Funny as FOC is a crash course in standup for trans, non-binary, gender non conforming and queer people of colour* aimed at getting more queer comedians of colour on stage.
If you're a cheeky diva who wants to give stand-up comedy a go, you're a performer who'd like to sharpen your comedic chops or you're a comic who wants to brush up your skills - this is the space for you.
This workshop will cover writing and performance. We'll be using teamwork to generate ideas, find unique angles and pump up your performance skills. We may give you a small amount of homework to do ahead of the workshop to help make the most of our time together.
Taught by the incredible Dre Spisto and Alex Franklin
Alex Franklin:
Alex Franklin is a critically acclaimed comedian and performer specialising in stand-up, musical comedy, character comedy and all things science. As seen / heard on Channel 4 / HBO Max / BBC Radio 4. 'Deeply affecting and incredibly funny' ★★★★★ (The Wee Review). 'A one-woman multiverse of gleeful possibility' ★★★★½ (The Reviews Hub). 'Fabulously funny, absurd and intelligent' ★★★★ (Everything Theatre).
Dre Spisto:
Dre Spisto is a queer, autistic Venezuelan artist working across live performance, film, and multimedia storytelling. Their practice unfolds through a lens of anarchic charisma—embracing unpredictability, softness, and embodied disruption as tools for dismantling normative performance structures. Dre currently teaches on the MA in Theatre for Community and Education at Mountview Academy of Performing Arts and runs Anarchic Charisma, a neuroqueer clown lab based in Margate.
*there will be two spots in the class for non-global majority trans siblings, because we love y'all too*
This workshop is a part of the first ever FOC Fest at Soho Theatre. The one day event will feature star-studded industry panels, workshops and culminate in an iconic comedy showcase.
Other Events:
- Power to the People - A workshop on utilizing humor for self expression, building confidence and improving mental health through comedy.
- Live and Direct - a panel on gigging, solo shows, producing comedy shows, navigating the Edinburgh fringe and touring.
- Flipping the Script - a panel on making scripted projects for radio, TV, film and creating online content.
- FOC IT UP! Comedy Club show!! - expect a banging line-up and incredible vibes. MORE INFO & TICKETS
We want FOC Fest to be as accessible as possible. If finances are a barrier for you, get in touch with us at focitupcomedy@gmail.com