We celebrate and expand upon Emerson’s reputation as a world-class leader in comedy. 

Through innovative curricula, resources, and outreach, Emerson College’s Center for Comedic Arts fosters an academic “comedy community” that welcomes students, alumni, and working professionals alike. A global creative hub, the Center explores the role and relevance of comedy in society through research, academic study, experiential learning, professional development, and scholarship—and ultimately supports the next generation of comedy makers and scholars.

Each year, the Center hosts a variety of events for aspiring comedic artists and scholars, including lectures, panels, and master classes. Additionally, the Center publicly recognizes budding comedic talent through several established comedic arts awards, bestowed annually.

The Center resides both at Emerson’s Boston campus and at Emerson Los Angeles and operates in partnership with Emerson’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Comedic Arts, the first degree of its kind in the country. The BFA in Comedic Arts has been featured in over 430 media outlets, including the Boston Globe and the New York Times.

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.