DAFT Workshop—Neil Thornton's Comedy Class

Comedy Workshop

Presented by Neil Thornton

A fun no-pressure overview of everything you need to know to get a mic in your face for the first time. Learn techniques for joke-writing and delivery, where and how to get practice, and how to avoid many common mistakes new performers make. $20 suggested koha, but pay what you can.

Creative Team Info

In addition to his career as a stand-up comedian, Neil Thornton has been teaching for more than 25 years. He earned his BA in English from Carnegie Mellon University and his MFA in writing from the University of New Orleans.

He published fiction and essays in several literary journals and magazines and taught college English for 9 years, running classes in Creative Writing, Composition, Creative Nonfiction, Technical Writing, and Managerial Communication.

After moving to New York City in 2007, Neil became a working stand-up comic, performing everywhere from major comedy clubs to seedy dive bars in Washington D.C., Provincetown, Fire Island, and the Poconos. More recently, what was supposed to be a six-month adventure in New Zealand has turned into a permanent home.

Since then, Neil has made a big impact on the New Zealand comedy circuit. He has toured up and down the country and all over the world, entertaining audiences with his battles of understanding Kiwi culture and finding his own identity. He's a regular at The Classic in Auckland, and appeared in the TV3 comedy special "After Hours."

Neil now teaches from Wellington, New Zealand, where he continues to write, perform standup, and raise two giant Alaskan Malamutes.

accessibility information

The accessible ramped entrance with handrails is located to the left of the building front. This provides direct access to the foyer and bar area, and a wheelchair-accessible Box Office counter and bathroom on the ground floor as well as The Stage. There is clear access when you are inside to The Stage and an accessible toilet.

Neil is pictured in front of a purple background. He has a big smile on his face, a neatly trimmed beard and haircut, and is wearing a blue plaid shirt.