Laugh Academy: Half-term Comedy School

Learn how to become a comedian!

Laugh Academy is our dedicated half-term school for aspiring comedians. Students between the age of 11-18 take part and work on original material and improvisation skills in a bespoke training course from professional comedians who will guide participants to their first show at the end of the week. This project champions young voices, fosters creativity and teaches resilience through supportive workshop and performance opportunities.

In 2024 we…

• worked directly with 18 young people
• produced 2 hours of new comedy
• showcased original work to over 100 audience members

“Our son really enjoyed the experience. He was offered great support throughout the week and during the showcase performance when nerves got the better of him! The workshop leaders were fabulous and the evening showcase was well organised and managed.” – Frankie’s Mum

_______________________________________________

Meet Our Facilitators

Kate McCabe has been leading Laugh Academy since its inception in 2018! She is an experienced workshop facilitator and comedy coach who regularly teaches with The University of Salford, ComedySportz Manchester, and Laugh at Leeds. As a performer, Kate is a regular on the club circuit and stars at many major festivals, performing as a stand-up or as part of improv/theatre troupes including Sugar Punch, Murder Inc., and ComedySportz!

Allyson June Smith is a standup comedian who very early in her career was nominated for Best Female Stand Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards. Allyson has headlined major comedy festivals, including Winnipeg, Halifax and Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festivals. Now settled in the city of Manchester, she performs across the UK and has shared bills with Jason Manford, Katherine Ryan, Stewart Francis, John Bishop, Stephen Merchant, and Samantha Bee (The Daily Show).