Whether you’re stepping onto a stage for the first time, looking to sharpen your performance skills, or simply want to become a more confident communicator, Tom Short’s workshops provide a supportive and practical environment to help you grow.
Founded by award-winning comedian, lecturer and qualified teacher Tom Short, these workshops combine stand-up comedy, improvisation and clowning techniques to help people become more creative, present and authentic performers. The sessions are designed to be accessible for complete beginners whilst still offering valuable tools for experienced performers looking to take their work to the next level.
Tom Short is an award-winning comedian, writer, performer and educator with over a decade of professional experience.
Alongside performing throughout the UK and at the Edinburgh Fringe, Tom has lectured in Comedy Writing and Performance at the University of Salford and delivered workshops for performers, businesses, schools and community organisations. He holds a PGCE in Lifelong Learning and has worked with hundreds of students ranging from complete beginners to established performers.
Keep It Fringe Award Recipient
Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Runner-Up
Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year Finalist
North West Comedy Awards Best Alternative Act Nominee
University Lecturer in Comedy Writing & Performance
Founder of Comedy Lab
Learn how comedians generate material, structure routines and create a unique stage persona.
Topics include:
Joke writing
Finding your comedic voice
Storytelling techniques
Crowd interaction
Stage presence
Building a set
Develop confidence, creativity and the ability to think on your feet.
Topics include:
Listening and reacting
Accepting and building ideas
Confidence under pressure
Group creativity
Scene work
Spontaneity exercises
Explore physical performance and discover how authenticity can be one of the funniest things on stage.
Topics include:
Physical comedy
Playfulness
Audience connection
Presence
Vulnerability in performance
Developing confidence through failure
Tom’s workshops are built around the belief that embracing uncertainty and play often unlocks a performer’s strongest work.
Never performed before? No problem.
Many participants join simply to challenge themselves, improve confidence or try something new in a welcoming environment.
Develop stronger material, improve crowd work and discover new approaches to performance.
Add improvisation, comedy and clowning techniques to your toolkit.
Comedy techniques can help improve communication, presentation skills, networking and confidence in professional settings.
Multi-session and intensive workshops covering everything from first gig preparation through to developing longer sets.
Learn practical techniques for generating ideas, structuring material and developing sketches and stand-up routines.
Develop confidence, creativity and spontaneity through games, exercises and scene work.
Personalised support tailored to your goals.
Ideal for:
New comedians
Edinburgh Fringe performers
Writers
Public speakers
Existing acts looking to develop new material
Interactive sessions designed to improve:
Presentation skills
Team building
Creativity
Communication
Confidence
Leadership
“Tom has taught me so much in comedy writing and performance which I will take with me to every gig I go to.” — George Halsey
“Tom has been an incredible comedy tutor and a huge part of my growth. His guidance, insight and ability to push me out of my comfort zone have really helped me develop both my confidence and my voice.” — Bekki Cleland
Comedy is about much more than telling jokes.
The skills developed through stand-up, improvisation and clowning can help people communicate more effectively, overcome fear, think creatively and connect more authentically with others. Tom’s workshops combine practical performance techniques with educational approaches developed through his teaching background to create sessions that are engaging, supportive and genuinely transformative.
Upcoming public workshops can be found here
For one-to-one mentoring, corporate training, schools, universities or bespoke workshops, please Book here.
Email: tomshortcomedy@gmail.com
Phone: 07540 787944
Website: www.comedy-lab.co.uk
“Just focus on enjoying yourself and everything else becomes a bonus.” — Tom Short