FOR a previous Class Clowns winner, a school boy turned snake charmer, turned emu, turned T-rex was the winning combination.
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Back in Wodonga, the national competition will search for the funniest teen.
Wodonga’s Gregor Tarrant, 16, won the 2014 comedian challenge in conjunction with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“It’s a good experience, you get to meet heaps of people – I met heaps of comedians,” he said.
After winning the Wodonga heat, Gregor was invited to Melbourne and then conquered other grand finalists to be named Australia’s ultimate class clown.
He received a giant novelty cheque alongside $1500 for his school and a $1000 personal prize.
“From then, I have done a couple of other shows including myrollercoaster in Wangaratta with comedian Sammy J,” Gregor said.
“When I’m walking onto the stage I get really nervous but as soon as I get on there and get that first laugh it is easy.”
Comedian Xavier Michelides who has performed in comedy festivals across Australia, will mentor those in the Wodonga workshop.
He has been nominated for awards such the Golden Gibbo at the 2011 Melbourne Comedy Festival and now wants to pass on his knowledge.
“I suppose for any kid who wants to either be a comedian or get involved in the performing arts, it's a great first step,” he said.
“For a lot of them there aren't many avenues to try it out.”
His top tips – don’t be afraid to fail and rehearse your jokes in front of family and friends.
“Write a joke where you have to shout and make it first or second,” Xavier said.
“Shouting helps release nervous energy.”
And to impress him?
“Fall over, I mostly watch videos of people hurting themselves for a good laugh,” Xavier said.
“It might be pretty dumb, but it always makes me laugh.”
As one of only 13 locations across Australia, the Wodonga heat will take place at The Cube on March 3 with a Class Clowns workshop at 4pm.
The event is open to teenagers, aged 14 to 18, and entrants can then go on to the 7pm competition.
Winners will compete in the national grand final in Melbourne on April 1.
To book, visit: thecubewodonga.com.au