NZ Comedy Trust: Artist Career Toolkit Initiative application

Kia ora!

Aotearoa is full of amazing comedic voices and potential comedy career pathways. Between the NZ International Comedy Festival, open mics, raw competitions and indie line-up shows, we're loaded with comedic talent that can further thrive with some nurturing support.

Established in 1995, the New Zealand Comedy Trust exists to champion the art-form of comedy and help the industry flourish through building capability, creating opportunities, and advocating across the creative sector.

We’ve been consulting with comedians from across the industry, and we’ve listened. We understand that having professional assets to showcase you as a comedian are critical in building a professional career in comedy. That’s why we’ve created the Artist Career Toolkit Initiative for up-and-coming artists who are working to develop their comedic voice into a career.

The goal of the Artist Career Toolkit Initiative is to provide you with the resources to build your audiences, enhance your online presence, give you greater understanding of the industry, and pursue a range of comedy-related career opportunities. The opportunity will be given to up to 30 comics throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand, and filmed in Auckland and Wellington (successful candidates not based in recording cities will receive a contribution to travel costs). Valued at approximately $3000 per participant, the programme is funded by the New Zealand Comedy Trust to provide the following career-building tools:

1. A high-quality, professionally filmed performance clip - recorded as part of a Trust-produced live comedy showcase
2. Professional headshots and live performance photography that can be used for publicity, social media or bios
3. One-on-one career development and branding session with the Trust
4. A review of your bio and/or website
5. An online group workshop: Digital Best Practice For Comedians

Wellington filming: Thursday 17 November 2022
Auckland filming: Wednesday 23 November 2022

The Trust team are excited to present this programme and are now calling for expressions of interest.

Key considerations of selection into the programme include:
- Displayed commitment to a comedy career and the comedy industry
- Clear benefit from programme participation (gaining experience and raising profile)
- The Trust's dedication to elevating minority communities in comedy
- Diversity in stories and craft across the cohort

If you have any questions or would like to chat about the programme, please email tom@comedyfestival.co.nz.