CLASSROOM JOKERS
CLOWNING around in class is completely acceptable at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School — but only if you’re serious about comedy.
This year, 14 students have signed up take part in the second annual Funny Kids Comedy and Writing Performance workshop funded by Community Bank Tugun, part of Bendigo Bank. Culminating in a performance on stage on February 26, the aspiring comedians hope to smash the $700 they raised for Beyond Blue last year by fundraising $1000.
The brainchild of English and humanities teacher Erin Hull, the workshops aim to give students the chance to explore another way to write and speak effectively.
“In English, it’s part of the criteria that we mark on and it can be difficult to know whether something has worked. In comedy, you know something is effective because people laugh — and if they don’t, you need to make some adjustments,” she said.
Last year Jai Uhlman, now in Year 10, took part in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns competition at HOTA.
He went on to win the state final at the Brisbane Powerhouse and a place at the national final. COVID stopped him attending in 2020, but organisers have honoured his place for this year.
Mrs Hull said the students chose to support Beyond Blue because mental health was such an issue over the past year. “We felt comedy in support of improving people’s wellbeing would be a good fit. We all need a bit of a pick up, plus it’s mid-term, right before exams and assessments!