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Chortle to host another seminar

Chortle is to host another seminar for new and aspiring comedians, offering invaluable tips on all aspects of the industry.

Headlining the seminar will be an in-depth sessions with award-winning stand-up Richard Herring, who has 25 years‘ experience in comedy.

Rising to fame in a double act with Stewart Lee, he has subsequently performed a series of acclaimed solo shows at Edinburgh and on tour. He builds his live audience through a daily blog and regular podcasts rather than from TV exposure – although he has made a number of appearances on the small screen, as well as writing shows such as the comedy-drama You Can Choose Your Friends and 37 episodes of Time Gentlemen Please, with Al Murray. He also has his own Radio 4 series Richard Herring's Objective, which discusses contentious items.

Other sessions will feature top comedy agents and bookers giving advice on what they are looking for; an explanation of the complex ins and outs of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe and a session in association with trade union Equity offering tips on tax, benefits and the legal side of comedy.

There will also be the chance to hear from top TV and radio commissioners and programme-makers , including Channel 4‘s comedy commissioning editor Nerys Evans and Chris Sussman, executive editor for comedy with the BBC.

In short, every practical aspect of the industry side of comedy will be covered, with expert advice form those in the know.

Every session will feature the chance to ask your own question, plus there will be networking opportunities over coffee breaks and lunch, which is all provided.

One would-be comedian who attended last year’s inaugural seminar said: ‘I just wanted to say a big thanks for hosting such a useful and enjoyable event.It truly exceeded my expectations and I think the line-up was very well-chosen indeed. I would definitely recommend the seminar to anyone in my position as it gave me a great insight into the industry from so many angles.’

The seminar will also be useful for those with some experience of performing needing pointers in how to progress. One established act comedian said last year: ‘I thought the day was excellent. Really valuable, even for the likes of us with a bit more experience. I wish there had been something like it when I first started.’

This year’s event takes place at the Soho Theatre, London, from 9.30am to 5.30pm on Wednesday June 13; and a detailed schedule will be released nearer the time.

Tickets for the event cost £95 – although an early-bird price of £80 is available until May 31. (There is an additional £10 discount for anyone who has ever performed in any of our Student Comedy Award heats, providing you are still a student)

Additionally, Chortle will subsidise at least five bursary places for those out of work or on low incomes (although not students in full-time education unless there are exceptional circumstances) at just £15 each.

To apply for one of these places, email steve@chortle.co.uk with a brief description of your circumstances, what steps you have already taken to get into comedy, and email addresses of referees.

We may also provide transport to and from other major cities – at an additional cost – if there is enough demand to make a minibus hire viable. Also email the same address if you might be interested in this.

Complete this form to secure your place: