Comedic Arts (BFA)

Come learn with us. Come laugh with us.

At Emerson, we believe that great comedy stems from a huge bank of knowledge. The BFA in Comedic Arts sustains an intense focus on comedy, while remaining rooted in the liberal arts by exposing you to a wide range of perspectives.

Our BFA in Comedic Arts is the first degree of its kind in the country. You’ll become immersed in a hands-on and multi-faceted exploration of comedy, learning to practice the craft while exploring its historical, cultural, and theoretical dimensions as a global art form.

In addition to your coursework with outstanding faculty, you can:

• Join one of the many Comedy Troupes and Groups, and explore professional learning opportunities through Emerson LA and apply for internships with places like Funny or Die, or the Groundlings Theater & School.
• Take advantage of global opportunities with London: From Shakespeare to Stand-Up or one of the many Emerson Around the World programs. 
• You can also learn about comedy from scholars and professionals by attending events, symposiums, and master classes sponsored by The Center for Comedic Arts. 
• Use the American Comedy Archives to gain access to a treasure trove of primary source material including oral histories from the country’s funniest people, including a broad network of Emerson alumni. 
• See a list of our special guests and read up on the latest news and events connected to Comedic Arts at Emerson.
• Attend our annual Ready Wit in Comedy Award Ceremony, presented to a comedian whose work advances social justice. Our most recent recipient was Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of BoJack Horseman.

Curriculum

Our Comedic Arts curriculum integrates courses in writing, performance, production, and comedic studies to immerse you in a hands-on and multi-faceted exploration of comedy. You will learn to practice the craft of comedy while exploring its historical, cultural, and theoretical dimensions as a global art form. We draw our courses and distinguished faculty from the departments of Visual and Media Arts; Performing Arts; and Writing, Literature and Publishing. After striking a balance between writing, performance, and production in your first two years, you may choose to concentrate your studies in one or more of these arenas beginning in your junior year. The table below outlines the course requirements for a major in Comedic Arts.

Course Requirements

Every Comedic Arts major is required to take the following classes: 32 credits

Every Comedic Arts major is required to take 12 credits (3 classes) of upper-level courses in writing, production, and/or performance. Some of the courses that meet these requirements are:

Every Comedic Arts major is required to take one upper level Studies Course (4 credits). Some of the courses that meet these requirements are:

In addition to the requirements above, students may choose to fulfill some of their required course work at the L.A. or Kasteel Well campuses, complete an internship for credit, or undertake a directed study in comedy.

In addition to the Liberal Arts and major requirements, all students are required to complete at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level from the following liberal art areas: 8 credits 

In addition to the Liberal Arts and major requirements, all students are required to complete at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level from the following liberal art areas: 8 credits