LMA is currently restructuring as a not-for-profit with new leadership. Thank you for your patience and support as we prepare for LMA 2.0. Subscribe for updates.

Welcome to LMA.

Laugh-Masters Academy is the home of "Chicago Style" Long Form (Longform) Improv and Sketch Comedy in Australia.

We'd love to have you join us.

LAUGH-MASTERS ACADEMY (LMA) is Australia’s first and only “Chicago Style” Improv & Sketch Comedy School to offer Classes and Corporate Training Programs in Sydney and Melbourne. We improve creative thinking, problem solving, idea generation, teamwork, communication skills and self-confidence – and it’s all addictive, hilarious fun.

LMA Teachers have the highest pedigree and come with experience from training centres in Hollywood – and Chicago, the official birthplace of Improv and Sketch comedy. They bring wide ranging philosophies from schools such as The Second City, Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, i.O. (Improv Olympic), The Annoyance, and WestSide Comedy Theater. If you’re not familiar with these schools, you’re all but guaranteed to know some of their graduates and performers including:

Jack Black, Jimmy Fallon, Will Farrell, Aziz Ansari, Fred Armisen, Tina Fey, Zach Galifianakis, Jordan Peele, Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswald, Kristen Wiig, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Chris Farley, Adam McKay, Lily Tomlin, David Spade, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler and Jerry Seinfeld to name a few.

It’s not just for funny people

But just because all the people in that list are hilarious, doesn’t mean Improv is just for Actors and “funny people.” It’s beneficial for everyone – and our classes will absolutely help improve your creative thinking, problem solving, idea generation, innovation, mindfulness, teamwork, communication skills, and self-confidence, all in a comfortable environment that’s loads of fun.

We keep our class sizes small – usually under 15 people – so you get the individual instruction and attention you deserve. Not only that, but at LMA you’ll get to take classes and perform at real theatres like The Belvoir St. Theatre in Surry Hills, The Factory Theatre in Marrickville, and The Voltaire Theatre in North Melbourne.

And hey, if you are interested in a career in comedy, whether it be as a Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, or Performer, remember that almost all the people you love to watch on TV and in films started off in a Long Form Improv class.

Learn more about our Improv Classes, Sketch Comedy Writing and Performance Classes, Upcoming Workshops and our Corporate Training Programs – or watch what some of our Students have to say about their training at LMA.

Schedule

LMA offers four 8-Week Terms a year with Grad Shows usually falling within 2 weeks of classes ending:

Term 1: Late Jan. / Early Feb. / March
Term 2: Late April / May / June
Term 3: Late July / Aug. / Early Sept.
Term 4: Mid Oct. / Nov. / Early Dec.
Summer Session: January

New classes and workshops may be announced at any time. Make sure you don’t miss out: Connect with LMA (@laughmasters) to score discounts and be first to know about upcoming events.

Curriculum

LMA’s unique 2-Path Curriculum (Long Form Chicago Style Improv and Sketch Comedy) is evolving to include Stand-Up Comedy, Clown, Storytelling and more.

Venue & Promotional Partners

About The Home of Improv and Sketch Comedy in Australia

FAQ

When are classes offered?

Generally speaking we run major classes quarterly in February, May, August and November, but don’t hold us to it. The magic could happen anytime because we operate on a rolling basis. This means new classes and workshops may be announced at any time. Connect with us @laughmasters to be notified of upcoming events. We may add additional classes if there’s enough interest to support them so be sure to let us know.

Where are classes offered?

In Sydney almost all of our Improv Classes, Sketch Comedy Classes (Writing & Performance) and special Workshops are held at AIM in Surry Hills. In Melbourne and Brisbane we work with a number of venue partners, including AIM, all with central locations that are easily accessible by public transport. For specific venue information and maps please refer to your class description.

How many levels are there?

LMA offers a minimum of 4 levels of instruction across three distinct development paths: Chicago Style Long Form Improv, Sketch Comedy and Stand-Up & Storytelling. In addition we periodically offer special advanced and/or one-off Workshops. Each level is a prerequisite for the next, and you may choose to repeat levels. For more information please check out our curriculum page.

What if I'm not funny?

There’s more to Improv than comedy. In fact it’s more about reacting and learning to be (and stay) focused and present in the moment at a very high level. This awareness can lead to all sort of fantastic benefits – like being able to read non visual communication cues with ease, getting clear on what you need to say and saying it without filtering, committing to a situation, becoming a better listener and more. We teach serious skills using proven exercises and techniques that will give you tools you can put to use immediately. And we do it in a fun environment where everyone feels relaxed, safe and comfortable.

I’m going to the USA... Will LMA class credits count at schools there?

Second City, UCB, Westside Comedy Theater, i.O. and Groundlings all have varying programs and requirements and LMA Workshops will not advance you in their programs, but they will prepare you for them. For example, Groundlings require all students to audition regardless of any prior training they may have had. The good news is LMA Workshops will give you the lingo, confidence and training you need to Ace your audition in style.

Need more answers? Ask a Question