Program Recognition
•Bullet: Part of The Theatre School at DePaul — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory, founded 1925
•Bullet: One of few BFA programs in the country dedicated entirely to comedy performance and creation
•Bullet: Located in Chicago — home to The Second City, iO Theater, and one of the richest comedy ecosystems in the world
Training
•Bullet: Students perform, direct, and create comedic content — testing material in front of live audiences and revising based on response
•Bullet: Coursework includes Advanced Sketch Comedy, Comedy Writing for Late Night, Stand Up Comedy, Improvisation, Voice and Speech for Comedy, and Writing the Sitcom
•Bullet: Faculty are working comedians — professional standups, improvisers, sketch artists, artistic directors, and consultants
Performance & Productions
•Bullet: Students perform original comedy in front of live Chicago audiences throughout the program
•Bullet: Access to Chicago's professional comedy venues including iO, Zanies, Laugh Factory, and The Second City for coursework and performances
Notable Alumni
•Bullet: Paul Dinello — writer, actor, and director; co-created sketch series Exit 57 and Strangers with Candy with Stephen Colbert and Amy Sedaris after training at Second City •Bullet: The Theatre School's broader alumni network includes Judy Greer (13 Going on 30, Arrested Development) and John C. Reilly (Chicago, Step Brothers), reflecting the school's comedy-adjacent training pipeline
Professional Development
•Bullet: Career paths include comedy performer, comedy writer, director, and filmmaker
•Bullet: Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree option available
