The young comedian first dabbled in stand-up comedy in 2013, and now works professionally.

The lively 23-year-old, who now lives in Newcastle, started a unique venture back in February – offering to take his comedy to his audience.

Performing gigs in lounge rooms, garages, back yards, or whatever works for his audience.

Mr Johnsen says Ethan will undertake a mentorship with leading Australian comedy producer Karl Chandler.

Along with this consultations with arts business advisors, and a period of creative skills development culminating in the performance of a self-produced one man show at the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and an eight-day regional NSW tour.

Fifteen young artists from across regional NSW have been awarded $10,000 scholarships under the Young Regional Artist Scholarships program.

A total of 25 $10,000 scholarships will be provided each year over four years. 

The program is aimed at fostering the next generation of arts professionals based in regional areas.

It helps young regional artists aged between 18 and 25 develop their careers and connect with arts organisations and training opportunities.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin says regional NSW has a fantastic array of young artistic talent and the Government to have created these scholarships specifically for regional youth to develop their careers.

“The successful recipients demonstrated the innovative and vibrant artistic talent of young people in regional NSW, and their activities will inject new skills back into the regions,” he said.

“This really does show the breadth of talent and creativity on offer here in our Upper Hunter Electorate and I am proud that such passionate young people are now being enabled to follow their dreams and passions,” Mr Johnsen concluded.