Program Recognition
•Part of The Theatre School at DePaul — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory, founded 1925
•One of few BFA programs in the country dedicated entirely to comedy performance and creation
•Located in Chicago — home to The Second City, iO Theater, and one of the richest comedy ecosystems in the world
Training
•Students perform, direct, and create comedic content — testing material in front of live audiences and revising based on response
•Coursework includes Advanced Sketch Comedy, Comedy Writing for Late Night, Stand Up Comedy, Improvisation, Voice and Speech for Comedy, and Writing the Sitcom
•Faculty are working comedians — professional standups, improvisers, sketch artists, artistic directors, and consultants
Performance & Productions
•Students perform original comedy in front of live Chicago audiences throughout the program
•Access to Chicago's professional comedy venues including iO, Zanies, Laugh Factory, and The Second City for coursework and performances
Notable Alumni
•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 •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
•Career paths include comedy performer, comedy writer, director, and filmmaker
•Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree option available
