The host can make or break an event. Whether it’s a comedy night, charity gala, wedding, conference, or live music evening, the way you engage, connect, and guide the audience shapes the entire experience.
In this course, you’ll work with an industry professional to master the skills that transform a host into the heart of an event. You’ll learn how to set the tone, build rapport, and keep audiences engaged from start to finish, while giving acts and speakers the perfect platform to shine.
You’ll leave with a toolkit of techniques you can apply to any occasion, from professional presentations to personal celebrations, and the confidence to take control of any stage.
You’ll learn skills that can be applied at any event from a business or academic conference to an open mic music night or even a wedding.
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Set the tone for any event, matching your hosting style to the audience and occasion.
- Engage and connect with the crowd, building trust and energy.
- Master spontaneous humour to keep things flowing naturally.
- Banter confidently with the audience while staying respectful and inclusive.
- Work seamlessly with performers and speakers to ensure smooth transitions.
- Adapt on the spot when the unexpected happens.
- Apply transferable hosting skills to conferences, weddings, comedy nights, and more.
Benefits of taking this course
Hosting is more than reading names off a list, it’s about creating moments that people remember. You’ll build transferable skills that will improve your confidence in all areas of life, from business meetings to social events, while learning the techniques that professional MCs use to keep an audience hanging on every word.
- Own the Stage: Build stage presence and confidence to command any room.
- Engage & Connect: Learn how to create an instant rapport with your audience.
- Think on Your Feet: Master the art of quick, confident, and spontaneous interaction.
- Professional Skills: Develop techniques used by top MCs and event presenters.
- Versatility: Apply your hosting skills to any setting – from formal corporate events to lively parties.
- Career & Personal Growth: Enhance your communication skills for both performance and everyday life.
Command the Room
Project confidence and authority from the moment you step on stage.
Make Instant Connections
Build trust and warmth with any audience.
Stay Quick & Witty
Develop the ability to react naturally and keep the energy high.
Master Your Craft
Learn the insider techniques that make a professional MC stand out.
Versatile Skills
Use your hosting abilities in business, social, and creative contexts.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Nov 2025 | Sat | 10:30-17:00 | 1 day | Kate Smurthwaite | City Academy, Farringdon | £129.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
MEET KATE
Your tutor, Kate Smurthwaite, worked as the resident MC at Soho Comedy Club for over a decade and has a reputation as one of the most respected MCs on the comedy circuit.
She is a professional comedian who has taken ten solo shows to the Edinburgh Fringe and toured at venues around the country. In 2013 she won a Three Weeks Editor’s Choice Award and was lauded as one of the ten best things about the Edinburgh festival.
Useful information
Not at all, this course is open to complete beginners and to those with some stage experience who want to improve their skills.
Yes, the day includes plenty of practical exercises and live run-throughs with constructive feedback.
Absolutely, the skills you’ll learn can be applied to conferences, networking events, product launches, and more.
That’s exactly why we’re here – the course is designed to help you conquer stage nerves in a supportive environment.
Many of our students also explore our other communication and performance courses:
Public Speaking – Build confidence, clarity, and authority when addressing any audience.
Presence and Impact – Develop gravitas and influence to make a lasting impression.
Storytelling – Harness the power of narrative to inspire, persuade, and engage.
Other students have also been interested in
Many of our learners go on to explore related courses that build on their skills, expand their creative toolkit, and open up new performance opportunities.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Nov 2025 | Sat | 10:30-17:00 | 1 day | Kate Smurthwaite | City Academy, Farringdon | £129.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Nov 2025 | Sat | 10:30-17:00 | 1 day | Kate Smurthwaite | City Academy, Farringdon | £129.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
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