Teacher Bio
I am a qualified teacher with a BA/BEd. I started as a High School Drama & English teacher before pivoting into specialty teaching with NIDA Open and Improv Theatre Sydney.
I have graduated from Improv Theatre Sydney, iO Chicago, and studied under esteemed artists such as Doctor Brown, Bill Arnett, Charna Halpern, Tom Walker, Carlo Ritchie, and Steen Raskopoulos.
Directing credits include Nanna-stasia (NIDA Best Writing Award, Perth Tour Ready Award), Lizzy Hoo - Hoo Dis? (sold-out MICF season), Beth McMullen’s Why Am I Still Single? (Two Queers Festival), Steph Broadbridge’s Hot Chick/Tired Mum (Laugh Outta Lockdown.)
We can work in-person or over zoom.
Read the options and testimonials below then e-mail me at marcelthecomedian@gmail.com to discuss your project.
“Marcel is a true gentleman of comedy - every time I watch him do a set, I want to be his best friend. His warm and cheerful presence convey a deep and audacious curiosity about the world, making his material and on-stage execution the perfect trinity - affable, relatable and laugh-out-loud surprising. He loves the craft, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of how comedy works and genuinely cares about supporting and nurturing his community.”
-Beth McMullen, writer/comedian
Writing / Punch-Up
Got a script, speech or chunk of material that needs work? I’m here to help! I can add jokes, give notes on structure, or help you write something from scratch.
”Marcel was excellent to work with on my comedy script. He came well prepared and with great suggestions to improve jokes, punch up dialogue, develop characters, and tighten up the overall script. He was also a gentleman and a pleasure to work with. Marcel is one of the best script consultants in the biz.”
- Damien Higginbotham, AFTRS
”When you’re in a writing session with Marcel the first thing you notice is that he cares. He has helped me tighten jokes that needed tightening and flesh out ideas that needed exploring. He has an expert grasp of joke writing techniques and a wonderfully clear and warm critiquing style. I’m a better comic for spending two sessions with him.”
- Steph Broadbridge, comedian
Coaching / Directing
Whether you’re seeking advice on an upcoming show or looking for someone to take you from concept to delivery, I’m here to help. Your own personal comedy coach.
”Marcel is a comedy scientist. He has a keen eye for what makes a joke work, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the mechanics of funny and a brilliant coaching style. If he started wearing a lab coat I’d understand.”
- Bec Melrose, comedian
”After one session with Marcel I instantly felt more confident with my ideas and where they were going. He asked the right questions of me to further develop my jokes. I found my first session so helpful that he came on board to direct my festival show. He’s got a great knowledge of different styles and some easy ways to tighten up your jokes. Highly recommend for his honest and thoughtful feedback.”
- Lizzy Hoo, comedian
“I’ve been doing stand-up on and off for several years, never fully committing because I always struggled to find my voice (and also maybe because of my debilitating fear of commitment). After just a few coaching sessions with Marcel, I’m more inspired, sure of myself, and have finally figured out what I want to say and who I want to be on stage, which I may never have achieved without him.”
“Marcel is a great comedy writer and he helped me enormously in polishing a brand new bit I’ve been working on. He is very patient and ensured that I didn’t lose confidence trying something new. ”
“What a gem of a session! I’ve just MC’ed my first gig since my workshop with Marcel. Oh my, what a difference! I’m more comfortable on stage, with my material, and am actually just having fun with performing again (which is a thing you can have)! ”
“Marcel helped me sharpen my set and improve my act ahead of a big performance – all on very short notice. His gentle critique was never without explanation and for an inquisitive and detail oriented person like me, the technical detail and skill he imparted was invaluable. His formal teaching background and comedic talent are what I think make him such a great coach.”
“It was suggested I have a session with Marcel and I’m so glad I did! He was incredible at pushing my ideas to a funnier place, while still using my own voice. I really appreciated being able to work with someone who could find what I didn’t even know I had hiding within. No matter what your comedic flavour, I highly recommend Marcel to take your set to the next level. ”
“Marcel is who you want to work with. Hands down. He removes the ego from the writing process and helps you find the joy in it, reminding you of the very reason you do it. Marcel is an incredible listener and caters to your specific needs, helping you find gold where you thought there was none. DO IT.”
“Cannot recommend Marcel highly enough, he helped me get out of the lockdown writing slump by asking the right questions and providing a great sounding board. With Marcel’s help I wrote a whole new 20 minute set. He focused a lot on authenticity and assisted me to bring more truth to my comedy which in turn made it easier and more enjoyable to perform, so for that I will be eternally grateful!”
“He pushes me to explore ideas I would never have thought twice about and as a result, it has helped me come up with some of my best material. I can’t wait to continue my mentorship with Marcel throughout my stand-up career and would recommend him to anyone and everyone (whether they do stand-up or not). He also doubles as an excellent unlicensed therapist, which is much needed for anyone in the comedy scene.”
“He’s a very nice man, great comedian, exudes positivity with charisma coming out of the wazoo.”