Comedy Industry Conference

Northern Ireland Comedy Industry Conference Programme

The aim of this event is to review the current state of the comedy industry in Northern Ireland and consider ways in which we can better support performers, writers, event organisers and other practitioners.

During the conference, we will share practical advice and skills on how to make it in this complex industry. Come along and meet useful contacts, attend a range of informative workshops and hear from some of the most successful local industry figures. We will also get an opportunity to debate what is needed to support performers and further develop the local comedy scene.

At the end of the event

• Participants will have had an opportunity to network, develop new knowledge and skills in order to develop their performances and careers in the comedy industry.

• Proposals and ideas for improving support to performers and the comedy industry will have been generated hopefully resulting in long term benefits for the arts, tourism and entertainment in Northern Ireland.

After the event, a conference report will be published online.

Programme

10.00 Introductions & welcome

10.15 Supporting comedy in Northern Ireland - perspectives from leading figures in the arts and comedy worlds, chaired by Graeme Watson with panelists including:

• Adam Adnyana, National Organiser, Northern Ireland and Scotland, Equity
• Bec Hill, performer
• Simon Magill, Creative Director, The Mac
• Peter Davidson, performer and promoter
• Belfast City Council representative (TBC).

11.30 Break

11.45 Workshops

1. How To Stand Out in Stand Up – Bec Hill
   This workshop will focus on finding your niche and exploring other avenues for your USP, including Twitter, YouTube, and specialist events. Best suited for comedians with some experience who are still looking for their voice, but is open to anyone of any level in any artistic field.
2. How to look after your mental health – Victoria Armstrong
3. Comedy and ‘the Troubles’. The role of comedy in conflict situations – Tim Miles

1.00 Lunch

1.45 Finding and building your audience – Audiences NI

3.00 Workshops

1. The future of Belfast Comedy Festival – ideas on taking it forward – Peter O’Neill
2. EdFringe: making it work for you – Paul Currie
3. Equity Comedians’ Network – Adam Adnyana

4.15 Plenary and what's next

5.00 Close

Registration

Please register before 5pm, 3 October 2017 at

https://belfastcomedyfestival.com/events/northern-ireland-comedy-industry-conference/

Registration fee £5

For further information, please contact

Peter O’Neill

Belfast Comedy Festival

[email protected]