This beginner class is designed to transform individuals with no prior experience into confident comedians, all set to deliver an impressive five-minute routine in just five weeks.

Classes are scheduled for Sundays at 18:00, running from April 27 to May 18, culminating in a graduation show on May 25.

Participants will be trained to showcase their unique comedic flair and are encouraged to invite supporters to witness their first performance alongside their peers.

Key skills covered in the class include:

Confidence on stage

Audience introduction techniques

Engaging stage presence

Joke crafting

Storytelling

Professional material delivery

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Terence Hartnett, a seasoned comedian with ten years of experience, is also a cancer survivor hailing from New York. He initiated his comedy journey in Chicago, performing at iconic venues such as the Second City and Laugh Factory. Following his development in Chicago and extensive touring across the U.S., he settled in New York City and became a regular performer at Caroline’s on Broadway in Times Square. There, he earned recognition as a "Comic to Watch" during the New York Comedy Festival.

In 2022, he participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, showcasing his solo production, “One Ball Show,” which was inspired by his experiences with testicular cancer. The show achieved sell-out success for two consecutive years and garnered a recommendation from Fringe review.

In September 2023, after touring his show in the US and Europe, Hartnett filmed his debut special, “Ballsy,” in New York City, which is set for release in the upcoming spring.

After relocating to Vienna in 2023, Terence has quickly integrated into the local comedy scene, headlining at The Comedy Pub.

ABOUT THE CLASS

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Audience

Who are you and why should we listen?

Students will learn to command the stage as if they are the funniest individual present, conveying their unique perspectives while mastering essential techniques like microphone handling, voice projection, and effective punchline delivery.

Lesson 2: Finding the First Joke

What makes you funny?

Now that they’ve established themselves on stage, students will explore strategies to unearth humor from daily life or invent comedic scenarios. Personal comedic styles will be examined to resonate with their audiences.

Lesson 3: Developing a Bit

Is this funny? What’s the punchline?

Time to refine material. Students will develop their best comedic ideas into cohesive bits through discussions on setups, punchlines, and delivery methods, identifying their distinct comedic voices—whether deadpan, silly, physical, or verbose.

Lesson 4: Enhancing Jokes

How can a joke be elevated from good to great?

This segment ensures that students structure their sets effectively. Order and transitions between jokes will be optimized to enhance audience engagement.

Lesson 5: Graduation Performance

How is the audience tonight?

This final lesson involves testing their first five-minute routine in front of a live audience. Terence will host the event, fostering a supportive atmosphere for students to perform and impress their invited guests.