Diploma Performing Arts (Comedy)
The Diploma of Performing Arts (Comedy) is a practical, skills-focused course designed for emerging comedians who want to develop confidence, comedic voice and performance technique. You’ll learn the fundamentals of performance, writing and production-focused units, as well as exploring writing scripts, improvisation, acting foundations, character creation and live solo comedy, while also building a strong understanding of humour theory, comedy history and ethical practice.
Course Duration: 8 months full-time
Study Modes: On Campus
Campus Location: Melbourne (Collingwood)
Intakes: February | June | September
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Comedy)
Collarts’ Bachelor of Performing Arts (Comedy) is a professional degree focused on comedy performance, writing and creation. You’ll develop professional skills and practical experience in comedy performance, writing, production, improvisation, and comedic storytelling. You’ll be guided by industry practitioners, while building the creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial capabilities needed for careers across live, screen and digital comedy.
Course Duration: 2 Years
Study Modes: On Campus
Campus Location: Melbourne (Collingwood)
Intakes: February | June | September
Collingwood , Melbourne
Studying performing arts comedy at Collarts’ Collingwood campus places you in the heart of Melbourne’s live comedy and creative scene. Surrounded by theatres, comedy clubs, festivals and independent venues, students benefit from regular exposure to live performance, industry events and networking opportunities. You’ll also have access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities including Black Box studios, writers’ rooms, podcasting booths, cameras and recording equipment.
Choosing the Right Qualification For You
Whether you’re just starting out in comedy, ready to deepen your craft, or trying something new, Collarts offers qualification options to suit different schedules and creative goals. The diploma and bachelor pathways provide distinct learning outcomes, allowing students to choose a course that fits in with their time and ambitions.
Diploma
The Diploma of Performing Arts (Comedy) is ideal for emerging comedians who want hands-on, practical training in a supportive studio environment. This qualification focuses on building core performance skills, comedic confidence and creative voice through stand-up, improvisation, sketch and character work, making it well suited to those new to comedy or seeking a direct pathway into live performance or further study. This Diploma can be completed in 8 months if studied full-time.
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Bachelor
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Comedy) is designed for students seeking advanced training and long-term career pathways in comedy and performance. This degree develops high-level creative, technical and industry skills through original production, collaboration and professional practice, making it suitable for those aiming to work across live, screen and digital comedy or pursue leadership roles within the performing arts industry. If studied full-time, this degree can be completed in 2 years.
LEARN MOREEntry Requirements and Eligibility
At Collarts, your creative potential matters more than exam scores. There is no ATAR requirement to apply for our performing arts comedy courses, instead, we focus on your interest and passion.
Depending on your background and circumstances, there are multiple application pathways available for both domestic and international students interested in studying acting at Collarts.
Application pathways include:
Direct applications (domestic and international students)
Year 12 and VTAC/UAC applicants
Once you’ve submitted an application for a Diploma or Bachelor of Performing Arts in Comedy, a Collarts Future Student Advisor will be in touch to discuss your study goals and next steps, which will include an audition.
Successful applicants will receive a formal offer from Collarts to commence their chosen acting qualification.
Speak with a Future Student Advisor for any questions at 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au
Why Study Comedy at Collarts?
This comedy course is the only of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Studying comedy at Collarts means developing your craft in an industry-connected environment that values originality, experimentation and real-world performance. You’ll learn through hands-on studio training across stand-up, sketch, improvisation, comedic character and screen comedy, guided by working comedians and performing arts professionals who understand the realities of the industry. The curriculum is designed to help students find their unique comedic voice while building the technical and creative skills needed to perform for live and digital audiences.
Located in Melbourne’s creative heart, Collarts offers direct exposure to the city’s vibrant comedy scene, with opportunities to collaborate, perform and engage with audiences beyond the classroom. Through practical projects, live showcases and industry-relevant learning, students graduate with confidence, professional experience and a clear understanding of how to build a sustainable career in comedy and the performing arts.
Only Comedy Course in Aus
This course is entirely unique and the only one to be taught in Australia.
Industry-led, practical training
Learn from working comedians and performing arts professionals through hands-on studio training and real-world performance projects.
Study in Melbourne’s comedy hub
Train at Collarts’ Collingwood campus, surrounded by live comedy venues, festivals and creative networks that support audience connection and industry access to events like the Melbourne Comedy Festival.