Comedy Arts

First-year students will dive into a vibrant comedic curriculum crafted to sharpen their skills and ignite their creativity.  Here is an overview of the key components:

Performance Workshop:  This weekly workshop serves as a platform for students to showcase their comedic talents across various genres.  It encourages experimentation and growth.

Script Analysis and Introduction to Sketch Writing:  Through these courses students will refine their comedic writing abilities.  They'll have the opportunity to craft sketches and receive valuable feedback to enhance their comedic voice.

MessFest:  Taking place over a week at a prominent Chicago venue, MessFest offers abundant opportunities for students to perform and pitch show ideas.  It's a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.  It's a blast, seriously.

Riots of Spring Festival:  Students will have the chance to pitch, produce, and perform in the annual Riots of Spring Festival, a highlight of the Wrights of Spring Festival.

Studio 408:  Exceptional acts may be considered for a featured show in Studio 408, a prestigious opportunity to showcase their work.

Theatre Studies:  Collaborate with other theatre studies students, diving into the vibrant world of theatrical production and literature.  From script analysis to thrilling performances, this immersive experience promises to ignite passion and deepen understanding of all aspects of theatre in community.

Experiential Learning:  BFA Comedy Arts students will tackle three crew assignments for our public season, adding hands-on experience.  Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of theatre!

In the second year, students have access to all the performance and producing opportunities the program has to offer, continue their education in writing and performing comedy for the stage and study the history of comedy.  Additionally, students will...

-combine traditional acting technique with comedy in Physical and Vocal Techniques for Comedy and Comedy Styles.
-learn more specialized foundations of comedy in Introduction to Improv and Comedy Scene Study.
-take courses in teaching artistry or with the School of Cinematic Arts.
-produce and perform in multiple shows a quarter in Studio 408.
-apply for positions on the executive board for MessFest and participate in the behind-the-scenes operations. 

Year three?  Lay the foundation for a comedy career.  Students focus on practical application of their craft in professional contexts by building relationships and working with comedians and comedy institutions.  Student objectives are to...

-deepen their education in their chosen track.  Students take specialized courses in film, teaching artistry, or other areas to support their passion.
-perform at professional comedy venues in Chicago.  Students showcase their work from courses such as Advanced Sketch, Advanced Improv, Comedic Directing, and Stand Up.
-lead.  Students work on multiple Studio 408 shows each quarter and hold executive board positions for MessFest.  

Year four is go time!  Three unique experiences tether students to their studies and their dreams.

1.  Internships:  Based on individual student goals, internship opportunities are available in Chicago and L.A.  Participants in the L.A. Quarter program through DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts, take courses with industry professionals and intern in the Los Angeles entertainment community.

2.  Capstone:  A year-long intensive course, students practice professional show pitches, interview comedy industry professionals, build an applied comedy experience using comedy theory and techniques to solve real-world problems, and assemble a portfolio (yes, a resume and headshot, but also a plan to pay the bills!)

3.  Gradaute Showcase:  Under the guidance of the faculty, graduating comedy arts students prepare a showcase exhibit of their portfolio – which is presented in Chicago for artistic directors, alumni, and other members of the theatre, film, and television industries.