to all your favourite shops and craft it into the tools you need to complete that assignment. Find the longest stretch of connection that fuels your passion and the assignments will do themselves.
All my crazy dreams.
At Collarts, you can study Comedy with working industry professionals, build your confidence and perform at iconic events like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival — all while earning a recognised qualification.