Sophia was part of the "Class Clowns" program run by the festival, which begins with a professional development workshop before contestants perform in live competition - in which the 16-year-old won her Wollongong heat and subsequently the NSW final.

"The overarching idea [for my stand-up routine] was about school and the different characters at school because I wanted to make it relatable to people," she said.

"The routine was about all real things that have happened to me... and funny things that have happened at school."

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Poking fun at overused schoolyard phrases like "OMG", "stunning" and "babe" were obviously a winner with judges at the competition, with Sophia heading to the grand final in Melbourne next Wednesday.

Although the young comedian has been involved in theatre and drama since primary school, her mother Beatrix Berey said it was still a shock she took home the golden microphone trophy in Monday night's final in Parramatta.

"Absolutely surprised," Ms Berey told the Mercury.

"When you know your own child you're used to what she's doing you don't know how to compare ... she has tremendous confidence."

Ms Berey - Sophia's number one fan, according to her daughter - said she believed her daughter's "stage presence and confidence" shone above other contestants.

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The teenager discovered a love for comedy when she began attending Smith's Hill High School and started participating in "theatresports" competitions - which are improvised skits performed in the style of television's Thank God You're Here.

Sophia said she had a love for performing and loved watching comedy shows, so when she heard about the competition for 14 to 18-year-olds to try their hand at stand-up she joined up.

"I only picked up stand-up when I saw this competition and watched a couple of videos online, but I'm a big fan of comedy shows," she said, noting her favourite comedians were Kitty Flanagan, Nazeem, and Joel Creasey.

Her teachers have been very supportive, Sophia said, and have given her time in class to present her stand-up routine to her peers to get that all important feedback.