Through innovative curricula, resources, and outreach, the Center 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 BFA in Comedic Arts, the first degree of its kind in the country. The Comedic Arts BFA has been featured in over 430 media outlets, including The Boston Globe and The New York Times.

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The Degree

Emerson’s BFA degree in Comedic Arts is the first of its kind in the country. It integrates writing, performance and production with new 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 departments of Visual and Media Arts, Performing Arts, Writing, Literature & Publishing, and the Institute for the Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Studies.

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.

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Program Highlights