We are looking for 10 amazing women to take on a very special Comedy Challenge to raise vital funds for The Glitter Project. We are challenging you to perform a five-minute stand up comedy routine at Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, in August.
You may have dabbled in a bit of comedy, or already be a seasoned public speaker, but this is a rare opportunity to work with some of our most trusted funny women collaborators and comedians, showcase your performance skills and raise money for an amazing initiative.
The funds we raise from The Glitter Challenge will go towards giving women from all walks of life access to incredible creative opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment.
THE GLITTER CHALLENGE SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 17th MAY 10.00AM-5.00PM: CHALLENGERS COMEDY BOOTCAMP – DAY
Exclusively for our Glitter Challengers to explore creative ideas, kickstart the comedy process and meet your mentors. Full day at Groucho Club London.
There will be an option of a second CHALLENGERS COMEDY BOOTCAMP on a weekday evening. Venue and date tbc.
SATURDAY 14TH JUNE 11.00AM-1.00PM: WRITING & PRODUCING COMEDY
Facilitated by television producer, Anna Coane. Optional. Groucho Club London.
Booking page This event is included in Challenge package.
SUNDAY 29TH JUNE – 5.30-6.30PM: EDINBURGH PREVIEW
A ‘work in progress’ (WIP) show and your first opportunity to perform along with your fellow Challengers and get constructive feedback. Museum of Comedy, London.
JUNE/JULY: Introductions to perform at other comedy gigs for practice purposes during June and July.
WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST 2.30-3.30PM: LIVE PERFORMANCE AT EDINBURGH FRINGE
Funny Women Glitter Challenge Comedy Showcase at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe at the Assembly Rooms, one of the festival’s most iconic venues.
ONGOING SUPPORT IS PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAMME
You will be assigned a personal comedy mentor (professional comedian) who will help you create and develop your set throughout the training period until the main performance in Edinburgh on 20th August.
Price £2,500 plus VAT – payment terms upon application.
For booking details contact info@funnywomen.com and put ‘I’m up for the Challenge’ in the header.
This price includes two workshops, day and evening bootcamps, comedy coaching and mentoring, expert facilitators, venue hire, promotion and our top notch production skills so that you look fabulous!
Transport and accommodation for Edinburgh are not included.
All profits after costs will go towards funding the next stage of The Glitter Project. Funny Women CIC is a non-profit organisation. You may wish to raise money for a personal cause on the back of your performance after our costs are covered.
OUR INSPIRATION
Jo Fletcher-Cross is one of Funny Women’s non-executive directors and a comedian, who was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in summer 2022 on the eve of her first full run at the Edinburgh Fringe. We created The Glitter Project as an enduring legacy with Jo to encourage those who’ve already established a glittering comedy career or have an interest in exploring humour and entertainment to share and explore creative possibilities. After all, everybody deserves a ‘bit of glitter’ in their lives.
“I’m so fortunate to have worked alongside some incredible funny women throughout my career, in many different capacities,” says Jo. “All I have ever wanted to do is find joy, laughter and a bit of sparkle along the way in life and I’m so thrilled that The Glitter Project is helping fabulous funny women with the tools, bravery and knowledge to keep the laughter going for many years to come.”
Over two years on from her original diagnosis Jo is still inspiring us. I spoke to Jo about what the Project means to her here and you can read her article about the importance of ‘paying it forward with a bit of glitter’ here.
THE GLITTER PROJECT – A SAFE PLACE
We launched The Glitter Project – A Safe Place last year to provide safe, inclusive and accessible places for women to explore their creativity, develop self-confidence and be inspired through comedy. Up until now this has largely been funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the BBC Comedy Fund, some sponsorship from Russells Solicitors and donations, for which we are very thankful. Now the money is rapidly running out and we are fundraising to keep the existing locations going and expand to more locations.
