Center for Comedic Arts at Emerson College

11/06/2025

On Tuesday, ELA Conservatory students were invited by Howie Mandel to stop by his studio for a tour, a talk, and some fun. Howie previously visited ELA Conservatory students campus last November!

04/17/2025

LOOKING BACK ON COMEX!

In just ten weeks, students from across Emerson’s comedy community came together to create ComEx! 2025—a two-day festival that brought more than 50 students to the stage and behind the scenes. This year’s lineup featured four signature events: Emerson Mainstage Improv, Rising Stars of Stand-Up, Comics of Color, and the 22nd Annual Jess Ilias Clavelli Comedy Award.

A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s festival happen!

Photography Credit: Miles Kron

04/06/2025

From ComEx! Executive Producer Christopher Griswold-Jenkins:

"Remember you got to see this. Remember this happened, and you got to be here," I told myself as I watched Tam Silverman perform—instantly winning the hearts of the audience at the 22nd Annual Clavelli Award Show at Emerson College.

It felt like watching a movie superhero fully come into their power and release it into the world. Tam’s gift is joy, astonishment, and comedy.

Everyone in the room felt his presence in those five euphoric minutes.

I got to watch the audience’s digital votes roll in, live. I got to be in the room where the judges' top pick was unanimous. I got to deliver the trophy.

I'll never forget being there when Tam's talent, discipline, and joy claimed the Clavelli Award.

Tam Silverman is dynamite.

03/20/2025

Join us for ComEx! 2025, the annual comedy festival celebrating Emerson’s funniest and most talented performers. With four incredible shows spanning stand-up, improv, and more, it’s a weekend you don’t want to miss!
The Lineup
🎭 7 pm Friday, April 4—Emerson Mainstage Improv – A movie improvised live on stage that you won’t believe is unscripted.
🎤 9 pm Friday, April 4—Emerson’s Rising Stars of Standup – Emerson’s sharpest comedians take the stage with their freshest material.
🌟 6:30 pm Friday, April 5—Comics of Color Showcase – Featuring Emerson’s incredible comedy troupe with sketch, improv, and more.
🏆 8:30 pm Friday, April 5—The 22nd Annual Jess Ilias Clavelli Comedy Competition – A showcase of solo comedy performers battling for the ultimate comedy prize.

02/26/2025

02/12/2025

Join Doug Herzog ’81 for the eighth interview in the All Joking Aside series, featuring actor Abbi Jacobson.

Designed for the Emerson student community, this conversation will explore Abbi’s experience as a writer, actor and producer, her overall professional journey, and her advice for anyone looking to make a career for themselves in acting or the entertainment industry in general.

Abbi Jacobson is an acclaimed writer, director, producer, and actor. She served as the co-creator and co-star of the hit television series “Broad City,” as well as the critically acclaimed series, “A League of Their Own” which earned recognition from GLAAD for Outstanding New TV Series as well as the 2023 National Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign, honoring LGBTQ+ leaders and entities that exemplify living openly and authentically. She is a New York Times Bestselling author of the collection of personal essays, “I Might Regret This,” as well as her illustrated book, “Carry This Book” Abbi voices the character “Bean” in Netflix’s animated series “Disenchantment” and “Katie Mitchell’’ in the Oscar-nominated Netflix animated film, “THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES.” Most recently, she can be seen playing “Leslie Fischer” opposite Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano in the Netflix series, “No Good Deed.”

To sign up for the event, please fill out the Google Form found in our bio. Please also fill out the form if you wish to attend our livestream event in Boston!

Live Event at Emerson LA
Date: Tuesday, February 25th
Location: Emerson LA (6PM PST)

Livestream Event on Boston Campus
Date: Tuesday, February 25th
Location: Tufte 1114 (8:30 EST)

11/20/2024

Wishing beloved Emerson alum Jay Leno (`73) a smooth and speedy recovery after his recent accident.

Your resilience and dedication are inspiring, and we can’t wait to see you back doing what you love. Stay strong! 💜

11/13/2024

Join Doug Herzog ’81, LHD ’08 for an interview with Brian Jordan Alvarez, creator, showrunner and star of FX/Hulu’s acclaimed comedy series English Teacher.

This conversation will explore Brian’s experience in the industry, overall professional journey, and his advice for careers in the entertainment industry.

The first season of English Teacher debuted in Hulu’s Top 10 and quickly became one of FX’s most popular shows of the year, earning rave reviews from critics.

-ELA: Live in the Bordy Theater
-Streamed: via Zoom
-Boston Campus: Viewing party - 8pm, Tufte 1114!

10/31/2024

Director of the Center for Comedic Arts Martie Cook discused the comedic talents of actress and comedian Terri Garr, who died this week, on NPR

Garr's breakout role was as sexy Inga in Young Frankenstein. She earned an Oscar nomination for her role in the 1982 film Tootsie, and played Phoebe's mom on the sitcom Friends.

10/29/2024

With deep sadness, we mourn the passing of Teri Garr, a comedy icon whose talent and warmth left a lasting impact on film and television. Known for her impeccable timing, Garr brought unforgettable humor and humanity to her roles across a career that spanned decades.

Garr’s breakout role as the sweetly quirky Inga in Young Frankenstein became legendary, with her charm and commitment cementing the character in comedy history. She shone again as Sandra in Tootsie, expertly balancing humor and vulnerability alongside Dustin Hoffman, and earned an Oscar nomination for her work. In Close Encounters of the Third Kind, she shifted to drama, adding depth and complexity to her role as Ronnie, the wife of Richard Dreyfuss’ character. Each of her roles showcased Garr’s range, her ability to capture raw emotion, and her subtle, skillful comedy.

Her talents extended into television with regular appearances on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Saturday Night Live, where her skits demonstrated an effortless blend of comedic and dramatic timing.

Beyond her work on screen, Garr used her platform to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis after her own diagnosis, advocating for others with resilience and strength. Her openness about her journey inspired countless fans facing similar challenges.

Teri Garr will be remembered for her humor, generosity, and the unforgettable characters she brought to life. Her legacy in comedy is one of authenticity, laughter, and deep compassion. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and fans worldwide.