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Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Comedy Writing and Performance

Performance Track

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Training

Complete the BFA comedy core plus a 12-credit performance track

Advanced work includes physical and vocal training, stage combat, on-camera performance, and comedic performance

Comedy cross-training connects writing, improvisation, acting, and ensemble creation

Professional Development

Complete a significant capstone such as the Second City semester, a professional portfolio, or a specialized independent project

Build performance material across live, recorded, and devised comedy formats

Location

Train in Chicago, a major center for improvisation, sketch, and live comedy

School Info

Snapshot

3.52

Avg GPA (W)

89%

Admit Rate

school-wide

52%

Grad Rate

5.4K

Enrollment

$42K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$37,390

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$66,290

Before aid

Average Net Price

$26,598

After aid

2026 27 Undergradnew · colum.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 26, 3:10 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Complete the BFA comedy core plus a 12-credit performance track

Advanced work includes physical and vocal training, stage combat, on-camera performance, and comedic performance

Comedy cross-training connects writing, improvisation, acting, and ensemble creation

Professional Development

Complete a significant capstone such as the Second City semester, a professional portfolio, or a specialized independent project

Build performance material across live, recorded, and devised comedy formats

Location

Train in Chicago, a major center for improvisation, sketch, and live comedy

Program Highlights

Training

Complete the BFA comedy core plus a 12-credit performance track

Advanced work includes physical and vocal training, stage combat, on-camera performance, and comedic performance

Comedy cross-training connects writing, improvisation, acting, and ensemble creation

Professional Development

Complete a significant capstone such as the Second City semester, a professional portfolio, or a specialized independent project

Build performance material across live, recorded, and devised comedy formats

Location

Train in Chicago, a major center for improvisation, sketch, and live comedy

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Opens

Common Application opens for Fall 2027Aug 1, 2026

Fall 2027 Columbia application opensSep 8, 2026

Deadline

Priority application deadline (priority admission and scholarship review)Nov 1, 2026

Final university application deadline — university app required before your prescreen deadline (Columbia Connect portfolio upload opens only after you apply)Dec 1, 2026

Timeline · colum.edu Portfolio And Audition Requirements · colum.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Deadline

Final prescreen/portfolio and college application deadline (11:59 p.m. CST)Dec 1, 2026

Portfolio And Audition Requirements · colum.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

Comedic Work Sample (Pick One)

A 2-minute video performing a comedic monologue written by someone else

A 2-minute video performing original comedy (stand-up, character monologue, or personal comedic story)

If improvising or performing with someone else, identify yourself

400-600 words of original comedic writing (sketch, essay, or story)

Wild Card Video (2-3 Min)

Can be anything you want to share — does not have to be funny

What makes you unique? What do the other materials not convey?

Feel free to experiment and be creative

Additional Materials

Resume

Submit a theatrical resume or one-page document discussing your experience and interest in comedy writing/performance

Headshot

Submit a full-color headshot or current full-color photo of your face

Written Essay

Submit a 300-500 word double-spaced essay responding to one published prompt; choose either the specific version of hell prompt or the undercover spy impersonation prompt

Portfolio And Audition Requirements · colum.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Additional Materials

Live Audition

Selected applicants are invited to a virtual or on-campus audition

Additional instructions are shared only after prescreen selection

Portfolio And Audition Requirements · colum.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit the college application before uploading portfolio/audition materials

Common App users should allow 24 hours after submitting Common App before Columbia Connect access is activated

Important Notes

Fall 2026 applications are closed

Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 applications open September 8, 2026

Current 2027 portfolio and audition guidelines are published on Columbia's official requirements page

Priority application deadline: November 1, 2026

Final deadline for this program: December 1, 2026; applications are not accepted after this date

BFA and BMus programs are available only to fall applicants

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit all materials by the published BFA deadline

Selected applicants are invited to continue after prescreen review

Videos should start with your name and the piece title, plus the author when applicable

Voice, creativity, and effort matter more than polish or production value

Audition Expectations

Selected applicants are invited to a virtual or on-campus audition

Audition details are provided after prescreen selection

Scholarship Info

Faculty Recognition Award

Columbia College Chicago's talent-based scholarship program for new, incoming students

Awards range from $500 to full-tuition

Up to five full-tuition awards available annually

Renewable each year up to 120 credit hours or four years (requires full-time enrollment, 2.0 GPA, 67% completion rate)

Applied toward tuition only

School Info

Snapshot

3.52

Avg GPA (W)

89%

Admit Rate

school-wide

52%

Grad Rate

5.4K

Enrollment

$42K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$37,390

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$66,290

Before aid

Average Net Price

$26,598

After aid

2026 27 Undergradnew · colum.edu College Scorecard

Training

Complete the BFA comedy core plus a 12-credit performance track

Advanced work includes physical and vocal training, stage combat, on-camera performance, and comedic performance

Comedy cross-training connects writing, improvisation, acting, and ensemble creation

Professional Development

Complete a significant capstone such as the Second City semester, a professional portfolio, or a specialized independent project

Build performance material across live, recorded, and devised comedy formats

Location

Train in Chicago, a major center for improvisation, sketch, and live comedy

Updated Aug 26, 3:10 PM