Non-binary, female performers given government cash boost for Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The Andrews government is giving out cash to a handful of female and non-binary performers to help them take the stage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Rose Bishop (middle) is performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Six female and non-binary performers will receive a helping hand from the state government as they take to the stage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The performers have each received $5000 as part of the Stand Up! program in a bid to improve equality in the comedy industry.

The recipients include Daisy Webb, Grace Jarvis, Hannah Camilleri, Rose Bishop, Sashi Perera and Scout Boxall, who will all receive professional development and support to mount their festival shows.

Scout Boxall is performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Picture: Supplied

Webb’s festival set will explore coming out as a transgender woman in the midst of a global pandemic, while Jarvis’ show is an “anthology of all the things done to try and make friends”.

The Stand Up! program was inspired by the talent and promise of young comedian Eurydice Dixon, who was murdered while she was walking home through Princes Park in June 2018.

Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the program, which is delivered in partnership with the festival, supports talented young women and non-binary performers to “take the next big step in their comedy careers”.

Hannah Camilleri is performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Picture: Supplied

“Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the most important platforms for comedians to grow audiences and hone their craft, with this initiative acting as a global springboard for Victoria’s emerging talent,” he said.

Festival director Susan Provan said the recipients represent the “clever generation of performers emerging from Victoria’s dynamic comedy scene”.

“These voices will be making noise and gathering fans in the coming years and we can’t wait to celebrate their successes,” she said.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will run from March 29 to April 23.