A CHARLES Sturt University student and stand up comedian is excited about making her television debut this month.
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Nina Oyama, who has just started studying a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Theatre Media, has been selected to appear on SBS 2’s new comedy series Stand up @ Bella Union.
Miss Oyama said she was chosen for the 10-part series, which was filmed over five nights at the Melbourne comedy venue, the Bella Union, last October.
“It was definitely not something I was expecting,” she said. “It was just so awesome to be picked and I felt so privileged to be a part of it, especially because I am so young.”
Miss Oyama said it was surreal to be among the 35 comedians who took to the stage over the five nights.
“I was allocated a 10-minute set, but it will probably be cut down to five minutes for the TV show,” she said.
“I was terrified when I got on stage. I forgot a few things.
“But they sent me a copy of it afterwards and it looked fine.
“They are even using a few of my jokes in the promos for the show, which is great.”
Other comedians involved in the show include Dan Ilic from Can of Worms and Hungry Beast, host of Triple J Breakfast Matt Okine and Melbourne International Comedy Festival favourite Geraldine Hickey.
“It was really good to meet all these comedians from all across the country,” she said.
Miss Oyama said she has been doing stand up comedy since she was 17 years old.
While she was completing year 12 in 2012, she was named the Class Clowns MICF State Finalist and produced an ensemble show for the Sydney Fringe called Barely Legal – Australia’s best Young Comedians which was a showcase of five comics, all under 18-years-old.
Last year, she took a gap year during which she focused on her writing and stand up comedy.
She worked as a radio producer for 2SER’s 107.3 flagship arts and culture show and wrote for You’re Skitting Me on ABC3, Dan Ilic’s political podcast A Rational Fear and The Dan Show on Mornings on Channel 9.
“I love being able to make people laugh and control it,” Miss Oyama said.
“I just love entertaining.”
During Orientation Week at CSU, Miss Oyama performed a stand up comedy set for her peers at the university bar.
“I was freaking out, I didn’t want to bomb and then have to go to class with all these people,” she said.
“It was great, though, because I came to university and I didn’t know anyone in the first few days.
“After I did the stand up I’ve had lots of people come up and talk to me.”
She said she hoped to get a stand up comedy club going during her time at the university.
“I have friends who used to come and were involved in Comics Out West, so I’d love to revamp that.”
The series begins on Sunday, March 9 at 9pm and Ms Oyama will be featured in the episode which airs on March 16.