For Collarts Comedy Program Leader Andrea Powell, the spark happened during her university years while studying theatre.
“While I was studying Theatre Arts at uni, I performed a character comedy piece that received more laughs and attention than anything I’d done in 2 years. It was then I started to think, ‘Hey, making people laugh feels pretty good! Maybe this comedy lark is something I should explore.’”
From there, Andrea began performing regularly with a sketch group in Perth, writing and performing new material every week.
“I later joined a sketch group writing and performing new pieces every week at the Blue Room Theatre in Perth. It became very popular and because we had a regular audience we couldn’t repeat any sketches. It was a great time.”
That cycle of writing, performing and refining material is how many comedians develop their voice, whether they’re exploring comedy casually or working towards a professional comedy career.
Pictured above: Collarts Comedy alum Razz performing at Melbourne International Comedy Festival
For Collarts comedy alum Razz, the idea of studying comedy initially sounded like the setup to a punchline.
A comedy degree? It seemed unlikely.
But after discovering the course and deciding to take a chance, Razz began developing the skills and confidence needed to perform in larger venues and professional settings.
“I got to perform in a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival before I had even graduated. So much of my life finally got to be lived and experienced that the challenges didn’t matter because the teachers kept the momentum and energy going.”
For many performers, moments like this change how they see themselves as comedians. What once felt like a hobby or ambition begins to feel like a genuine career path in comedy.
Pictured above: Collarts Comedy students promo shoot for their performances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Photography by Vicki Bell.
Comedy is one of the few artforms where the audience immediately tells you if something works.
A joke either lands or it doesn’t.
That’s why performing in front of real audiences is one of the most important parts of learning how to become a comedian. Stage time helps comedians develop timing, confidence and the ability to adapt when a joke takes an unexpected turn.
For emerging performers – whether through open mic gigs or a comedy course – those early performances can shape how a comedian finds their voice.
As part of Collarts’ partnership with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, comedy students regularly step into real festival environments. In 2026, the Collarts Comedy Club will take the stage for a one-night-only showcase at the festival on Tuesday 7 April. Click here for more info and tickets.
The comedy landscape in Australia has evolved dramatically over the past decade, particularly when it comes to the diversity of voices and perspectives being heard.
Andrea has witnessed that change firsthand.
“It’s definitely more diverse than when I started out. It was not very inclusive and while I admire a lot of male comedians, those voices really dominated the industry and it was very repetitive.”
“Now you have diverse genders, ethnicities and a much wider variety of styles and platforms to see comedy. Comedy, like humanity, is constantly emerging. It’s actually very exciting!”
Today comedians build careers across many formats: from live stand-up stages and theatre shows to podcasts, television, digital content and writers’ rooms.
For aspiring performers considering whether to study comedy, the industry now offers more pathways than ever before.
Pictured above: Collarts Comedy students and Program Leader Andrea with famous comedian Kristy Webeck. Photography by AJ Peters.
Andrea believes success comes from persistence, professionalism and surrounding yourself with the right people.
“My biggest advice here is to be friendly and professional with EVERYONE. They don’t have to be your friends, but you never know who might be in a position to offer you a job, a set, a performance venue or an audition in the future. So no matter what, be polite.”
Comedy is also deeply collaborative.
“Comedy doesn’t thrive in a vacuum, so see if you can find a couple of funny folk like you that you can go to gigs with and who can give you kind and honest feedback on your material.”
And most importantly, stay committed to your voice.
“Stay positive, stay engaged with industry and commit to your passion of telling unique, funny stories. Just go for it!”