Young comics aim for Class Clown glory

Over the past few years the Mid West has been well represented at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival thanks to several young comedians scoring coveted spots in the Class Clowns grand final.

Although a Geraldton youth is yet to take out the top prize, Euphorium Creative is determined to get at least one up-and-coming comedian into the national competition.

“We’d love to keep the tradition rolling,” stand-up comedy coach Kim Canny said.

“We’d be thrilled if (the winner) is someone from the Mid West.”

The competition is open to secondary students in Years 9 to 12, and any style of comedy can be performed, including stand-up, sketch, physical or musical comedy.

The first official heat to be held in Geraldton will take place on Saturday, February 9, as part of Funtavia Jnr.

Before the performance competitors will get to pick up tips and tricks from comedian Bonnie Davies, who is best known for her outrageously funny character Famous Sharron.

With just over a week to go until the heat, Canny said she’s able to lend a helping hand to any potential participants.

Winners of the Geraldton Heat will travel to Perth in March for the WA State final, held in WAAPA’s Roundhouse Theatre.

Funtavia Jnr is a new element of Geraldton’s Fringe World Festival Hub, bringing new shows and activities suitable for the whole family.

Program director Jody Quadrio said Funtavia Jnr was also an opportunity for creative youths to showcase their skills.

“We want to give the young people here a platform to create their own original works and perform them,” she said.

“Whether that’s something they want to do in the future or for their own creativity, we want to show the local community what our young people can do.”

Class Clowns is co-presented by The Gelo Company and Euphorium Creative.

To register visit classclowns.com.au. Tickets to the Geraldton Heat on February 9 are available at funtavia.com.