Free course for Edinburgh folk

The Edinburgh Fringe has launched a new stand-up course – offering free tips to would-be comics.

Festival organisers have joined forces with the city’s Stand comedy club to offer the ten-week course, which is open only to those who live in Edinburgh and aged between 18 and 25.

Those who take part in the Fringe Comedy Academy, run by comedian Susan Morrison and backed by Virgin Money, will also be showcased at a ‘graduates gala night’ at the Stand during the festival.

A spokesman said: ‘The Festival Fringe Society provides professional development opportunities for artists taking part or hoping to take part in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Over the past few years it has been acknowledged that development opportunities have been limited for those wishing to pursue a career in comedy, an ever expanding section of the epic programme of events.’

Only 16 places are available, and an application form is available here. The courses – which are also supported by The Mike Westcott Memorial Fund – start on May 28, and application forms must be in this week.

Published: 3 May 2011