Project Overview
Comedy has always held an important place in the history of American entertainment. The greatest actors of the American stage in the 19th century had to be equally adept at playing tragic and comic roles. The comedians of the vaudeville era added the humor and experiences of a growing immigrant population to the American melting pot. The subjects of the early motion pictures that first appeared in dime store museums and nickelodeons were frequently humorous, and the screwball comedies produced by the Hollywood studio systems in the 1930’s and 40’s became nationwide hits.
The distribution network made possible by the advent of radio and television would eventually turn every American living room into a theatre, creating an unprecedented market for comedy writers and performers, who were encouraged to experiment in creating innovative programming. Today, television sitcoms regularly top the Nielsen ratings, motion picture comedies achieve blockbuster status, and the signature jokes of our top stand-up comics regularly enter the lexicon of American popular culture.
As such, the study of American comedy writing and performance can provide valuable insight into the development of popular entertainment in America, as well as the impact that comedic art forms have had on American culture and society. To facilitate thief study of comedy, the American Comedy Archives seeks to acquire, preserve and made available primary source material that documents the professional activities of the ground breaking individuals who wrote, produced or performed comedic material for radio, television, motion pictures or live performance.
Emerson College is uniquely qualified to house the Archives. Established in 1880 as a school of oratory, its programs have expanded over the years to include the study of drama and theater, film, radio and television broadcasting, journalism, marketing communication, writing and publishing.
As producers, writers and performers, many Emerson alumni are comedy trailblazers. They include, among many others, Norman Lear (All in the Family), Bill Dana (The Bill Dana Show), Vin Di Bona (America’s Funniest Home Videos) Max Mutchnick (Will & Grace), Kevin Bright (Friends), Doug Herzog (Comedy Central), Jay Leno (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) and comedians Eddie Brill, Denis Leary, Steven Wright, Anthony Clark and Mario Cantone.
Working with prominent alumni in the entertainment industry, the Archives will identify and solicit participants to sit for oral history interviews. We will also work to acquire their papers and memorabilia through donation for tax benefit or, where appropriate, though purchase.
