2011 National Class Clowns Final Held At The Malthouse Theater 8/31

The 2011 National Class Clowns Final will be held on Wednesday August 31 at the Malthouse Theatre. The event will feature Harley Breen as emcee and special feature act Smart Casual.

Judges include Cal Wilson, Lawrence Mooney, Peter Helliar and Anthony Watt (Executive Producer of Spicks and Specks).

Karin Farrell, Melbourne Comedy Festival's Education Program Producer said ‘Class Clowns is a significant and vibrant part of the Comedy Festival's education program. Since its inception in 1996, this one-of-a-kind competition has been developing the art of comedy amongst the nation's teenage comics - not only scouting the next new bright young thing for a future in comedy but also providing kids with an opportunity to develop confidence, build performance and speaking skills and create strong friendships with like?minded teens. And maybe win $2000!'

Since May this year the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been encouraging a healthy dose of hijinks in the nation's classrooms, on the hunt for the funniest kids in Years Nine to Twelve.

Teenagers from over 20 centres across Australia were taken under the wing of some of the Festival's finest comedians at group workshops culminating in five minutes of original comic material that was performed in front of a live audience.
Farrell says ‘After a series of heats, finals, semi finals and state finals, the cream of the teenage crop has been selected - and are ready to be unleashed at the Class Clowns National Grand Final in Melbourne.'

Achieving an A+ in hilarity, twelve of the nation's sharpest school-aged comic acts will battle it out for their chance to not only be crowned the most hilarious teen act in Australia, but to also pocket $1000 in cash plus another $1000 for their school.

The program is supported by teachers' notes and online resources, as well as year-round ‘crash course' workshops in schools and performing arts venues. Class Clowns alumni include Tom Ballard (Triple J), Josh Thomas (Talkin' Bout My Generation), Danny McGinlay, Neel Kolhatkar and Joel Creasey.

Date: Wednesday August 31

Time: 1pm

Venue: Merlyn Theatre C.U.B Malthouse Theatre - 113 Sturt Street, Southbank

Tickets: $12 + booking fee (school groups can have a teacher go free)

Bookings: (03) 9685 5111 or www.malthousetheatre.com.au