The Center for Comedic Arts builds on Emerson’s long history in comedy while helping shape its future.

Working hand in hand with Emerson’s BFA in Comedic Arts, the Center serves as the experiential learning arm of the program, extending the study of comedy beyond the classroom. It brings together students, alumni, faculty, scholars, and working professionals to explore the craft of comedy, its evolving place in the entertainment industry, and its role in society and culture.

The Center creates opportunities for students to learn directly from the people making comedy today through conversations, panels, workshops, master classes, and other special events. Signature programs include All Joking Aside, which brings leading comedy professionals together with students for candid conversations about their work and careers, and the Ready Wit Award in Comedy, which recognizes individuals who use comedy to advance social change.

With programming in Boston and Los Angeles, the Center connects Emerson’s academic programs with the professional comedy community while creating opportunities for the next generation of comedy writers, performers, producers, and scholars.

About the Undergraduate Comedic Arts Major

Emerson’s BFA in Comedic Arts integrates writing, performance, and production with courses that examine comedy from a variety of perspectives. Immersive and hands-on in its approach, this major draws its faculty and courses from Emerson’s School of Film, Television and Media Arts, and departments of Performing Arts; Writing, Literature and Publishing; and the Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts.

In addition to learning and practicing the craft of comedy across arts disciplines, you will explore the historical, cultural, and theoretical dimensions of comedy as a global art form. You will develop your individual comedic voice in a creative, collaborative, and supportive environment.