Character Comedy Course with Charlie Vero-Martin

Back by popular demand! 

Create your own comedy characters and develop a 5-7minute act that's ready to perform in 6-weeks with coaching from renowned character comedian, Charlie Vero-Martin.

This course is open to new and experienced acts. Perfect for those looking to take their first steps into performing character comedy or wanting to find new characters for their stand-up, sketch, clown, cabaret or drag act.

THE COURSE

Wednesdays, 15th April - 20th May, 7-9.30pm* at Create + Destory Studios, Lisson Grove (Marylebone)

Maximum 12 participants

*Depending on numbers, most classes will finish at 9pm and the remaining 30mins will be optional "surgery time" to receive further feedback.

Weeks 1 & 2: Discovering Characters and Generating Material - Charlie guides you in a variety of exercises and methods for finding characters blending techniques from clowning, improv, sketch, stand-up and theatre. 

Weeks 3 & 4: Developing Characters - Fleshing out and exploring your characters with costumes written exercises. Learning how to structure and frame your act.  

Weeks 5 & 6: Performing and Feedback - With the support of your classmates, we'll take your characters from page to stage (and page again) by performing in front of each other and receiving direction from Charlie.

Please be aware that as you are creating your own solo act you will be required to do preparation outside of class such as writing material and sourcing costume/props. You will be given support and guidance throughout all of this.

ALUMNI SHOWCASE & BEYOND

The course does not culminate with a public showcase. On the final week you will also be performing and receiving insight from a small panel of invited special guests, such as professional comedy performers and directors. Previous guests include Mark Silcox, Alex Hardy, Su Mi, Marney Godden, Kat Cade & Mikey Bligh Smith. This has been proven to help participants take more risks and provide more effective feedback.

Once you have completed the course you will be eligible to participate in the Alumni Showcases. This allows participants who have been developing their characters since the course to perform with more confidence and preparation. The next showcase will be taking place at the Free Association this Spring. 

Participants have gone on to perform their new acts regularly on the alt-comedy circuit, as part of award-winning shows, at the Edinburgh Fringe and compete in finals of comedy competitions. They also continue to collaborate on projects including running successful comedy nights together!

TESTIMONIALS FROM FORMER STUDENTS

“Charlie delivered a masterclass on character comedy, providing a helpful range of tools and bespoke advice that helped each person on the course shine in their own way. Would recommend for anyone starting their character comedy journey” - Nadine Bailey

"I highly recommend Charlie's character comedy course - it's fantastic! She gave us the tools, process and necessary deadlines to create a brand new character and a safe space to explore, be silly and take risks. Charlie is a ray of sunshine and the classes were dynamic, diverse and fun and she tailored the class and advice to each participant's needs." 

“Charlie’s course was exactly what I hoped for: a safe, welcoming, and lighthearted space to explore silliness and absurdity. I went from having no experience in character comedy to creating a character I’m genuinely excited to develop in the real world. The course felt incredibly productive – creatively speaking – for everyone involved, and it was such a fantastic experience to dive into new worlds and spaces. Can’t wait to see what the fantastic group of people keep making!”

"I didn't see myself as a character comedian before I did this course, but I had so much fun that I'm going to keep on with it!" - Michael

"This course was excellent! Charlie fostered a safe space for us to explore and develop new characters. Most importantly, she encouraged us to confidently step out of our comfort zones and take risks. I definitely recommend it! I had a great time!" - Jess Gonzales

“Charlie was a fantastic teacher, over this course you learn the basics of coming up with a character comedy set, through a series of fun, simple exercises, and before you know it 6 weeks later you have a new character, a new set and the steps to get you there! “

"Charlie, I loved the course sooo much!!!! Very safe space and lots of talented people doing their unique characters!!"

"I signed up to this course on the back of having an Improv class with Charlie. I enjoyed working with her then and found the feedback she provided spot on and really helpful to my development while still being fun. Her Character Course I would say was even better! As a stage performer (singer and frontman) I often dip my toes in character work but never fully understood how to commit, so I was intrigued. And now, after going through these 6 weeks with Charlie, I have a much better understanding of how the process works and what I can do to turn my half baked ideas and silly voices into well rounded characters. Worth it ;)" 

"I loved it" 


CHARLIE VERO-MARTIN

Charlie is a Scottish comedian, actor and writer known for her characters, improvisation and puppetry. She has taken four solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, including her 2023 show Picnic which also sold out at Glasgow, Leicester, Vault and the Soho Theatre. She has written jokes and sketches for BBC Radio 4, BBC Scotland, Hat Trick Productions' Seance Cast and Griff Rhys Jones. She has also appeared on BBC Scotland in her own series of sketches for Short Stuff and has a special on Next Up Comedy. 

She also studied Writing & Producing Comedy with Channel 4 at the NFTS under Bill Dare. She has trained with Philippe Gaulier, Phil Burgers and Mick Barnfather and Dan Less in clowning, Bouffon with Eric Davies and was part of the Soho Theatre Edinburgh Lab.

She has taught improv and character comedy for several years independently and for Hoopla Impro. An intensive version of this course has also been taught by Charlie for the last three years at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

Funny Women Stage Award Finalist 2023

Leicester Square Theatre Sketch Off Finalist 2023

British Comedy Guide Recommended & The Telegraph: Best Jokes and Comedy Shows of Fringe 2023

"Hilarious character sketches stuffed to the gills with mad ideas from a truly gifted performer" - The Wee Review **** (Picnic, 2023)

"The show is absurd and silly, but it is also carefully crafted, with invisible threads tying things together, which you can’t see until Charlie pings them all towards the end" - One4Review ****

"I laughed so much... it’s so unhinged"- Edinburgh Reviews ****

A delightful sketch show with an unexpected yet hilarious ending" - Broadway World ****

"Pure madness, absurdity and excellence all rolled into one tight 60 minutes" - A Young (ish) Perspective ****

“This is one of the most compelling shows you will see this year. It is charming, hilarious and beautiful. An absolute must-see.” – Edinburgh Festivals Magazine **** (The 24/7 Club, 2018)

TICKET DEALS AND BURSARIES:

The first 5 tickets have an early bird discount. 
Equity members receive 10% off General Admission. Please contact charlievmartin@gmail.com with your Equity number to receive the code. 

There are 2 partial bursaries available at £80 for those pursuing a career in comedy but finding finances are a barrier. Please contact charlievmartin@gmail.com to enquire and pay directly (to avoid booking fees) and in instalments if necessary. You will not be asked for evidence of your financial situation.

Full refunds are only guaranteed up to 14 days before the event begins. A 50% refund will be fulfilled if cancellation is made between 15-7 days before the event.